TL;DR: In basketball, sometimes athletes end up fighting for the same ball inadvertently. This can happen in leadership too. To be an effective leader, open your eyes to see that you are playing on the same team. When two leaders continue to struggle for the same ball, consider using the “Cloud Technique” with wants and needs. For success, leaders need … Read More
Intentionally Supporting Your Staff All Year Long
TL;DR: School leaders should be intentional all year when facilitating positive school culture. Supporting your staff all year long means you need to treat each part of the year differently. In the beginning of the year, develop routines, build relationships, and get to know where everyone is academically. The time of the year approaching spring break is a great time … Read More
Caring for Our Minds
TL;DR: Why don’t we talk more about self-care that can occur during the work day? The goal of meditation is not to take a mindful minute each day, but to eventually be able to find mindful moments in every part of the day. Have students use a tool like a T-chart to focus on what I CAN control vs. what … Read More
The Art of Reflection
TL;DR: Reflection informs our thinking and supports continuous growth. Reflect on your priorities, core values, personal and professional goals, and determine your next steps. Tools for reflection include journaling, meditating, walking/hiking, art, sticky notes, exercise, blogging, and more. Fifteen weekly reflection questions for educators are shared. When teachers and students transitioned to remote learning, social distancing, and working from home, … Read More
Three Qualities to Possess as an Educator
TL;DR: Focus on equity over equality: Treat students equitably and give them what they need to be successful by considering inclusion. Maslow before Bloom’s Taxonomy: Know your students and attend to their needs first. Find your own teaching philosophy. Be yourself. Qualities to Possess #1: See your classroom with EQUITY as a focus. Equity vs. Equality—there is no DEBATE! You … Read More