TL;DR Despite the challenges that life presents you, change your perspective to be thankful. Change your perspective and life will follow. Value what life has given you. Realize how precious it is. I am quick to write off the past 15 months as just ridiculous. The pandemic alone has made life challenging and teaching near impossible. So many people I … Read More
Finding Rest During These Times
TL;DR: You are making a difference by simply showing up and doing your best each day. It is okay to take a break. We need to take care of ourselves before we take care of others. When your mind takes a break to decompress, creativity flows better. Prior to the pandemic, I was a person who was always on the … Read More
The Road to the Principalship
TL;DR: The road to the principalship involves the following five behaviors and demonstrated leadership skills developed over time with evidence of action: good leaders ask great questions, build relationships, stand out in the crowd, and are risk-takers and collaborative leaders. The words on the resume should match the leader’s actual work in schools. Each spring, assistant principals begin applying for … Read More
What If We Had Engaging Meetings?
TL;DR: It’s important to prioritize our time with staff during meetings to connect, grow, discuss important issues, and allow for collaborative decision-making. Be intentional with how you structure meetings. Flip the staff meeting and share information ahead of time via email, Flipgrid, Smore Newsletters, Padlet, or a Google Document with hyperlinks. Offer an opportunity for teacher voice through the Amplify-Sunset-Create … Read More
Education Is NOT a Solo Act
TL;DR: Being back together for the 2021-2022 school year has brought great joy but also great stress. Collaborating is the best way to overcome the new obstacles we are facing. Together is better. Education is not a solo act. It never has been, never should be, and especially this school year can’t be. I didn’t think that I could feel … Read More