TL;DR: Originating in 2010, Edcamp flips traditional conferences by allowing attendees to choose session topics, fostering engagement and shared learning. Encourage problem-solving, resource-sharing, and collaboration among educators, elevating teacher voice and promoting ownership of learning. Staff propose and vote on topics, fostering engagement and addressing relevant issues. This participant-driven approach fosters trust and respect, crucial for teacher retention and professional … Read More
Why Schools Need Trauma-Informed In-School Suspension
TL;DR: Traditional in-school suspension (ISS) remains ineffective, sharing negative outcomes with out-of-school suspension. It also correlates with a greater than 25% chance of standardized test failure. Trauma-Informed In-School Suspension (ISS) is proposed as a more successful alternative, emphasizing four pillars: safety, transparency, collaboration, and empowerment. This approach, seen in rare “unicorn” ISS programs, offers structured consequences while providing academic and … Read More
How Self-Aware Are YOU?
TL;DR: Self-reflection leads to self-awareness, a crucial foundation for wisdom and effective leadership. It’s a continuous process that requires intentional practice and time. Methods like journaling, meditation, and nature walks are powerful tools for self-reflection, helping to recognize emotions, strengths, weaknesses, biases, and blind spots. Self-awareness leads to self-efficacy, essential for personal and collective growth. Through mastery and vicarious experiences, … Read More
A Growth Mindset Transforms Educational Leadership
TL;DR: Principals are key to shaping school culture and fostering resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement in their teams. Emphasizing learning from challenges boosts educators’ impact on students; strategies include leading by example and celebrating progress. Cultivating a thriving learning community relies on nurturing resilience, improvement, collaboration, and student success. As a school principal, one of your most influential roles is … Read More
The Reluctant Leader: The Case for Intervention
TL;DR: Attempts to use a common WIN period for intervention were overwhelming due to the sheer number of students who needed help. After brainstorming with a colleague and involving administrators, a new initiative for a Math Intervention WIN was proposed and implemented, eventually leading to the creation of full-time Math Interventionist positions to better support struggling students. The Case for … Read More