TL;DR: Having productive debates and conflicts can help teams move beyond the status quo. This can be difficult because, unlike the corporate world, teachers have little time within the day to collaborate. Constructive collaboration is necessary to move teachers forward rather than avoiding conflict because it is easier. Show me which topic or issues cause your school staff to “Circle … Read More
Buy-In vs Collective Commitments
TL;DR: Sometimes school leadership teams wait to get buy-in before completing an action. Waiting for buy-in can cause delays in implementation. Collective commitment means putting the kids first rather than forming an adult-centric school. Waiting for Buy-In When principals or school improvement teams attempt to implement a new program or initiative, it is common to hear the phrase, “We will … Read More
Leading With Questions
TL;DR: Many meetings are not so much a dialogue as a monologue. When you plan a meeting, ask yourself what the purpose is. Lead with questions and know the right questions to ask. Do teachers have a seat at a meeting or a seat and a voice? Moving from Monologues to Dialogues Questions provide the opportunity for dialogue. Unfortunately, many … Read More
Who Owns Your School’s Narrative?
TL;DR: Principals and school staff should search social media on a regular basis to analyze the message(s) students, families, and stakeholders are sharing about the school and its image. Learn how to positively contribute to that narrative by having a plan and including many voices. Communicate enough positive messages on a regular basis so that a negative post won’t ruin … Read More
Moral Imperative: Is Your School Team Clear About What Must Be Done?
TL;DR: School teams work together and set goals for improvement. A school’s moral imperative should be discussed and clarified as a part of school improvement. School teams often discuss test data, learning targets, standards, lesson plans, and school culture. When was the last time your school team discussed its moral imperative or purpose? In the fall of 2021, the total … Read More
