TL;DR: Even when you hold a leadership position, you still learn new things every day. Make sure your reasons for asking staff to produce something are clear and be sure to communicate the “why.” Even though I’m the principal, and have been doing this for a long time, doesn’t mean I don’t occasionally learn a lesson! I have a very … Read More
Engage Students with Magic Glasses & Table Dancing
TL;DR: Reimagine your lessons to make them more engaging for students. Some ways to engage students with your lessons include magic glasses and table dancing. Other ways to increase engagement in your lessons include finding ways to infuse movement, friendly competition, student conversations, and sometimes a little whimsy. Bueller? Bueller? Bueller…anyone? Anyone? Are you teaching to an ‘empty’ room? If … Read More
Envisioning a “New Normal”
TL;DR: Blended learning promotes student ownership and helps to address the needs of different styles of learners. A successful example of blended learning at Sangamon Valley Middle School offers the best of both worlds. The shortcomings vs. benefits of blended learning are explored. Envisioning a New Normal: Imagine the Possibilities The pandemic has created a great deal of angst for … Read More
Inspire Serendipity
TL;DR: Serendipity is the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. Four personal stories point out the importance of making students feel liked, happy, empowered, and important. The small acts of love in our day have the power to make a permanent impression. The word serendipity is just plain fun to say. The meaning of the word is … Read More
3 Suggestions to Make Evaluation More Meaningful
TL;DR: Reduce the teacher evaluation pressure by investing in more conversations and more time in classrooms. See tips for how to make a pre-conference more meaningful. Praise heaping, rating justification, and point proving are three conference styles. The best solution is to give 2-3 key goals for improvement. If anything, last year seemed to be EVERYTHING. I like to say … Read More