TL;DR: Training for a marathon and the admin job search share similarities in strategy and preparation. Identifying race/job search strategies and updating application materials are important initial steps. Putting in the hard work of training/interview practice is crucial, as is mental preparation for race day/interview day. The culmination is the race/interview, where you have control over certain aspects but not … Read More
Landmines for Instructional Leaders
TL;DR: Instructional leaders must avoid common landmines in their role, such as prioritizing everything as important, lacking clarity in implementation plans, avoiding conflict, focusing solely on data instead of individuals, and dealing with curriculum clutter. To overcome these challenges, instructional leaders should provide clarity and prioritize effectively, embrace healthy conflict for curriculum improvement, balance data-driven decision-making with a focus on … Read More
Mental Health Awareness: 3 Key Ways to Be There for Students
TL;DR: Students need to feel visible and cared for. Say “hi” to each student, by name, every day. Educators who do this will create a small, but tangible and meaningful reminder for students that they are visible and cared for. Cheer students on. As educators, we have a wonderful opportunity to show up, demonstrate our interest in them as people, … Read More
The Gods of Education. Are They Worth It?
TL;DR: Schools, like cathedrals, have gods that they worship, which shape their values, priorities, and practices. The gods of education can be both burdensome and dangerous, demanding sacrifices and affecting the unintended consequences of serving them. Identifying the gods in education allows for a critical examination of their impact and whether they are worth prioritizing, as they are tools that … Read More
STEM and STEAM Are a Part of Your Everyday Life
TL;DR: STEM and STEAM are integral to our everyday life and we encounter many challenges that require these skills. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, while STEAM adds Art or Architecture. A problem with a door latch at home is an example of STEM and STEAM in action, involving science, technology, engineering, art/architecture, and mathematics. We can intentionally … Read More