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
Inspiring Cultures of Wellness in Schools
TL;DR: Teacher burnout is a systemic problem. We need to reimagine systems where teachers and their wellness are prioritized. Create cultures of wellness at school. Consider forming a wellness committee that includes admin and teachers as well as other staff members. Prioritize Teachers I don’t need to tell you that the problem of teacher burnout is systemic. Through no fault … 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
Kids Do Better When We Give Them Grace
TL;DR: Give people grace because they are often doing their best. Be willing to bend school rules if they give students comfort and don’t hurt anyone. Consider how bending school rules can help students feel more welcome at school. Grace I went through the Dunkin’ drive-through the other day. As the 2 cars in front of me ordered, I kept … Read More
Confronting Our Complaints
TL;DR: Gratitude helps wire our brains to look for the good. Research has shown that, on average, people complain about once a minute during a typical conversation. The more we complain, the more we wire our brains to focus on the negative aspects of our lives. Try to go one full day without complaining. Constant Complaining In this Teach Happier … Read More