TL;DR (Too Long;Didn’t Read) Mastery learning doesn’t fail because of teachers. It fails when systems don’t support it.This post explains why mastery learning breaks down when it’s treated as a classroom-level strategy instead of a system-wide commitment. It explores what teachers are really experiencing, the leadership blind spots that undermine mastery, and what schools must design for if mastery learning … Read More
10 Lessons for EDUpreneurs – Learned Over 20+ Years of Entrepreneurship
I’ve been doing this entrepreneurial thing for more than 20 years now. I’ve had a bunch of wins, and a WHOLE LOT of losses. I say “losses” but I’m one of those people who doesn’t really like that word. I’m with the people that say “lessons” instead. As cliche as that might be, it’s true. Every loss has been a … Read More
Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Changes
I know that title sounds harsh, but let me explain. As educators, we face numerous challenges daily. Whether it’s limited time, scarce resources, standardized testing pressures, or varying levels of student engagement, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and fall into the trap of making excuses for why things aren’t going as planned. However, dwelling on these obstacles doesn’t lead to … Read More
Professional Learning Worth Showing Up For
There is a moment I can feel in my body, right after someone says, “We are going to honor your time today,” and right before the 47-slide deck begins. In that instant, I decide whether to brace myself or take a 47-minute bathroom break. More than once, teachers have told me they planned to call out sick on a PD … Read More
3 Things School Leaders Need to STOP Doing.
I’m going to be honest here, because leaders deserve honesty, too. Being a school leader today is no joke. You’re juggling expectations from the district, the community, your staff, and your own desire to make a difference. It’s a high-stakes balancing act, and the pressure is real. But in the pursuit of doing more and being everything to everyone, many … Read More