TL;DR: The impact school leaders have on the entire school community. Troubling impacts of new leaders and inconsistency in leadership positions. A possible solution to the high turnover and trouble it causes. Each school has a unique culture of teachers and leaders who work to create a relationship of trust. When a leader changes, it can completely disrupt the culture … Read More
Using Surveys to Get to Know Your Students
TL;DR: Using a survey to get to know students in the first weeks of school. Partnering with parents through the use of a survey. No matter what the beginning of the school year looks like, one thing is certain: we need to make a plan to get to know our students. Getting to know our students in the first weeks … Read More
Grading SAMR Model
TL;DR: Grading is undergoing changes, and many schools or districts need guidance. A comprehensive overview of the grading SAMR model, created by Erik Youngman. Grading should be fair, accurate, meaningful, and clearly communicated. I created the “Grading SAMR Model” to provide a framework for defining indicators within four distinct dimensions. They can be compared, separately or simultaneously, to guide grading … Read More
Shame’s Role in Education
TL;DR: The role of shame in education, as told through a specific student case study. A journey through finding what works for kids. Steps to challenge the role of shame in education. “Shame is the intensely painful feeling that we are unworthy of love and belonging.” -Brene Brown This was a tough week for me. One of my students, we’ll … Read More
Bringing Tough Topics into the Classroom
TL;DR: Bringing tough topics into the classroom is necessary for our students. Strategies for bringing tough topics in your classroom. I want to start by saying this: I am not the expert on tough topics in the classroom. But I have listened to many experts, those voices who have done the work, and found ways to grow myself. I bring … Read More