TL;DR: Sometimes school leadership teams wait to get buy-in before completing an action. Waiting for buy-in can cause delays in implementation. Collective commitment means putting the kids first rather than forming an adult-centric school. Waiting for Buy-In When principals or school improvement teams attempt to implement a new program or initiative, it is common to hear the phrase, “We will … Read More
Leading With Questions
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
Dr. PJ Caposey Named Illinois Superintendent of the Year
We are incredibly excited to share that one of our amazing Teach Better Speakers Network Speakers, Dr. PJ Caposey, has been named the 2023 Illinois Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators. PJ is the superintendent of Meridian CUSD #223 in Illinois, and has been a member of the Teach Better Speakers Network since August of 2020. … 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