TL;DR: At every level from K-12, be clear on what readiness means for the next level. Demystify the game of school for students and families by using family-friendly language to explain what a student needs to do to prepare for the next grade level. If your school district has defined readiness for each grade level, then communicate the goal with … Read More
It All Matters
TL;DR: Everyone is facing something, and it matters to each one of them. Think about how you think, act, and treat others because it matters. Focus on what’s most important today because it matters. It All Matters The signs are all around us. A neighbor one street over was in a car crash. A friend of a friend was diagnosed … Read More
The Role of the Perpetrator, Victim, Bystander, and Upstander
TL;DR: Teachers and administrators make multiple decisions each day. These decisions can have a long-lasting impact on a student. When making decisions as an administrator or school team, they should ask three questions about access, inclusion, and equity. There needs to be a sense of urgency to ensure we prepare each learner for the next level. We need to be … Read More
The Road to the Principalship
TL;DR: The road to the principalship involves the following five behaviors and demonstrated leadership skills developed over time with evidence of action: good leaders ask great questions, build relationships, stand out in the crowd, and are risk-takers and collaborative leaders. The words on the resume should match the leader’s actual work in schools. Each spring, assistant principals begin applying for … Read More
What If We Had Engaging Meetings?
TL;DR: It’s important to prioritize our time with staff during meetings to connect, grow, discuss important issues, and allow for collaborative decision-making. Be intentional with how you structure meetings. Flip the staff meeting and share information ahead of time via email, Flipgrid, Smore Newsletters, Padlet, or a Google Document with hyperlinks. Offer an opportunity for teacher voice through the Amplify-Sunset-Create … Read More