TL;DR: The pandemic caused uncertainties at the beginning of the school year, but leaders must still lead by figuring out a plan to serve and keeping students at the center of our focus. Effective leadership means you communicate regularly, listen attentively, offer empathy and support, and meet people’s needs with flexibility and adaptability. Courageous, strong leadership is necessary to ease … Read More
Reflecting in Times of Uncertainty
TL;DR: As we reach the end of the year, it is time to reflect together, problem-solve together, and try something that makes us uncomfortable. Some questions to facilitate discussion among colleagues include reflecting on professional learning and collaboration, learning targets/instruction, assessment, and social/emotional support. All over social media and throughout schools, we hear phrases right now such as, “Be compassionate,” … Read More
Leaders Are People, Not Positions
TL;DR: Everyone is a leader with or without an official title. Start to see yourself as one, and act on ideas to make it happen. Everyone has the opportunity to be a role model and the power to lead. Don’t wait. Just start and take the first step. When you look at a school, who do you look at as … Read More
5 Things Great Principals Do Differently
TL;DR: Great principals have the opportunity to lead by focusing on five key areas. Build relationships with all stakeholders by being present and investing in others. Communicate regularly by using social media. Be an instructional leader who leads the direction of school growth by supporting teachers and learners as well as uses data to inform the path for continuous improvement. … Read More
It starts with grace, but it doesn’t end there.
Neither judgment nor grace requires knowing the full story. Empathy does. Focus on an empathetic lens, but know that empathy requires taking action. Empathy involves accountability; it involves expectations, but it also involves support, growth, reflection, and requires a relationship. Before you start reading this looking for answers to problems or solutions to struggles, let me be very honest with … Read More