TL;DR: Teachers need teachers too! It is important to reflect on who YOUR teacher is and how they have shaped and influenced you. Consider all of the different people in your life who have shaped who you are today. Last month I reflected on how teachers can influence students by making our classrooms a place they want to be. But … Read More
Relationships Matter
TL;DR: When you hold a leadership position, not only do relationships matter, but they are the most important thing. When we are stressed, we lean on those we trust. This is the first post in a new series: Better Coaching. “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything” – George Bernard Shaw. In … Read More
They Don’t Want Your Answers; They Want Your Support
TL;DR: As a school leader, those you serve don’t just want your answers, they want your support. Show your support by being a part of the school, delegating to empower, and celebrating risks. “They” don’t really need you to tell them what to do. “They” don’t even really need your permission. Who is “they”? They are the people you are … Read More
Toxic Positivity at School
TL;DR: Toxic positivity does more harm than good. Having a purely positive mindset is a privilege, and does not reflect everyone’s realities. It is important to be realistic about the situations and emotions that are present. Telling students to see the glass as half full will not wash away their anxieties. Welcome to Teach Beyond! A few weeks ago, I … Read More
Labels Don’t Improve School Districts
TL;DR: Relationships and communication improve school districts. The conversation shouldn’t be what label to give schools; it should be how we can help and support these districts. We must differentiate the process for helping lower-performing schools. Before you continue reading, I want to caution you that my blog this month is not going to make you feel like you are … Read More