TL;DR: Blended learning promotes student ownership and helps to address the needs of different styles of learners. A successful example of blended learning at Sangamon Valley Middle School offers the best of both worlds. The shortcomings vs. benefits of blended learning are explored. Envisioning a New Normal: Imagine the Possibilities The pandemic has created a great deal of angst for … Read More
The Art of Reflection
TL;DR: Reflection informs our thinking and supports continuous growth. Reflect on your priorities, core values, personal and professional goals, and determine your next steps. Tools for reflection include journaling, meditating, walking/hiking, art, sticky notes, exercise, blogging, and more. Fifteen weekly reflection questions for educators are shared. When teachers and students transitioned to remote learning, social distancing, and working from home, … Read More
Many Gifts to Discover
TL;DR: When we open our eyes to see atypical things as gifts, we find more to treasure as we grow our capacity to feel joy. Learn to practice mindful moments of deeper gratitude when we begin to discover and see more things as gifts. We can see words as gifts to us. We can give the gift of words by … Read More
Leading During Uncertainty: 3 Strategies for School Teams
TL;DR: Leading during complexity and uncertainty is becoming a norm for those in education. Skinny plans, reflection stems, and scenario planning are three proven strategies for school teams during uncertain times. During a crisis, you discover your own strengths and weaknesses as a leader. Leading during the COVID-19 crisis has been an unprecedented challenge for teachers, administrators, and superintendents. Traditional … Read More
Tag Out
TL;DR: Instead of doing a walkthrough, administrators can do a tag out. This allows the teacher a chance to do a walkthrough in a room of one of their peers. With tag outs, educators get the time to learn from their peers. This provides them an opportunity to learn more than they might if they were being observed by an … Read More