TL;DR: Be a better leader through journaling, exercise, accountability partners, and mindful practices. Leaders should ensure reflection is a part of their daily practice to stay at the top of their game. In a world deprived of time to breathe, face-to-face connections, space for people to think deeply, and to make smart, reflective decisions, I have to wonder how we … Read More
Have Time to Say Yes!
TL;DR: Say yes to students by providing them opportunities to explore their interests outside of the classroom. When you say yes to students exploring their interests, you are providing them time to practice and utilize real-world skills. If you came to me with an idea about something you really want to try or do, learn about, or create, the answer … Read More
Certainties During an Uncertain Time
TL;DR: There are a number of certainties during this uncertain time that we can count on. Some certainties we can count on are that we are resilient, communication is key, relationships matter, and partnerships between stakeholders and parents help students thrive. Hybrid instruction. Zoom. Virtual open house. Remote learning. Material distribution. Virtual instruction. Synchronous learning. Asynchronous learning. Hyflex instruction. Google … Read More
Cue the Celebrations! How to Celebrate in Schools Today!
TL;DR: Celebrating is like a skill that gets easier with practice. Start by teaching students why and how we celebrate as a class by keeping a list of celebrations to share publicly each day or privately through a weekly personal journal. Celebrate students by sharing messages via email, communication apps like SeeSaw, Post-it notes, or on desks with dry-erase markers. … Read More
It’s Time to Try Something Better
TL;DR: Now is the time to try something better than what you have done before. Each day, try something better, and over time, you will notice big changes. As I sat in this brilliant student’s IEP meeting, I couldn’t believe what I heard. I had to consciously control my facial expressions. I was shocked and frustrated. Not at the student … Read More