TL;DR: It is common for educators in newly appointed leadership roles to share more about them than learn about the people they serve. They typically have an “Inward Focus.” As classroom teachers, the beginning of the school year tends to focus on students. They typically have an “Outward Focus.” Educators transitioning from teaching to administration should apply the same leadership … Read More
Teacher Observations and Evaluations This Year
TL;DR: We need to consider how teacher observations and evaluations can look different this year since schools are hybrid or remote. There are benefits to visiting 500 classrooms in one year like building connections and informal observations. The purpose of teacher observations and evaluations is to promote teacher growth. The other day, I had a great conversation with Chris Dodge, … Read More
They Don’t Work For You; You Work For Them
TL;DR: You work for the people you lead. It is your job to find out what motivates them, what inspires them, and what brings them happiness. Leaders need to build trusting relationships with staff to meet their needs. Trusting your staff will give them the opportunity to grow organically. “When you realize you work for your employees and not the … Read More
Why School Administrators Need to Embrace Social Media
TL;DR: Your community is on social media now more than ever. If you’re not utilizing social media to communicate with students, stakeholders, and staff, you’re not using a potentially valuable tool. In the “new world” of COVID-19, people are turning to social media even more. You should be there. There is so much value in simply listening to your community. … Read More
New Leader, New School
TL;DR: The impact school leaders have on the entire school community. Troubling impacts of new leaders and inconsistency in leadership positions. A possible solution to the high turnover and trouble it causes. Each school has a unique culture of teachers and leaders who work to create a relationship of trust. When a leader changes, it can completely disrupt the culture … Read More