TL;DR: An administrator who supports teachers is powerful and can boost teachers’ confidence, growth, and excitement toward work. Supportive administrators can make teachers stay in the profession. The Power of Support I started my fourth school at my school this year, and looking back, one thing that made a difference is the power of an administrator who was right there … Read More
Lead Better: Passions and Saturday Dinners
TL;DR: Finding passions and interests can make experiences come alive. When you become interested in something, you are much more likely to get creative and show passion for it. In my home, it was cooking with my boys. What can leaders do to translate this same idea to their schools? Make the Drive Part of the Experience In July, I … Read More
The Role of the Perpetrator, Victim, Bystander, and Upstander
TL;DR: Teachers and administrators make multiple decisions each day. These decisions can have a long-lasting impact on a student. When making decisions as an administrator or school team, they should ask three questions about access, inclusion, and equity. There needs to be a sense of urgency to ensure we prepare each learner for the next level. We need to be … Read More
Outward Focused Leadership
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
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