TL;DR: The world we live in is VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous). This post shares 5 leadership skills educators need to thrive in a VUCA world. Remember to support one another. Be ready to face the unknown with flexibility. Address the repairable systems. Clarify communication. We live in a VUCA world. VUCA stands for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous. … Read More
Collaborative Planning: 3 Teacher Truths
TL;DR: Research shows that teams who effectively use collaboratively planning models boast a sizable increase in student growth. When planning, put yourself out there and try something new. Take a risk! Elevate the ideas of your teammates and make them feel valued. Your voice has value so use it! Collaborative Planning: 3 Teacher Truths I Learned from the Beatles So, … Read More
Milestones | Garnet Hillman | Engineering Conversations
In Don’t @ Me (2:41), Tom opens this week with some thoughts about reaching milestones as the podcast hits its 50th episode. Then, Tom is joined by friend, colleague, and co-author Garnet Hillman (12:30) for a conversation about assessment and grading. Finally, in Assessment Corner (47:36), Tom focuses on engineering classroom conversations as a way to elicit formative assessment evidence. … Read More
Working Together to Support Each and Every Student
TL;DR: This post shares a reflection on supporting students. Developing staff-to-staff relationships allows colleagues to share information learned about students so it is not a solo responsibility. I had the good fortune to be on the Daily Drop In last week, interviewed by one of the most gracious hosts I have ever encountered—Rae Hughart. She and I clicked. It was … Read More
Education Is NOT a Solo Act
TL;DR: Being back together for the 2021-2022 school year has brought great joy but also great stress. Collaborating is the best way to overcome the new obstacles we are facing. Together is better. Education is not a solo act. It never has been, never should be, and especially this school year can’t be. I didn’t think that I could feel … Read More