TL;DR: As a teacher leader, remember to show teachers how much you value their input and care about them as individuals. Initiate reflection and lead your team more effectively by encouraging innovation, leading with empathy, and allowing your core values to shine through. Defining Teacher Leadership As a literacy coach, I thought my position was about demonstrating how much more … Read More
How to Effectively Lead and Manage Change
TL;DR: School leaders can effectively lead and manage change by communicating why change is necessary. School leaders should involve team members in the change process, and explain and articulate what the change will look like. Leaders put the needs of their people first by providing support and helping them navigate through the process. By not possessing a domineering personality as … Read More
Schools Need an Instructional Leader
TL;DR: While building school culture is important, principals also need to be instructional leaders who analyze data and have a clear vision, goals for learning, and a commitment to these goals. There are 7 questions to ask that will guide your practice as an instructional leader. “A school without clearly defined goals can be likened to a ship without a … Read More
Pandemic Leadership: Leading Through the Eyes of Teachers
TL:DR: Pandemic leadership is a new experience for all leaders; you likely won’t find tips in your bag of experiences. Necessary pandemic leadership qualities include supporting teachers, being transparent and open with teachers, and understanding that self-care is not a sign of weakness. In your best Sophia Petrillo imitation: “Picture it; March 2020…Everywhere… Along came COVID.” (Feel free to sing … Read More
Labels Don’t Improve School Districts
TL;DR: Relationships and communication improve school districts. The conversation shouldn’t be what label to give schools; it should be how we can help and support these districts. We must differentiate the process for helping lower-performing schools. Before you continue reading, I want to caution you that my blog this month is not going to make you feel like you are … Read More