TL;DR: “Grit Growth” empowers learners to focus on their grit while also being cognizant of their growth. The “Grit Growth Progression Journey” is a sequence of events, opportunities, behaviors, and responses that can empower reflective realization that grit enhances growth. Grit and growth impact performance. Grit can be defined as perseverance, courage, bravery, and passion—it can have a positive impact … 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
It starts with grace, but it doesn’t end there.
Neither judgment nor grace requires knowing the full story. Empathy does. Focus on an empathetic lens, but know that empathy requires taking action. Empathy involves accountability; it involves expectations, but it also involves support, growth, reflection, and requires a relationship. Before you start reading this looking for answers to problems or solutions to struggles, let me be very honest with … Read More
It’s Grow Time
TL;DR: Educators are dealing with adversity and challenges like never before. After dealing with trauma, there is an opportunity for educators to grow. This challenging time can lead to positive, long-term changes in education. Our educational journey during this time is compared to the transformation of a seed to a tree. Finish the sentence: post-traumatic ____. Did you say stress … Read More
The Comparison Trap: Changing the Negative to a Positive
TL;DR: Don’t get caught in the comparison trap; there is often a lot behind the scenes that we don’t always see. Use comparison to fuel your classroom, not destroy it. Changing the negatives to positives by comparing only your work, considering the circumstances, and changing only to make improvements. In the age of social media, it’s easier than ever to … Read More