TL;DR: People with a fixed mindset do not believe qualities can be changed while those with a growth mindset believe qualities can be developed and strengthened through hard work. Having a growth mindset leads to hope and optimism which helps overcome obstacles. A story is shared about a student who was a troubled teen but turned her life around with … Read More
The Time is NOW for the Second Question
TL;DR: The first thing you ask someone is as important as the second. Following up the first question with a second deepens relationships and shifts our attention OUTWARD to serving, supporting, and connecting. I was more than a little intrigued when host Martin Silverman invited me to check out his podcast, “The Second Question.” (Now THAT’s a GREAT title, Martin!) … Read More
5 Shifts For Instructional Leaders
TL;DR: Instructional leaders can support teaching and learning by shifting the emphasis from grades to student understanding. Shift from an emphasis on academic content only to teaching both employability skills and academic content. Shift from assumptions to data analysis, from compliance to contribution, and from individual leadership to multiplying leaders. Instructional leaders are faced with change on a weekly basis. … Read More
Educator Island
TL;DR: There is a commonality to all reality shows: Each episode tries to promote success attached to future outcomes. A new idea for an educator reality show: Educator Island where contestants would increase each others’ collective confidence, self-worth, and strength into a renewed hope to return back to the passion that once fueled their creativity and craft. Challenges should be … Read More
Let’s Talk About Ableist Language
TL;DR Ableism shows up in our language and actions, even at school. It’s important to consider both identity first and people first language. Ableist language factors into our daily interactions with each other and the structures of power around us. What is ableism? People experience disability differently. There are physical, cognitive, and learning disabilities, and mental illnesses, to name a … Read More