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
The Uncomfortable Truth About School
TL;DR: Students forget most of what they “learn” in school. Acknowledging this gives us the freedom to focus on powerful learning experiences. Wrestling with the impermanence of some school “learning” challenges our core values as educators. What is Learning, Really? Educational thought leader Will Richardson loves to invite teachers to share their definitions of learning. His observation: most of us … Read More
Rekindle Your Teaching JOY by Prioritizing Problem-Solving
TL;DR: There are strategies to help you accomplish tasks and feel joy. Writing down your to-dos and figuring out what needs to be the focus can help clear your mind. Use tools to help you work through your problems and challenges to find joy. When chaos abounds (and when doesn’t it as an educator?) and things feel like they are … Read More
Cutting Through Generational BS (Belief Systems)
TL;DR: Sometimes we do things because it is all we know rather than what is best or necessary. We all come with different belief systems that influence us. Take time to reflect on belief systems and how they may be impacting you and your school community. There was a mother that was teaching her young daughter the family secret to … Read More
We’re All a Part of the Bigger Picture: Support Each Other
TL;DR: Having meaningful relationships with your coworkers is important. Co-teachers should find time to collaborate and support one another. Build relationships with your department or grade-level teams. Reach out to your administration with any questions or needs. Administrators, check in with your teachers and offer encouragement. We are all in this together and have a common goal. There are many … Read More
