TL;DR: A voiceover in an Instagram Reel made the author realize how special it feels to wear something new, like running shoes or jeans. The author noticed they are a more effective leader when wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and a hoodie. Try to incorporate as many “Dress Down” days as possible to help staff be their best selves, including calling … Read More
What Does It Take To Lead?
TL;DR: To inspire the next generation of leaders, there are a number of skills that we must foster in the classroom. Have convictions, live with integrity, work on your communication skills, be self-aware, make adjustments when needed, encourage innovation, and be civic-minded. What makes a leader a good leader? It’s easy to point out an ineffective leader, along with exactly … Read More
School Restructuring and Transformation
TL;DR: It is time to begin conversations about school restructuring and transformation. We need to bring everyone to the table to begin conversations about reinventing what schools should look like. Teachers and students deserve it. School Restructuring and Transformation You are given the task of reinventing or restructuring what schools look like. Would the result mirror our schools’ current reality? … Read More
Students Want Adults Who Care
TL;DR: Students don’t want adults who dispense information. They want adults who care. Create thought-provoking learning experiences for students and avoid lecture-style teaching. Make learning relevant for students by connecting what they are learning to the real-world. If building relationships with students is difficult for you, start by talking to students about their lives. I sat speechless in a grade-level … Read More
Be Innovative When It Comes To School Leadership
Video Highlights: Dave Schmittou shares some helpful ideas and thoughts when it comes to being the leader your staff, community, and school needs. = [scroll down to keep reading] About Dave Schmittou Entering his twenty-first year in education, Dave has earned a reputation for being a disruptor of the status quo, an innovator, and a change agent. Having served as … Read More