TL;DR: Empowering staff in the decision-making process means listening to your staff’s needs. Consider the potential barriers before making any big decisions. Be open with staff and solicit feedback to increase buy-in. Be sure to explain the “why” of your decision-making process. School administrators are continuously looking for new strategies to help their teachers and students in their schools achieve … Read More
Staff Meetings That Empower
TL;DR: There are numerous ways to conduct staff meetings that excite, engage, and empower your staff to learn and share their expertise to build capacity. Staff meetings should leave teachers feeling empowered. Highlight teachers during staff meetings and amplify their voices. Immerse teachers in an experience to model different ideas for them to try in their own classrooms. As a … Read More
Transparent Leadership
TL;DR: It is important for leaders to be transparent, as it allows teams to come together easier and promotes authentic relationships. Keys to transparent leadership include sharing the whole story, asking questions, promoting sharing, tackling issues, encouraging individual voice, and consistent communication. The date was March 18, 2020, and I was facilitating my very first staff Zoom meeting. There are … Read More
Reflecting to Be a Better Leader
TL;DR: Be a better leader through journaling, exercise, accountability partners, and mindful practices. Leaders should ensure reflection is a part of their daily practice to stay at the top of their game. In a world deprived of time to breathe, face-to-face connections, space for people to think deeply, and to make smart, reflective decisions, I have to wonder how we … 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