TL;DR: Relationships and communication improve school districts. The conversation shouldn’t be what label to give schools; it should be how we can help and support these districts. We must differentiate the process for helping lower-performing schools. Before you continue reading, I want to caution you that my blog this month is not going to make you feel like you are … Read More
I’m Still Standing … Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
TL;DR: Despite all of the obstacles educators face this year, they are still standing. Teachers are seeing the opportunities that lie among all of the challenges. School leaders should provide teachers with flexibility, support, grace, and encouragement. Now is the time to celebrate our teachers and support them in everything they do. Don’t you know I’m still standing better than … Read More
Effective Decision Making: Using Core Values as the Filter
TL;DR: Reflecting on our core values helps us filter through the decisions we make to ensure they are purposeful and effective. Involving team members in decision making can help to increase the likelihood that all members support the outcome. Using core values to make decisions helps to prevent decision-making fatigue. Research shows that adults make an average of 35,000 decisions per … Read More
Everything I Know About Leadership, I Learned in First Grade
TL;DR: It is important to lead with a vision and a clear direction. Modeling effective leadership can inspire new leaders. I do not have numerous significant memories of my first grade year at Delight Elementary School. Except for the occasional favorite lunch of square pizza with a side of kernel corn and my introduction to the bizarre cuisine termed Shepherd’s … Read More
Finding the Right Speaker to Connect with your Staff
TL;DR: Choosing a speaker for your staff is a big decision. Tips and strategies to choose the right speaker to kick off back to school, and carry the message throughout the year. District leaders often bring in an educational speaker to kick off the year or assist when launching new initiatives. Frankly, I love this stuff. One of my favorite … Read More