TL;DR: In basketball, sometimes athletes end up fighting for the same ball inadvertently. This can happen in leadership too. To be an effective leader, open your eyes to see that you are playing on the same team. When two leaders continue to struggle for the same ball, consider using the “Cloud Technique” with wants and needs. For success, leaders need … Read More
3 Tips for Healing from Educator Burnout or Disengagement
TL;DR: Heal from educator burnout or disengagement by recognizing emotions, setting boundaries, and developing self-awareness. We need to intentionally make the decision to heal every day. So, you’re exhausted. You’ve been spending copious amounts of time working and it feels like there is no end in sight. Sometimes, you find yourself staring at the computer screen, scrolling aimlessly through social … Read More
4 Tips to Reimagine Assessment
TL;DR: Assessment should be a series of events, each leading to the next moment of improvement. Reimagine assessment by determining what you value and seeking assessment that leads to instruction. Understand that “one and done” is not enough and consider consistency and recency when assessing. As I am writing this, March Madness is ramping up. It is my favorite time … Read More
Using the Lessons of the Pandemic to Improve PD
TL;DR: We can use lessons learned in the pandemic to make improvements on professional development (PD). Improve PD by focusing on lifelong learning, considering an EdCamp or Facebook PD, or attending a Twitter chat. So in the words of the #EduDuctTape podcast, I am about to get out my soapbox. How many times have you sat at a staff meeting … Read More
Still Not Sure How to Roll Out That New District Initiative?
Working on a new district initiative? One of the most common things we come across when talking with district administrators is the story of that last initiative that fell flat or blew up in their face. The truth is, rolling out a new district-wide initiative is not easy. It is complicated, stressful, and always presents the potential for push-back, frustration, … Read More