TL;DR: School leaders across the nation are thanklessly navigating unchartered territory as they manage schools amidst the pandemic. Parents, teachers, school leaders, and other school staff are all struggling; everyone needs understanding during this time. Over the last nine months, life has been hard for teachers, students, and parents across the nation. Our social media feeds are a testimony to … Read More
They Don’t Want Your Answers; They Want Your Support
TL;DR: As a school leader, those you serve don’t just want your answers, they want your support. Show your support by being a part of the school, delegating to empower, and celebrating risks. “They” don’t really need you to tell them what to do. “They” don’t even really need your permission. Who is “they”? They are the people you are … Read More
Labels Don’t Improve School Districts
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
School Communication: Posting a Clear Message
TL;DR: Crafting a clear message is key when communicating with stakeholders. Be inclusive with your message and consider families of all backgrounds. Post your message on multiple platforms to ensure it is being received. Host live sessions to engage with stakeholders and be available to answer questions. You may have started the year in remote learning, in-person learning, in a … Read More
Education’s Elephant in the Room
TL;DR: Silencing education’s elephant in the room by bringing attention to the responsibility of male leaders. The responsibilities of male leaders in a female dominated profession include initiating necessary conversations, being upfront, asking questions, listening, and summarizing points made in conversation to validate the other person. I grew up the youngest of four and the only girl. My mother tried … Read More