Behind the Masks

Becky ThalBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better

TL;DR: We are not getting the full picture when we see our students with masks on. Take time to get to know your students and who they are behind the masks. Check-in with your students not just on an academic level, but on a social-emotional one as well. I consider myself lucky that I’ve been able to be in-person with … Read More

It starts with grace, but it doesn’t end there.

Dave SchmittouBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

Neither judgment nor grace requires knowing the full story. Empathy does. Focus on an empathetic lens, but know that empathy requires taking action. Empathy involves accountability; it involves expectations, but it also involves support, growth, reflection, and requires a relationship. Before you start reading this looking for answers to problems or solutions to struggles, let me be very honest with … Read More

Be More KNOWABLE Than KNOWLEDGEABLE

Dave SchmittouBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: As a leader, it’s not always just about what you know, but it’s about who you are as a person. Leaders are models for teachers, who all are models for students. As a leader, you don’t need to know everything, but others must know you. Be more KNOWABLE than KNOWLEDGEABLE. It’s not about having THE answer; it’s about allowing … Read More

Batching Educational Productivity

Teach Better TeamBlog, Manage Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Batching your tasks can help you to be more productive. This post shares strategies for batching your tasks, such as choosing specific times to engage on email each day, scheduling multiple phone calls in the same sitting, and taking a break to increase productivity later. “Productivity is never an accident.  It is always the result of commitment to excellence, … Read More

Time Management Strategies, Schnekser Style

Becky SchnekserBlog, Manage Better, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Time management strategies include setting due dates a week in advance, knowing your usual schedule, and prioritizing necessary and positive mental health tasks. Becky Schnekser shares a look into her brain and the time management strategies she uses to prioritize her many responsibilities. How do you do it all? One of my best friends, Andrés, often asks me, “How … Read More