Episode 120: Take it Personal with Lisa Parry

Darrin PeppardLeaning Into Leadership

Episode 120 of Leaning into Leadership features Lisa Parry coaching us, as leaders, on how to face the difficult conversations with parents. This includes three driving questions for any meeting, a focus on not taking it personal, and how to avoid confirmation bias. That, plus your #PepTalk on this week’s show. MORE EPISODES

Bringing the World Into a Classroom: Experiential Learning

Sanam EdwardsBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Experiential learning can help introduce students to global crises. Simulated crises like The Floor is Lava helps students understand teamwork and crisis management. Exploring natural and man-made disasters fosters awareness and proactive solutions. Bringing the World Into a Classroom I have been teaching in an experiential learning environment for many years now. The chance to plan something new is … Read More

Having Tough Conversations in Schools

Dana GoodierBlog, Connect Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: We need to be more comfortable with having tough conversations in schools. Diving deep into the uncomfortable is part of the job of an educator. This year, my school is focusing on developing more equitable practices, which include equitable grading, incorporating equitable dialogue into our curriculum, and addressing behavior issues where students aren’t treating each other equitably or respecting … Read More

Braving Tough Topics Blog Series

Kari PitstickBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

Braving Tough Topics Blog Series Overview You can use several communication strategies to address challenging topics as they enter your classroom and the broader community. As educators, we must take these tough conversations with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators, but what is the best way to do that? This blog series shares de-escalation strategies, ideas to enhance structures to create … Read More

Difficult Conversations with Students and Parents: New Strategies for a New Year

Erin LebacqzBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Difficult conversations with students or parents are here to stay. We can improve the outcome of these conversations with strategies designed to minimize emotional responses. Consider using the word “you” with care and purpose when discussing negative or critical topics. Use intentional verb choice to affect the tone of your messages or conversations. Focus on the goal or outcome, … Read More