My daughter is thirteen. She’s is tall, blonde, and beautiful. More importantly, she is very intelligent, hilarious, kind, thoughtful, and so much fun to be around. She has made the transition to teenager pretty smoothly. She struggles, however, as most of us do with self-confidence. Yesterday at church, an older lady told me how gorgeous
I’ve worked with many school districts who have implemented a 1:1 initiative. They have experienced a variation in success. The success of an implementation isn’t based on the device, the grade levels, or the learning management system. It all centers on the leadership and the existing culture. Were all of the leaders part of the
In the past few years, there has been a growing belief (not among educators, by the way) that schools should be treated more like businesses. I want to counter that belief with one of my own. I think outside industries need more educators. As a teacher, I had to plan months in advance, fine-tune my
In the past few years, there has been a growing belief (not among educators, by the way) that schools should be treated more like businesses. I want to counter that belief with one of my own. I think outside industries need more educators. As a teacher, I had to plan months in advance, fine-tune my
I had the privilege of spending the last two days in the schools of Pendergast Elementary in Phoenix, Arizona. The principals were welcoming, the teachers inviting, and the students’ enthusiasm was invigorating. The mornings of both days were spent doing site visits. We got such a feel for the climate and culture of each school from
This is a tough one. Some say that they don’t want to get to know their employees on a personal basis because they think it would hinder the respect they need as the leader. I’d argue that the respect will be deeper and more authentic if the employees know that their leader truly cares
They love their students…even those who are most unlovable. They spend time getting to know their students on a daily basis. They know that relationships are the foundation for all real learning. They say “yes” more than they say “no”. They are willing to take risks and encourage their students to, as well. They are
The first week of May is always a bit insane in my little town. For being so small, our town has a booming dance studio, and dance takes over this week as our kids, ages 3-18, get ready for the annual recital. I took my own daughter to dress rehearsal tonight. It’s hard to believe
