My Thoughts on Education

When I learned that there was going to be a second book in the Because of a Teacher Series, I immediately hit the purchase button. This summer #walkread brought me thoughtful reflection and joy in this Summer 2022. Here are my biggest takeaways from George Couros and the amazing contributors. I love this reminder from George Couros at the start of the book, "You are always a new teacher. Help kids find their voices, not replicate yours." I will consistently remind myself that as I begin my 20th year, it is my first 20th year. It shouldn't ever be the same and my goal is to support everyone I work with in their growth, not in mine. Part I of the book focuses on The Importance of Relationships.  Dr Latoya Goffney teaches us that in order to build relationships we must really focus on making our students feel important. If we focus there, everything else falls into place. Allyson Apsey reminded me to ask myself, "in what ways do you empower students as leaders?"

  I just realized that this is my 20th year in Education! Happy start to another school year! I have been a teacher, Pathway chair, Instructional Coach, TOSA, Admin, and Academic Innovation Leader.  Over this last year, I came to learn something that I will continue to keep in mind as I approach each and every day of the school year.  WE ALL NEED SMALL WINS! The last few years I have been asked to support staff in learning to tools, skills, and applying them to their day to day. I used to approach the opportunities with a mindset that I didn't want anyone to miss out on any information. I would use every minute and give everyone everything I thought they could ever want.  I came to learn that this firehose approach is very overwhelming for most people. What I now do is focus on the small wins. What is one thing that you want to get out of this professional learning? What is a small tip that I can show you right now that will help you build in confidence so you know you can try some

I just came home from my last day as an Administrator for Summer School. I am happy to report that I was so inspired by my time that I had to sit down and write this post. My time with this group was short, but I found that because of this it made me think about how to approach my work and the people I work with differently. Lean In is defined as "grab[bing] opportunities without hesitation." I want to introduce a new phrase: LEAD in. I define LEAD in as grabbing opportunities with staff and students to build connection and trust as a leader. Here are my reflections on how to LEAD in. 1. Sit in the Front Office The first day I came into the High School to begin my Summer School Admin position, I was told to use one of the counselor's offices as my workspace. This office was situated behind two doors and away from any staff and students. I decided immediately that I would not ever sit in that office. I set up my "desk" in the front office next to our Secretary/R

It's been a while since I have written a blog post. I realized today after reading Lauren Kaufman 's recent blog entitled  It's the Small Things , that I write when I am inspired. I am inspired when I am excited about something- a possible solution, an idea that is new, a moment of collaboration, a connection. Recently, I have found myself looking ahead instead of looking around at where I am.  Let me explain. This has been a year of change. In 2019, after 17 years of teaching, I earned my Administrator credential. I wasn't sure what I wanted to pursue with the credential but I knew that what I was being asked to do in my roles as a chair of a Design Thinking Pathway and TOSA (Teacher on Special Assignment) for my school district were taking me to a place of Educational Leadership. It took me some time to accept this, but once I did, I couldn't un-feel it. I am one of those people that moves along just fine, until something shakes me, and I had been shook. I started

Because of a Teacher officially published on August 7, 2021. I could not contain my excitement but it was also my first week at my new job in a new school district. I came home each night that first week and fell asleep without meaning to at 9:00pm. I loved this first week but I have eagerly awaited a moment of quiet and this morning, before my three kids and husband woke up, I found it! I sat down in the pure silence of the morning and read, really read Because of a Teacher . I have to be honest, it was pretty surreal to read a book that has my own chapter inside it. That aside, this book profoundly moved me. I love how George Couros was motivated to bring this book idea to life because he "wanted to bring a little light to the education world." Each section of this book felt like it was written for me and where I am in my own journey.  Gratitude The very first section filled me with gratitude for the educators who have impacted me in my childhood and the educators I have

 Please read this article written for and published on Edutopia. PROFESSIONAL LEARNING Taking Control of Your Professional Growth Teachers can continue learning by assessing their own needs and seeking out resources that are readily available. By  Lauren Kaufman ,  Stephanie Rothstein July 14, 2021 Tashi-Delek / iStock We made it through this school year, and educators are taking a collective deep and well-deserved breath. Our recovery will take time, but it will allow us to build bridges between past practices and new educational visions. The first step: let go of what didn’t work and proactively pivot toward learning that ignites curiosity. If we want our students to be active learners, critical consumers, real-world connectors, and innovative creators, we should seek out learning opportunities that are tailored to meet our needs. With so many professional learning mandates handed down by schools, districts, and states, finding ways as educators to take some control of this process