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 y...

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...