Restorative Practices Roundup: 5 Leaders, 5 Stories“RP has become increasingly important as a tool for educators who are struggling to meet the educational and social-emotional needs of children surviving a pandemic.”
— Karen Webber
3 Steps to Intentional Instructional Leadership“If I want to encourage students to excel, I have to equip teachers to excel – and that means working deliberately to provide my team with the tools, structures and support they need.”
— Ranesia Edwards
It’s time to mathematize our schools“School leaders like you have an important role to play in building a school-wide positive math culture, regardless of your own background in math. Research shows that the way adults talk about math powerfully shapes students’ math mindsets.”
— Margie Pearse
How school leaders can respond to 3 common teacher concerns about AI
It seems like every space in education right now is full of chatter around emerging AI technologies, with some educators expressing enthusiasm and others expressing apprehension. In this moment of rapid change, it’s so important for leaders to remember that teachers are learners, too. We need to approach adult learners with a lot of choice, […]
To inspire your team’s teaching plans, ask 3 questions
My team and I are working toward big, multi-year learning goals for our elementary students. Last year, our teachers embraced professional growth, elevated our instruction and promoted so much student progress. We’ll keep pushing toward those goals this fall and embark on new professional learning journeys. As a principal, I can’t wait to jump in […]
How we built a New Teacher Cohort to sustain our staff
When my principal first invited me to join Lincoln Middle School as an AP, she emphasized the importance of being a lead learner for our staff. She said, “We’re going to create a learning environment not only for students but also for teachers.” Research has shown that the first three years of a teacher’s career […]
How our mindfulness program reduced our suspension rate by 50%
Five years ago, my school was one of the middle schools with the highest number of suspensions in the county. I know data demonstrates that suspensions just aren’t effective for students, and as a principal I’ve seen it firsthand, too. When a student is repeatedly suspended, it’s easy for them to feel unwanted at school, […]
How we’re shifting math instruction in our school community
As a student, I was trained to have a very procedural approach to math. It wasn’t until I taught third grade that I realized I needed to think more flexibly. I knew I needed coaching to help me make the shift. I just didn’t know what I didn’t know. Many of us grew up learning […]
Forging school culture through consistent routines
We’re leading through a tough moment in education for many reasons, one of which is that more school communities are grappling with chronic absenteeism. As a school leader, I know how hard it can be to develop a consistent, positive school culture when students are struggling with regular attendance. It’s not easy work, but it’s […]
How leaders can show authentic care during Teacher Appreciation Week and beyond
There are many conversations impacting the education profession right now. As educators, much of the noise can be tough; it can pollute our perspective on the value of the time and heart we’re pouring into our practice every day. Our work unfolds on a human timeline, and the full impact we make in students’ lives […]
6 tips for making the transition from AP to principal
This year, I’m serving as the Principal at Benjamin Banneker Middle School in Montgomery County Public Schools – my first year as a principal after 10 years as an AP. While moving from AP to principal shifts only one seat over, the difference in the role can feel tremendous. As an AP, my responsibilities centered […]
Why I’ve taught a lesson every day this month
When I first started as an assistant principal, leading a community of about 500 elementary school students, I was brand new to this school system. Nobody knew me. I wanted to introduce myself to teachers as someone committed to instruction, someone who could partner with them in student learning. But first, I needed to earn […]
How lunch duty became a cornerstone of my leadership
As a principal, I spent lunch periods in the cafeteria whenever possible. It was a place to deepen connections – and a fertile ground for surfacing feedback and data. I’d sit with a student and say, “Tell me about your experience at this school, in this class, with me as your principal, and put a […]