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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

As educational leaders, we play a crucial role in shaping the narrative of Black History Month within our schools. While teachers spearhead Black History Month classroom lessons during February, it’s our responsibility to integrate Black history meaningfully into our school-wide vision and foster a commitment to anti-racist education and equity. I’ve been thinking about this […]

As a K-12 STEM educator who partners with schools, districts and networks to develop inclusive, responsive and engaging mathematics for kids, I get to work with so many different teachers and teacher teams. Without a doubt, this is a challenging time to choose teaching or to renew one’s commitment to teaching. So I am sensitive […]