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 […]

Serving as a school leader must be so demanding. I’ve not experienced first hand what it feels like to sit in the principal’s seat. As an educator however, I have experienced the incredible power principals have to make teachers feel cared for and valued as human beings, not just as teachers. I wanted to share […]

5 ways to create a culture of joy – for teachers and yourself

This is my 25th year in education, and I spent 20 of those years as a teacher. I loved being a teacher. I loved working with kids. When I decided to pursue school leadership, I promised myself I’d keep students at the heart of every decision. But the more I have learned about principal leadership, […]

You and your fellow school leaders have let us know: One thing that makes your team truly great is their investment in growing their practice to inspire students! But during weeks when teacher workloads feel heavy or student engagement lags, it can be harder for your staff to find energy for new professional learning and […]