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 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 […]
5 ways to make Black history part of your year-round leadership
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 […]
3 ways to develop and support math educators right now
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 […]
Wondering how your colleagues build powerful BHM plans? Read on.
Planning for Black History Month? These strategies can help you add a little extra joy to your community celebration. School leaders like you have shared with us the joyful and affirming ways you elevate Black stories and voices in your building – especially in the lead-up to Black History Month. Whether you want to honor […]
Teacher voice: 3 ways principals can create conditions for joy
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 […]