Reflections

A collaborative post written by Lisa Meade and Christina Luce We’ve realized,  the longer we’ve been connected, there can appear to be a hierarchy of sorts online. We are quite clear where we rank in that hierarchy (near the bottom to middle) so recognize our perceptions may not match that vantage point of those near the top or wanting to be near the top. We choose to be connected educators because we believe there is power in that connectedness. Twitter and other social media platforms offer many ideas, resources and inspiration for us to use in our practice and reflection. Many of these ideas are found in incredible blog posts written by our colleagues. And once in awhile, we write a post that we hope helps someone. However, sometimes there are blog posts, comments and tweets that aren’t so incredible or inspiring. In fact, sometimes, they are downright condescending. Instead of encouraging, challenging or inspiring, these posts demean or ridicule the practices of ot...

It's our last week of school and I found myself at a nearby shopping center this evening, weaving in and out of stores looking for some end of the year presents. I knew I had to find something for a teacher I can't bear to lose but am losing for reasons outside my control. Somehow, I am hoping this sentimental card and gift remind her of the work she has done here and how much I will always believe in her.  Next, I decide to pick up a card for a co-worker I know is struggling with worry for a dear friend we share. I haven't been able to stop and put into words what I want to say so I am hoping the card reminds her how much I am thinking about her too.  And then, I think about all of the people that help me run my building day in and day out. I have incredible team leaders, meticulous AIS coordinators, an outstanding school counselor and the best of the best in nurses. I decide to pick up something (small) for them too.  Then, I start thinking about the teaching assi...

The end of the year brings a flurry of feelings. Like many leaders at this time of year, I am lost in reflection hoping I've done my best and made a real difference in my school. I am collecting some feedback through a teacher survey and even an additional student survey. However, I've also gathered additional information through reflection and reading. Over the last few days, I've been fortunate enough to read a copy of Hacking Leadership by Joe Sanfelippo and Tony Sinanis. The official release of the book is TODAY. The timing of the release is simply perfect! It serves as a personal and powerful reflection tool for leaders. There are "10 Hacks" and each provide steps to take immediately and then "blueprints for full implementation". What is neat about these blueprints is that they are followed by answers to "overcoming pushback". That section of each hack makes this book unique. I've read many a book that tells me what I should or...

I've said it before but I feel the need to say it again, to put it into print. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is to get right back up the next day and go right back in. Little of our work is easy. But, all of it is worth it. The tough days sometimes outshine the other days. I know better leaders don't admit defeat as we've been taught that's not what (good) leaders do. Make the days count. Do your best. Set the tone. We can try and pretend to be made of steel but know, underneath, that is not the case. We bend. On some days, we will not make the cut. On some days, we will mess up. We will neglect to communicate a needed message. We won't know the answer. We will doubt our abilities as educators and leaders. BUT... When we remind ourselves that we are still brave, committed, and a positive force to be reckoned with, we will bounce back. When we are brave enough to do this work, we make a commitment to share with our whole hearts. Wha...