Reflections

Instead of worrying about all that we have to finish by the end of June, why can't we reflect upon all that we have accomplished this year? We need not fill up these last days with our lists of items that keep us in compliance with year end routines. These last few weeks aren't about us. In fact, school is rarely supposed to be about us. It is supposed to be about our students. It's supposed to be about building social-emotional and academic competencies.  It's supposed to be about connections. Within the piles of paperwork that are due (we still use way too much paper in schools) and among the lists of tasks we need to finish by June 30th, the most important to do item is likely never listed. By the end of this year, I want need our students and staff to know... You matter. We believe in your skills as a student/teacher and your heart as a human being. We've tried some new ideas this year and many of them worked. Those that did not were still w...

Over the last year, I have added an extra 15 minutes to my morning routine. I take 15 minutes before my house wakes up to have a quiet cup of coffee and to catch up on twitter.  I use this time in the morning to find thoughts to inspire me or challenge my thinking. Sometimes, I am lucky enough to find something that will help me in my work that day. Sometimes, I am even luckier to find something that will help me reflect in the work of yesterday and do better moving forward. Can't imagine starting my day without PLN influence. Here are some of my favorite tweets of the week so far: Someone is always having a harder time than you. Appreciate your day, bad or good. — Scott Eddy (@MrScottEddy) May 20, 2014 "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions...." - Mark Twain #quote pic.twitter.com/TYKs1AxC9M — Tim Fargo (@alphabetsuccess) December 29, 2013 Made a mistake? Forgive yourself, dust yourself off, and continue to grow. #LeadWithGiants #leader...

Last night, I had the fortunate opportunity to sit in on a panel for Dr. Harry Brooks, an incredibly well respected SUNY Plattsburgh instructor in their leadership program. Part of the panel activity included a conversation about becoming a leader and staying a leader in school. While each member of the panel was sharing personal stories and honest advice, I found myself taking it all in as if I was back on the other (student) side of the panel. Some of the major thoughts and advice included: 1) Have conviction. One Superintendent spoke about having conviction in our work. He took time to make the distinction between conviction and arrogance. I really appreciated his thoughts about conviction and realized how important that really is. Are we doing what's best for kids on a daily basis? Do my actions match my convictions? 2) Be brave. Another Superintendent talked about some of the reality of our jobs. If you get knocked down, get right back up. Dust yourself off and get back in...

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (this week!), I wanted to put into print some thoughts about some of my favorite teachers. I'll edit this post each day of the week to add another favorite of mine. Elementary School My third grade teacher, Miss Fisher, taught at Roberts Elementary School in Penn Hills, PA. I remember the sound of her footsteps in the hall. She didn't make fun of me the day I wore a pair of high heels to third grade either. My feet sounded like teacher feet ! I also remember feeling like the smartest kid in the world when she would let me stay in from recess to "help" correct papers. My sixth grade teacher, Mrs. Glasstetter (also Roberts Elementary School), must have known on some level I was dealing with some things outside of school. She went out of her way to make me feel special. I remember reading poems with her. At the time, I didn't realize the hidden messages of perseverance and faith she was sending me. To think that I am 44 ye...

It doesn't seem possible that I have only been connected, via twitter and blogging, to a PLN for just over a year. One year ago, March 2013, I posted my first tweet. From there, I expanded my use of twitter and began following people I sincerely admired in the field of education.  In just one year, the use of twitter (and my PLN) has allowed me so many opportunities. Here are some of the highlights of this past year: 1) Bringing @PeterMDeWitt to my school to speak on creating a more inclusive environment for students. It was an amazing presentation that I believe impacted thinking in my district. (Even if he did call me out for being a twitter stalker in front of the entire faculty...it was worth it.) 2) Presenting at a statewide conference for the first time and meeting many members of my PLN. This includes @VictoriaL_Day ! 3) Facilitating three online book study sessions for Mindset with Dr. Shawn Hunziker. Each time we host a session, we learn just as much (maybe even mor...

Today was one of those days I was wishing for a redo, retake, or do over. It wasn't for a math test or social studies assignment for a student.  It was more about a rewind for me. Leaders aren't supposed to make mistakes. Leaders are supposed to know all the answers in record time. Leaders don't let others see them sweat. Sometimes my leading with the heart becomes too animated and emotional. As much as I try, I can't contain my personality. It's a flaw I have struggled with for some time now. As I reflect on the events of the day, I'm trying to get myself to look at this from a different mindset. My reading and re-reading of Carol Dweck reminds me I can choose my mindset if I am deliberate about it.                                     http://thefiscalfemme.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/85-Broads_Inner-Badass_Carol-Dweck-02.04.14.png Two hours ago, I was clearly stuck in fixed mind...

If there were three letter words in schools, DDI might be considered one of them. Data Driven Instruction is a complex process. In NY, DDI was one of the deliverables (according to EngageNY) from last year. I attended some training on it and certainly did some reading on it ( Leverage Leadership , Driven by Data to be exact -- both by Paul Bambrick-Santoyo). DDI can be seen as a "hot topic" or bad word at times because it is difficult to implement immediately and without a plan. I was a brand new principal last year (not new to administration but new to the building level) and was focusing more energy on APPR and CCLS than I could on DDI. I probably should not admit that in print but would be foolish to pretend otherwise. This year has been different. I have had the privilege of working with some nearby colleagues on a shared project around DDI. It has been helpful to hear and read their stories of implementing DDI. Last week, we met via Google Drive/GHO to sketch out our ...