Reflections

Likely one of the most important qualities to have in personal and professional relationships is trust. Having trust in each other reduces vulnerability. Trust makes being open easier. Trust implies integrity. One of the most painful experiences to cope with is when you feel trust has been broken. This can be true in personal relationships but is equally true for professional relationships. Sometimes our work can feel like a test of faith. My friend, Vicki Day , shared this video clip with me about a year ago: Trust Fall Fail Somedays, our work can look like what is seen in the video. With assumed understanding (ours), we respond in one way but the response gets confused. Part of our work will likely always require some leaps of faith. But, in addition to that, it becomes inherent in the process to ensure that clear communication and then follow through is provided. Having both the communication and follow through helps develop trust for everyone. Trust is hindered when there...

Teachers don't really have the summer off. I imagine the general public assumes they do but I have found too much evidence to the contrary. Our school ended the 2014-2015 school year in June. For one or two days after that last day, our halls were quiet. Scary quiet. Funny how a building's pulse can change when key inhabitants like students and teachers are not there. It is now July and I have already heard from many of my teachers, either in person or online, about professional development and summer work they are seeking and completing on their own. This includes: Revamping curriculum maps and assessments Attending STEM workshops offered by NYSUT Attending data workshops offered by BOCES to examine state test instructional reports Reading a book about behavior as part of our PBIS program Relocating an entire classroom space to another space Examining ELA resources for intervention use Updating school webpages These are just a few examples from this week. All o...

One of my main goals for the summer has been to reflect. I am trying to be more purposeful in thought and more appreciative of where I am at this moment. Over the last week, there have been some amazing posts that have reminded me that it's okay to admit we are human. It's okay to admit when we're nervous, anxious, sad or wondering if we measure up. It's okay to admit that life is messy. It's okay to admit that we don't always have it altogether. Few do, in fact. I've written before about the power of a PLN and find again, that much of what I wrote in that piece still rings true. I gain such hope in myself, in others, and our work,  through my connections. Here are some of the posts that have helped me most recently: Let's Stop Faking It by Joe Mazza : My biggest take away for this piece is the affirmation that seeking help (whatever that might look like, formal or informal) is always good. The more we talk about mental health or even just how ...

As a member of #compelledtribe, we have been asked to write about our plans for the summer and I hope to be able to use this post to adequately describe some of my plans for summer.  I've worked in a school since 1992 and each summer, without fail, I am always asked by family members:   "So, what do you do all summer anyway?" The question is a genuine one. I think, as educators, we take for granted that others outside schools know how important summer time work is. Some of my most important work can happen in the summer. Sure, there is the mandated paperwork that I must complete (year end reports, federal grant applications, master schedule updates, etc.). But summer provides a chance for reflection and refocus .  At the end of this school year, I asked my building to give me feedback about the year through a survey . Two of the questions provided me with a lot of information to process during these summer months. #1:  If you could identify ONE buildi...

"Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting  some kind of battle."  -- JM Barrie As educators, I think we each bring our own set of successes and regrets to our practice. Many of us entered education in tribute to those amazing teachers that made us feel special. Others entered education to provide a better experience for students (than we had). Either reason has merit and can provide purpose. As I've gotten older, I've realized that many of my life experiences have helped me in my work likely more than I would have understood 10 or 20 years ago. One of the most frequent criticisms I hear about my own practice as a principal is I give too many second chances. Some don't believe in second chances. If there is any chance that a student might improve, I'll likely grant the opportunity. Second chances are a must in our business. Second chances almost always require honest conversations and I usually feel (hope?) more can be learn...

I've enjoyed the flurry of ISTE reflections that have been posted these past few days. I've tried my own reflection a number of times and can't seem to produce anything logical for the screen. When I think about the opportunity this event afforded me, I am grateful. The gratitude extends beyond the actual attendance and learning that took place. I am grateful for people. I am grateful for amazing ideas. I am grateful for the chance to "play" for 3 days. I am grateful for the connections. I am grateful for PLN members that make room for me and make me feel heard. Likely the biggest ISTE take away for me has little to do with technology but all to do with voice. In learning about different tools and applications and in listening to different conversations, it occurred to me that an area of focus for my own practice needs to be on developing voice. Voice of students (Thank you Pernille Ripp ) Voice of parents  (Thank you Ken Shelton ) Voice of teachers (Thank ...

Today marked the last day of school for our students. Most of them looked incredibly happy to be officially entering the summer season. We held moving up day and said our goodbyes at dismissal. After the students departed, you were busy in rooms cleaning up, packing up, and finishing up end of the year grades. There's always so much to do these last few days. Yet, some of our most important work will be after tomorrow. After our last day together as a full faculty, you will depart for summer. Summer has different options for everyone but always includes a chance to reflect and recharge. As I begin to reflect on this year, I am still grateful for the school community of which I am a part of. My team puts up with a lot from me during the year. I make mistakes and somehow you find a way to support me through them. You've never held me to the "you must be perfect" standard. You've let me be me, faults, flaws, strengths and all.  As I look forward to the su...