Reflections

We were discussing the pros and cons of starting over in a new high school and he stopped me mid-conversation.  Abruptly, he remarked. " Mom, what are you most afraid of? ".  I told him that staying where he already knew everyone had its advantages. Many of them. Including the one about already knowing who the " bad guys"  were or where the rough spots could be.  "But, I'm not afraid of mean kids, mom."   I quietly marveled at his ability to accept the change and not to be afraid. He told me about the extended opportunities this new place would bring for him and how he really needed to start thinking about his future.  Many hours later, I am still thinking about the resiliency within his words and the lessons I can learn from them for myself. Change can be hard and perhaps even more so for adults. Arriving to a new school as a student, teacher or as a leader requires a certain amount of courage. People may not understand your intentions at ...

I imagine when my son leaves for college in 4 years, I'll feel the same way. I imagine my heart will be breaking as I think about how fast time has flown and not being able to have things stay the same. I imagine I'll convince myself this is what has to happen and to be happy for him. I keep telling myself that lump in the throat goodbyes like this are tests of our courage.  In just a few days, I'll be saying goodbye to the district I've been connected to for the last ten years. Ten years. The last four years of that decade have been in a remarkable place within the district, Corinth Middle School.  I've told anyone who would listen to me over the last four years all about our work, all about this team, and all about our incredible students and families. I've shared what I've learned and what we've accomplished. I've stood on sidelines and quietly cheered on successes and I've stood among them when we needed to dig deep. In 4 years, we we...

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...

I was talking to the teacher's union building representative about how hard this time of year can be. We both quickly agreed that there was a need not to wallow in that difficulty. It has been an incredible year (full of awesome work) but that was running the risk of being overshadowed by how exhausted everyone seemed to be. We began to cheer each other on about NOT letting a few tough, recent days define an entire year.    What's that saying about seeing the forest through the trees? That's what the end of the year is. In a recent Monday Message, I shared the following with my team: Wow. These past two weeks have been some of the most difficult weeks we’ve had all year. So much going on. This includes with our students. I’ve been part of some pretty difficult news with kids over the last 14 days. It’s exhausting. But, I don’t have to tell you that. You already know it. You are with the same students all day long and know their stories intimately. If I’m feeli...