As a new principal, the night before the first day with kids was just like being a new teacher all over again. I tossed and turned all night. I rehearsed the day over and over in my mind. I was
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A Whole New Mind
I love the beginning of a new school year. Teachers are excited, kids are taller, and I get that feeling that this will be the year that I will finally figure out the secret to helping all kids meet their
Read MoreEnriched Kids
The statistics don’t lie: students who come from academically focused and highly educated households will often replicate such success. But why? Experiences? Lifestyle? Money? Parental education?
Read MoreWho are We Protecting?
I explore what happens to individual teachers and students when even the best policies are not given the resources they need to function as intended, using the example of mandatory reporting laws.
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The Roller Coaster Part 2
So I had a decision to make: Stay where I was as an instructional coach? Pursue other opportunities in the district to acquire administrative skills? Or re-apply for the principal position? Re-apply. Click, click, click, the roller coaster begins the
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The Roller Coaster
I am not a throw your hands in the air, eyes wide-open roller coaster rider. I am more of a “death” grip on the safety bar, feet wedged to the floor, eyes closed kind of rider. Earlier this spring my
Read MoreBully: Will it Get Better? Part 2
Will bullying ever go away? Probably not. Will things get better for those being bullied? Yes, it will but it won't happen on its own. We have to empower children on how to handle bullies and be there to help
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Where The Wild Things Are
This blog is dedicated to Maurice Sendak and teachers everywhere who are bringing their school year to a close. Where The Wild Things Are reminds me of teaching. You might be wondering, how? Every year we get students like Max
Read MoreBullying: A Life Skill?
Make no mistake, bullying is a legitimate problem, and many adults are doing their best to counter the culture I describe here, but few reading this will identify themselves as contributors to the problem. Because, roughly 80% of us believe we’re better than average.
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