Last month, I wrote a blog about teacher retention and the need to “begin within” when it comes to teacher recruitment. Beginning within means school leaders need to be intentional with their efforts to entice valuable teachers to return to
Read MoreSpreading Kindness
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. -Dr. Maya Angelou Think about the emails you get as part of the school staff every day. Now, think about the emails you send every
Read MoreThe Extra Degree
As a college athlete, coaches constantly challenged our team, especially in the weight room and at practice. Being “good enough” was not an option. They taught us to push through a last repetition or to finish a certain drill, because
Read MoreEvery Teacher Needs a Champion
Five years ago, I left my familiar junior high school to move to a new district and a new grade level. I was excited for a new challenge after teaching the same thing for 11 years and felt confident because
Read MoreThe first moments
Ahhhhhh April. The Palo Verdes are blooming, allergy medicine is sold out at both CVS and Walgreens, Promposals are seemingly happening everywhere. Spring has sprung in Arizona. April is the time when teacher’s thoughts turn to that of AZMerit and,
Read MoreKeep the Student in Student Teacher
Dear Student Teacher, Congratulations! In a few months, you will begin the part of your college experience that you have likely been waiting for forever – student teaching. I hope that your student teaching experience gives you all the tools
Read MoreWho Sharpens You?
As Iron Sharpens Iron, so One person sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 Teachers are members of learning communities. Core Proposition 5, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. I have had the privilege of participating in multiple small communities of learning groups.
Read MoreThe Freshest Apples: Teacher Terms Matter
Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words…well, I think that words can hurt a lot. In a teaching climate with an ongoing teacher shortage and massive teacher attrition, I think we need to choose our words very carefully.
Read MoreHow do you Learn to be a School Administrator?
“The talent squared workplace is possible because gifted bosses and great employees want the same things from a workplace: Freedom from management, mediocrity, and morons; a change; a chance.” – Dale Dauten, Gifted Boss “Connect your brain to your mouth and
Read MoreUGH! Someone tell me what to do!!
FLASHBACK: It’s mid-March and I am working on a National Board entry. I’m stuck. I need help! Will someone PLEASE just tell me what the National Board wants from me??? I have a mentoring session this week, so maybe I
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