Most schools in the Midwest begin the 2011-12 school year the Tuesday after Labor Day. Building principals and their staffs have endured several professional learning days in preparation for the opening. As I reflect back on my years as a building principal , I remember reaching the first day with students exhausted due to the […]
We are living through an unprecedented time of attack on public education. Issues range from an over focus on testing to loss of individual benefits and compensation to loss of local control. Educators are being scrutinized more closely than any other time in recent memory . They are constantly having to adjust to changes over […]
After a long and challenging school year it is important to recharge and get some rest. It is critical that all principals reflect on the year and focus on those things that you have control of. After a few weeks it is time to get to work. The following ideas hopefully will assist as you […]
I have recently read a book by Linda Gross Cheliotes and Marceta Fleming Reilly. The title is, Coaching Conversations, Transforming Your School One Conversation at a Time. The book is filled with great strategies and suggestions that could enhance your skills as a leader.
In many school districts teacher improvement is measured by a traditional, outdated evaluation process conducted by building administrators. Very little improvement occurs for teachers as a result of this archaic process. Many of these observations are directed by individuals lacking background knowledge in an area of the curriculum being observed and evaluated. For the master […]
The spring of the year is a welcome sign for many of us that have survived another frigid winter. It can be a difficult time for student’s to remain focused as we wind down the 2010-2011 school year. It is also a critical time for principals to communicate with their staffs about finishing strong with […]
For the past several weeks many of my mentees have been preparing for interviews. Through the process of conducting mock interviews and planning meetings I wondered, could I answer all of these questions and meet the challenge of the interview process? My last interview was ten years ago and you may share a similar time […]
A few years ago a colleague of mine suggested that I read a book Monday Morning Leadership by David Cottrell. In it Cottrell reflects on eight sessions he had with his mentor. It is a concise read , filled with sound ,insightful leadership principles. In one of the chapters, Cottrell was encouraged to lead from something […]
So, I just had a great holiday break with my family, and my 29 year old son, who owns his own online company, is showing me some tips on how to better use my website and brand new Facebook business page. It’s ironic that a thirty-some year educator like myself is now getting educated, but that’s […]