Happy 2014 and welcome to all of you on this blustery, frigid, snowy, Michigan Monday Moanin. I hope you all had a great Holiday break. Two weeks ago I encouraged all of you to begin reflecting on what you wanted to start doing in 2014. I listed many prompts for you to consider as you began your reflection. Read more
Today’s Holiday edition of Monday Moanin Thoughts is written by Kate Hickey. Kate is my wonderful daughter-in-law who is in her sixth year of teaching. She teaches at Middle College High School in Franklin, Tennessee.
Educators, by nature, tend to be selfless. It’s our best and worst quality during the holiday season. We need rest and we deserve it. Take it easy so you can be effective when you get back.
As a high school teacher, I repeat this old adage to my students often: “You have to take care of yourself, before you can take care of others.” Or the classic: “You have to love yourself before you can love another.” This holiday season, I will try to take my own advice.
The world will still turn if we don’t wrap everything like a post on Pinterest. Martha Stewart’s Christmas spread is only that good in a magazine, so let’s not spend too much time running ourselves ragged.
We didn’t give our students any homework over the vacation because, besides being plain old cruel, we know that they need to be resting and sitting around the living room with their families. This time is more important than any assignment. We know these things to be true so we need to make sure that we do ourselves the same favor. It will be a gift that we give to our students all year long: An energized and well-rested teacher.
Please heed Kate’s advice and enjoy the Holiday season with your family and friends. I certainly am!
The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School certainly makes this a painful, difficult Monday Moanin. We know that senseless violence is not new and yet it seems to be more common lately in our society. An act that takes the innocent lives of children can change not only our attitudes but also our actions. As I reflected in preparation for this blog, several thoughts came to my mind. Read more
Wow, for many of you this will be your last Monday Moanin before a long Holiday break. This will also be my last blog of 2013. During the past few weeks I have met with many administrators. Among the many topic we discussed included a question from Ken Blanchard, what do you want to start doing? For me what do you want to start in 2014. Listed below are some prompts to help you begin your reflection as you prepare for 2014. Read more
Welcome to another Monday Moanin. This past week has been one of the most challenging weeks for all workers and educators in Michigan. Our Governor went against his word and is supporting a right to work initiative and will sign it when it reaches his desk. He is also supporting sweeping changes to education in the state. A very divisive package of legislation that simply destroys public education and is based on inaccurate data about student achievement across the state. It is very easy to be discouraged and very difficult to be motivated to work hard and encourage young learners. It also happens to be the week before the week of a long break over the holidays. This is usually one of the most challenging times in all schools.Students can be distracted by the upcoming break and from the daily challenges of attending school both socially and academically Read more
Welcome to another Monday Moanin. Life in education continues to be very challenging for all educators in Michigan and across the country. Teachers working without contracts and learning to navigate a new evaluation system based on student improvement are a few of the many issues facing them. As result many educators are struggling to stay positive and motivated during these challenging times. Coupled with that, it happens to be the week before the week of a long holiday break. During this time it is not unusual for students to be distracted by the upcoming break and from the daily challenges of attending school both socially and academically. Our students really need all of us during this time of year. Because of all these factors, I urge educators to focus on their instruction with a laser-like-effort and professionalism this week. Here are a few doable suggestions from fellow teachers and administrators to help our learners. Read more
Welcome to the first Monday moanin thoughts of December 2012. The weeks leading up to a long Holiday break can be a challenge for everyone in your organization. There are many outside distractions and responsibilities for all of your community stakeholders. As a leader, you have to find the balance between guiding and leading your organization during this time of year. To help keep your focus consider the word CARE to direct your efforts. Put CARE in your urgent column for the next 15 days before break. Read more
Welcome to the first Monday Moanin of December, 2013. Today marks the first day back to the grind after what was hopefully a restful and enjoyable Thanksgiving break. Sometimes it is a challenge to get your motor running as you return from a break. Listed below are three ideas that may help you have a productive week. Read more
What a great Monday Moanin morning to wake up to. This week many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving 2013. For the past several weeks I have conducted many coaching sessions with several building administrators. Several of my meetings take place in their offices and one common thing they share is they have bookcases that are jammed with hundreds of books and journals. Read more
Welcome to this beautiful mid November Monday Moanin. For today’s blog , I am posting 5 questions about education and leadership. Consider using the five why protocol to dig deeper as you reflect and wrestle with your answers. The protocol calls for the facilitator to ask why after each answer five times. Use these questions and protocol at staff meetings, PTSA gatherings, and among colleagues. They will provide a fine opportunity for discussion and deeper reflection. Read more