What Brings You to Tears? Lately, I've been moved to tears. Something has pulled at my heartstrings enough to make my heart pound and tears well up in my eyes. When this happens I feel alive. I feel like I have found my purpose. I am proud. I am sad or happy. I am in... Continue Reading →
You might as well hang your hat up and quit. You failed. There is no redemption. You should stop trying. You're a loser. Failing never feels good. The word "Fail" makes my skin crawl. But as much as I hate failing, I have also learned to embrace failing. But this is not the case for... Continue Reading →
I've spent the last few months caught up in the phrase, "You Do You". The meaning behind those words is a powerful one. It is one that emcompasses individuality, risk taking, being bold and adventurous, and sometimes stepping outside one's comfort zone. "You do You" is not a new phrase. It's been around the block... Continue Reading →
It's that time of year when traditional classroom teachers/educators are preparing for a new group of students. Preparations include organizing curriculum and lesson plans, creating a welcoming environment, and gathering classroom supplies. So much prep work goes into getting the first day, first week, first month just right. In the midst of all of this... Continue Reading →
I often wonder...do students WANT choice? When I give students the opportunity to own their learning, many choose the easiest option. We live in an era of nothing but options. The tools change before we have time to master. Learning is fast and furious. Goodbye teaching hello facilitating. Sometimes I feel it's impossible to keep... Continue Reading →
Feedback, constructive criticism, assessment, evaluation, observation...whatever you want to call it, it should be given and received as a way to #becomebetter. Unfortunately it can be a slippery slope. One that many avoid being a part of. If feedback is not something one is seeking, then often times is perceived negatively and defenses can build... Continue Reading →
WHY relationships? This blog is co-written with my colleague and friend Chris Tuttell. How else could this piece be written on relationships? Dr. Brad Gustafson writes in his book Renegade Leadership, “If pedagogy is the driver, and technology is the accelerator. This may be true, but relationships are the runway.” "Relationships are the runway." Yes!... Continue Reading →
In the spirit of the season, now more than ever, I reflect upon what I believe. This I believe… There is good in everyone. Life is a marathon not a sprint, but the occasional sprint is necessary. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Don’t take no for an answer, and if you do be okay with it. Ask... Continue Reading →
As I'm close to earning my License for School Administration, I was recently asked, "Do you know the difference between a Leader and a Manager?" This answer seemed simple: The manager plans, organizes and coordinates. The leader inspires and motivates. I was then asked, "Which one are you?" This left me speechless. Was I a... Continue Reading →
Emerge by definition means move out of or away from something and come into view: "black ravens emerged from the fog". This word “emerge” was recently redefined for me as a leader. As I spent my second year as an “Emerging Leader” with the North Carolina Phi Delta Kappa (NCPDK) educational organization, I felt like the... Continue Reading →
Still Learning 