Teacher evaluation. Ugh. The term evokes so many mixed emotions. Teachers often find them useless at best and fear-inducting at worst. And principals often see them as just another item to check off a list. In my work with...
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How to hire great school leaders As Jim Collins tells us, “getting the right people on the bus” is key to creating a successful organization. Nowhere is that more true than in hiring school leaders. Teachers set the tone for...
Read MoreThere is no better way to appreciate teachers than by honoring their time and professionalism. Yet, in so many cases, time for deep, collaborative professional learning is minimal– 3 full days a year seems to be pretty standard, with common...
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Teachers are overwhelmed. Parents are overwhelmed. Leaders are overwhelmed. And, to be fair, this feeling isn’t new for educators, though it’s magnified now. It’s time to simplify. Simple does not mean easy. Simple does not mean that we are letting...
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This is surreal! “This just doesn’t feel right! I miss the kids. I miss the teachers. I miss visiting classrooms, shaking hands with students as they enter the building, laughing with teachers at lunch duty!” This, or some version of...
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For years now, great principals have moved away from the nuts and bolts staff meeting in favor of interactive professional learning and dialogue. While the current crisis likely demands a return to orderly info sessions, there will soon be time...
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