What gets the best of your energy each day? And perhaps more importantly, who gets what's left? I've been thinking about these questions quite a bit lately. There are days when I walk into work with a clear plan. I know what I need to accomplish, who I need to connect with, and where I …
What does it take to help people move through change? Last week, as our district began the first full cycle of professional learning for a new literacy resource we are implementing, I saw one answer: make room to learn. I spent weeks planning with our leadership team, literacy coaches, educators, and our consultants. The behind-the-scenes …
Years ago, I met two educators at a conference where I presented regularly. I remember them well because, individually and at different times, they attended my sessions and stayed afterward to speak with me about all things education. There is something about an educator who takes the time to do that that has always stayed …
This week, I walked into a kindergarten classroom and noticed children helping one another with the writing process. They were sketching, talking, making approximations, and learning together. They have been in school for less than a month and no one had assigned them leadership roles. They simply understood that the people around them could help …
If there is one thing we know about education, it is that there is always something new to navigate. The world continues to evolve, and so do the skills learners need to thrive within it. In every year I have served as an educator, something has felt a little different. Priorities shift, new possibilities emerge, …
“You will always have Long Beach sand in your shoes, no matter where you go.” Years ago, I used to share those words with new teachers as I handed each of them a tiny vial of sand from the beach community we taught in. At the time, I thought I was giving them a reminder …
Have you ever had one of those weeks when several competing priorities, all important seem to come at you at once? If you are part of the educational community, I think it’s safe to say you can probably relate. Last week was one of those weeks for me. Actually, if I’m being fair, almost every …
Can you relate to the feeling of wanting to be in two places at once? The first few weeks of school can feel like a whirlwind. There is the anticipation of a new year, the excitement of seeing colleagues and students, and the pressure of trying to navigate personal and professional responsibilities well. As a …
What sticks with people long after an interaction with us has ended? Last weekend, I visited a store I frequent. The person who usually helps me was busy with another customer. We made eye contact, and I could tell she was disappointed that she couldn’t help me. But I understood completely. Why shouldn’t someone else …
This week, I had the privilege of spending a lot of time with our newest teachers. It is always one of my favorite weeks of the school year. There is something about welcoming educators at the beginning of their journey that always brings me back to the people who helped shape mine. My appreciation for …
