Building Bridges

On May 18, 2024May 18, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 5. Community of Care and Support for Students, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, 8. Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

Recently, I was at a social event where someone remarked, “You must be winding down and getting ready for summer.” I paused to think before responding because, honestly, I feel more overwhelmed with work at this time of year than any other. Both personally and professionally, I'm under pressure; I strive to fulfill my responsibilities …

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Pathways to Progress Through Student Choice

On May 10, 2024May 10, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 5. Community of Care and Support for Students, Uncategorized

In the realm of education, you are inundated with a wealth of information at the district, building, teacher, and student levels. The challenge lies in harnessing this vast sea of information, commonly referred to as data to leverage the expertise of your teachers and students in the spirit of enhancing student learning outcomes. Throughout your …

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Thank a Teacher

On May 4, 2024May 5, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 5. Community of Care and Support for Students, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, 8. Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

From the moment you enter school, you are faced with experiences and people who will impact the trajectory of your life. These memories shape your identity and help you reflect on the decisions you choose to make. When those doors open, every interaction, big or small, has the potential to become your story. These collective …

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Four Principles of Curriculum Leadership

On April 28, 2024April 28, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, Uncategorized

“Leaders need to be visionary, but they need to also be able to utilize the people they work with to create a vision of what school should and could be together” (p. 9). This sentiment was shared by George Couros in his latest book co-written with Allyson Apsey, titled, What Makes a Great Principal: The …

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Living Your Leadership Legacy

On April 20, 2024May 29, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders1 Comment

The frame for this piece is collaborative in nature. You are invited to engage in conversation on cultivating your legacy for leadership. Imagine this post as an interactive conversation with three thought partners. It may read more like loosely connected haiku poems than a deep dive piece. We are grateful to collectively compose this piece …

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Learning by Example

On April 18, 2024April 18, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, Personal Learning, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

“When we learn by example, we better lead others to learn on their own. Sometimes, not knowing something can benefit us if we are willing to model our own growth through the process.”- George Couros This sentiment from George Couros’ weekly blog, encouraged me to reflect on his influence on my journey. Years ago, George …

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But You Did

On April 11, 2024April 12, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders1 Comment

The other day, I was drawn to the only blurry photo I have from my first year of teaching in 2006. The photo survived Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when my house flooded. I remember clearly shaking the water off the photo and setting it out to dry by the window. The picture shows me perched …

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Shine Through the Process

On April 5, 2024April 6, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 5. Community of Care and Support for Students, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

“Part of who we are becoming and what we go through to realize how we shine is always a process…. What are the strengths that somebody brings to the table and how do we teach to that?” This sentiment was shared by LaVonna Roth on Dr. Brandon Beck's Unlocking Unlimited Potential podcast. She went on …

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The Spaces in Between

On March 28, 2024March 28, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

Have you ever thought about how your personal evolution and the path to transformation exists in the small things? Happiness doesn’t just exist in the present, it lives in the spaces in between where we are and where we are meant to be. If you are reading this and are in education, I know that …

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Leading Through a Coaching Mindset: Shining the Light (Part 4)

On March 15, 2024July 2, 2024 By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

This is the conclusion of a four part blog series that took you on a journey to delve into six foundational practices that embody how leaders can embrace a coaching mindset. Let each practice serve as a stepping stone, guiding you towards instructional change and student success. I hope you have found it meaningful to …

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