It Starts With Us: Four Leadership Moves to Elevate Teaching and Learning

I’ve been reading two books this summer that speak directly to the important work we’ve been doing, while also sparking new thinking and reaffirming what it means to be in education. Fearless Instruction by Creative Leadership Solutions highlights research and high-impact practices from an all-star group of leaders and educators, and Instructional Innovation: Cultivating Teacher …

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Layered Coaching: A Lens on the Portrait of a Graduate

In two decades as an educator, I’ve attended countless workshops, devoured professional books, articles and podcasts, and engaged in powerful learning experiences. But the learning that shaped me most? It came from coaching cycles, hallway conversations, and intervisitations where educators opened their doors, their hearts and minds, sharing what worked, wondering aloud, and learning alongside …

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Bringing the Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate to Life Through Instructional Practice and Routines

In an evolving world that is starting to be shaped by the rise of artificial intelligence, our classroom spaces must remain places of curiosity, connection, and thoughtful creation. At the recent ASCD + ISTE 2025 Conference, the Profile of an AI-Ready Graduate was introduced by Richard Culatta, not as a checklist of tech skills, but …

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Layering Learning: A Protocol for Educators to Deepen Reflection and Connection

What does it truly mean to prepare students for the future? It’s a question that’s bigger than any one curriculum, assessment, or instructional strategy. It’s a question that calls us to pause and reflect, both as educators and as lifelong learners. As our leadership team began exploring the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, …

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Leading Like a Coach

Some leaders manage. Others direct. But the ones who have left a lasting imprint on me are those who coach…not once, not only when asked, but as a way of leading in all they do. This year, I had the privilege of onboarding our new literacy coach. From the outside, her transition from classroom teacher …

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The Work That Matters Starts With Them

“If we want something to matter to them, they must first believe they matter to us.” —Zac Mercurio, The Power of Mattering Over the last few weeks, I had the opportunity to read through several end-of-year reflections from teachers. Do you know what was beautiful? Each one carried a story of care, creativity, and commitment …

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Leading with Belief

“It’s easy for people to be critics or cheerleaders. It’s harder to get them to be coaches. A critic sees your weaknesses and attacks your worst self. A cheerleader sees your strengths and celebrates your best self. A coach sees your potential and helps you become a better version of yourself.”– Adam Grant, Hidden Potential …

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Wild Courage and Small Wins

As we wrap up the school year, plan for summer learning, and simultaneously look toward the fall, it can feel like we’re living in three seasons at once. Educators are carrying a lot and trust me, their plates are full, and they are not hungry. And yet, here we are, still showing up, still dreaming …

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Beyond the Book: Ideas to Bridge Theory and Practice Through a Book Study

One of the most powerful ways to bring people together in education is through a shared learning experience—one where ideas are lifted, voices are honored, and collective priorities begin to take root in meaningful ways. That’s exactly what an educational book club can offer when it’s designed with purpose and intention. It becomes a space …

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