Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this: What truly keeps students engaged in learning? Not just busy, not just compliant, but deeply engaged - curious, questioning, and thinking beyond the task right in front of them. Have you ever stopped to wonder the same? To me, the question feels even more vital in an …
Continue reading 4 Ideas to Keep Students Engaged and Thinking in an AI-Driven World
This week, I was surprised to find a few unexpected messages in my inbox, people reaching out with inquiries about my book, The Leader Inside. There are so many moments we never see coming. It still catches me off guard that others take the time to connect with me and are engaging with my writing, …
“Whether or not you are conscientiously following your destiny, your destiny is always following you.” – Martha Beck I have said this before, and I’ll say it again, education is a busy place. Some weeks feel like a whirlwind. Can you relate? It’s like that feeling when you’re driving to work, and suddenly you put …
This week, writing didn’t come as easily. But I’m doing it anyway. Why? Because I’m showing up to reflect on my learning, and even during the weeks when inspiration feels out of reach, the act of writing brings me back to my core. It’s a reminder of why I began this practice in the first …
“The gifts of those we serve are already there, and they are much easier to find if you choose to look.” George Couros recently shared this sentiment in his blog, and it resonates deeply. Learning is truly a journey, and if you’re in education, I’m sure you feel this too. In today’s rapidly changing world, …
“The heartbeat of education lives inside the walls of schools. Within those walls, you’ll find stories of kids and teachers in the mess of learning.” This sentiment, one I share in my book, The Leader Inside, speaks to the essence of what we strive to build—a learning ecosystem brimming with curiosity, collaboration, creativity, and growth. …
Leaders are often challenged by countless priorities and limited time, but knowing when to focus and when to lean on others can make all the difference. Yet, when there are too many priorities and only one you, what do you do? When the weight feels heavy, it's easy to get overwhelmed. In those moments, we …
“Lauren, I know you’re busy, but can we talk for a few minutes?” That’s a text I received from several teachers this week. Was I busy? Of course. I was in the whirlwind of meetings, professional learning sessions, phone calls, emails, and dealing with the impromptu events that inevitably come up. It’s busy. But here’s …
“Lauren - Thank you for today - it was time well spent.” I opened this simple yet profound message in my inbox today. Have you ever had those weeks where everything seems to blur together because you’re juggling so many important tasks that it’s hard to be fully present in each interaction, moment, or experience? …
"Decide what you want to be, and then do that work." - Ryan Holiday After nearly two decades in education, amidst the hustle and bustle of learning, teaching, being active in student life, attending and facilitating meetings and professional learning sessions, constant reading, relentless podcast listening, reflective writing, and creating systems and structures to help …
Empower. Collaborate. Connect. 