Category: 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Just Down the Hall

On By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 5. Community of Care and Support for Students, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, 9. Operations and Management, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders, Uncategorized

Throughout the trajectory of my career, nearly two decades spanning classroom teacher, literacy specialist, instructional coach, building leader, and now district leader, I’ve experienced just about every form of professional development. I’ve devoured books, tuned into countless podcasts, attended energizing conferences, and participated in more professional learning experiences than I can count. But if I’ve …

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Four Books Shaping My Thinking (and Why They Matter in Education)

On By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 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

As educators, we are constantly evolving. We are learning, unlearning, and relearning to meet the needs of our students and the ever-changing landscape of education. The best professional growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when we engage with and think about new ideas, challenge our thinking, and apply what we learn in meaningful ways. …

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Important Things

On By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, Leadership, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders1 Comment

This week felt like a whirlwind. Stepping into the days after a winter holiday break, my time was filled with important things - observations, professional learning days, community events, and the countless day-to-day interactions that bring both celebrations and some challenges. On top of that, my family obligations had me racing from one place to …

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4 Ideas to Keep Students Engaged and Thinking in an AI-Driven World

On By LaurenMKaufmanIn 10. School Improvement, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

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 …

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Leaders Are Learners

On By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 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

"If you embrace the idea of being a continuous learner, you will always be relevant. Once you think you are the expert in the room is the moment the world might start passing you by.” - George Couros One of the most important facets of my role is to thoughtfully plan professional learning experiences for …

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Rolling Up Your Sleeves: Series (Part 1)

On 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, Personal Learning, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

Rolling Up Your Sleeves - Series Part 1 “How you walk into a room matters,” is a sentiment Dr. Mary Hemphill shared at this week’s FETC conference. As I listened to her powerful words, I was reminded that leadership isn't just about presence, it’s about intention. Whether you’re leading a team, coaching a colleague, or …

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Making Learning Accessible

On 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

Each year, school organizations work diligently to advance priorities while aligning these efforts with state standards, requirements, and—most importantly the needs of their primary stakeholders: KIDS! The evolving educational landscape brings new challenges, as well as shifting strengths and needs among learners, making the work feel immense at times. Despite this, leaders shoulder a collective …

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Creating Learning Ecosystems

On 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 Leaders

Every person deserves the opportunity to thrive in the learning ecosystems designed to meet their needs every day. These spaces should inspire and empower, creating opportunities for growth for every learner. But thriving isn’t just about the systems we design—it’s about the mindset we bring. What does it truly mean to thrive in our learning …

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Leading Through Discomfort

On By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, 9. Operations and Management, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders1 Comment

“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. …

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Letting Others Lead

On By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 10. School Improvement, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 4. Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, 9. Operations and Management, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

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 …

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