The world our students are entering is changing faster than ever. As educators, we are charged with preparing them not just with content knowledge, but with the skills, mindsets, and competencies that will help them thrive in a variety of contexts. Across the country, states have developed their own Portraits of a Graduate to define …
Continue reading Bringing the Portrait of a Graduate to Life Through the Canon
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 …
Continue reading It Starts With Us: Four Leadership Moves to Elevate Teaching and Learning
I recently read the new book, Am I Cut Out for This? by Elizabeth Dampf in two days flat. Not because I planned to, but because I couldn’t put it down. From the very first page, it felt like she was saying all the things so many leaders think, but few ever say out loud. …
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 …
This post is a special collaboration between Lauren Kaufman and Dr. Sonia Matthew—two educators reflecting on their parallel journeys, defining moments, and the lessons that continue to shape their work as leaders in education. I'm about to begin my 20th year in education.Yes, 20 years. As I was driving to work the other day, the …
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 …
“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 …
There’s a phrase I’ve been carrying with me lately: You’re already on your way. Sometimes we just need some open space, a word, a gesture, or a reflection from the past to recognize it. This week, I stopped by a classroom and chatted with two co-teachers. One of them shared that she felt sad she …
“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 …
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 …
Empower. Collaborate. Connect. 