In education, embodying a coaching mindset is understanding that growth isn’t about giving answers, it’s about creating space for discovery. A coaching mindset is grounded in the belief that educators hold the capacity to grow, and our role is to support that growth through trust, curiosity, and intentional presence. It’s about asking, not telling. Walking …
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 …
This week, I found myself in some important conversations with administrators, with teachers, and honestly, with myself. These weren’t just check-in conversations or progress updates. They were real. They circled us back to the relationships we’ve built and reminded us of our shared why: we are a team, here to make teaching and learning better …
Continue reading Coaching and Leading with Curiosity, Courage, and Care
Thriving isn’t a finish line we cross, it’s something we move toward and through, again and again. I believe that our lives and our work aren’t lived on a straight line. They ebb and flow. We move through seasons that shift our priorities, stretch our capacity, and challenge us to keep showing up. And while …
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 …
"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 …
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 …
Last week, my good friend Lainie Rowell reminded me that it’s the six-month anniversary of the release of my book, The Leader Inside: Stories of Mentorship to Inspire the Leader Within. How could that be? I asked myself. It all feels like a whirlwind, like a dream I didn’t know I was capable of accomplishing. …
“In life, you don’t sore to the level of your hopes and dreams, stay stuck at the level of self-worth. You don’t rise to what you believe is possible, you fall to what you believe you’re worthy of.” – Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima (p. 9) As I write my last blog post of 2024, …
“We are the beneficiaries of decisions, kind gestures, and actions from those who came before us. This also means our actions and contributions plant seeds for others. They may lie dormant for years, but when the time is right, they’ll take root and grow.” – Karen Eber Recently, my good friend Sean Gaillard shared a …
Empower. Collaborate. Connect. 