One Conversation at a Time

"Always be kind and considerate to others, as you would hope others would be to you. Being kind and considerate includes wanting people to grow." – George Couros The sentiment above was shared in George Couros’ latest post, which you can read here. His words resonate deeply as we kick off another school year, where …

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8 Pieces of Advice for Teachers and Leaders

In this week’s post, I’m excited to share an excerpt from the chapter titled From Teacher to Leader: An Open Roadmap of Advice from my book, The Leader Inside: Stories of Mentorship to Inspire the Leader Within. I hope you find it helpful, whether you’re embarking on a new school year, starting your career in …

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Uncomfortable, But Growing

“Bad news: You’re growing, and it’s uncomfortable. Good news: It’s uncomfortable, but you’re growing.” — Rachel Wolchin Even after 19 years in education, the start of a new school year still brings a mix of emotions—daunting, scary, unfamiliar, and, yes, uncomfortable. Can you relate? In the days leading up to my return, my sleep is …

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Ask for Help

As a new school year approaches, I’ve been thinking a lot about the important priorities that need to be moved forward. If you are reading this, I know you are too. Education is a busy place and it requires the special attention our students and teachers deserve. Since I often write the posts I need …

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Doing Our Best Work

"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 …

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Living Your Leadership Legacy

The frame for this piece is collaborative in nature. You are invited to engage in conversation on cultivating your legacy for leadership. Imagine this post as an interactive conversation with three thought partners. It may read more like loosely connected haiku poems than a deep dive piece. We are grateful to collectively compose this piece …

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Leading Through a Coaching Mindset: Practices that Transform Dialogue, Instruction, and Student Growth – Part 1

In the realm of education, leading through a coaching mindset has proven to be a guiding force that gently steers dialogue, instruction, and ultimately, impacts student growth. Leading and learning is a privilege and as I have navigated over eighteen years in education, I have been fortunate enough to be able to explore many roles, …

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Connecting Paths

“Connection is why we’re here. It’s what gives purpose and meaning in our lives.” Brené Brown said in her Ted Talk “The Power of Vulnerability.” I have listened to this same Ted Talk multiple times. If you haven’t yet experienced it, I genuinely recommend taking some time to do so. After you listen, you may …

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A Teacher’s Magic

“The influence of our teachers is indelibly woven into the fabric of our lives.” This is the first sentence in chapter 1 of Julie Schmidt Hasson’s book Safe, Seen, and Stretched in the Classroom. As I was packing up my family’s belongings from a weekend trip, I was listening to Sean Gaillard’s #PrincipalLinerNotes podcast where …

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6 Ideas to Empower, Inspire, and Guide New Teachers

6 Ideas to Empower, Inspire, and Guide New Teachers As summer begins to slip away, you find yourself drawn closer to the meaningful work that lies ahead. A new academic year breathes meaning into fresh starts, rekindling connections with students, colleagues, families, and the community in which you serve. For many of you, the summer …

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