Note to readers: I often write about leading with a coaching mindset. This post focuses on one part of the observation process, the pre-observation. Each part of the process matters, but here I’m honing in on how the pre-observation conversation can set the stage for growth, reflection, and connection as I mentor a new administrator …
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 …
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, …
Let your hopes lead you forward, while leaving your fears behind. While writing this, the words “hopes” and “fears” struck a chord with me, reflecting on my journey as a blogger over the past several years. Each blog post I share carries a piece of my story and the fear that accompanies it. In the …
Continue reading The Leader Inside: Stories of Mentorship to Inspire the Leader Within
"Many leaders are scared about developing people and then having them leave. They should be more worried about not developing people and having them stay." Last year, as I scrolled through social media, my finger paused over this quote from George Couros' post. When I'm inspired by someone else's ideas, whether in a book, podcast, …
“I hope you know, you are doing better than you think you are” is a sentiment that landed on my heart as I was scrolling through my social media feed this week. Lately, these small doses of inspiration have gone a long way for me. So much so, that as soon as I read them, …
Continue reading Leading with Appreciation For Yourself and Others
Nurturing Leaders: Embracing the Next Generation As you live in the world of education, you may have noticed that there are limitless possibilities for shaping and developing the mindsets, actions, and choices of future generations over the course of their career timelines. You have unique opportunities to create experiences that empower learners to choose a …
Mentorship is crucial to the work we do as teachers and leaders. Over 50% of teachers leave the profession within the first five years and since the current educational landscape has currently shifted, retaining new and veteran teachers has never been more vital. It is important to recognize that teachers may require different supports that …
Continue reading Mentorship: How Can We Invest in Teachers to Shape Our Future?
This blog series is being written from my perspective as I am a Mentor Coordinator K-12 in a school district in Long Island, N.Y. I will share my experiences as my mission and vision are to continuously develop a Mentor Program that will build a strong foundation to support educators during their first years of …
Continue reading Mentorship Matters: 6 Ways to Explore Reverse Mentorship in Education-Series 4
This blog series is being written from my perspective as I am a Mentor Coordinator K-12 in a school district in Long Island, N.Y. I will share my experiences as my mission and vision are to continuously develop a Mentor Program that will build a strong foundation to support educators during their first years of …
Continue reading Mentorship Matters: 8 Pieces of Advice For New Teachers-Series 3
Empower. Collaborate. Connect. 