It feels good to be ridiculously in charge of ourselves and our impact. Perhaps if more people made a small step toward that kind of self-awareness and ownership, the world would change.
Looking Within First
Reflections on an Emerging Student-Centered Learning Ecosystem: Inquiry and Ideas (Part II)
As the fellowship took shape, each teacher brought assets of their own that they knew could work, but also a willingness to learn that came from not seeing their approach as “the” answer. In the words of improv comedy, they came with bricks rather than a cathedral. This kind of openness to inclusion would be key to ideation and innovation. The smartest person in the room may be the room, but only when everyone who should be is in the room.
3 Important Questions for Leaders to Ask
n The Culture Playbook, Coyle talks about how difficult it can be for people to give feedback and even the question, "How can I support you?" can be challenging for people to answer. This is particularly true if the person asking holds a position of authority. He suggests asking three more specific questions that open the door to meaningful feedback and dialogue.
How We Treat Each Other
There are no perfect people, so let's stop pretending to have it all together. More authenticity and honest conversations are needed in schools. Artificial harmony is not going to take us where we need to go.
Sacrificial Drafts
Instead of blaming teachers, let's do the hard work of examining ourselves as leaders. Examine our practices. Examine our systems. And work with educators, students, and our community to build better systems. Our kids deserve it.
Brave Enough to Care & Try
Move. Do it small if you need to but do it with big heart and consistency. Simply keep showing up. The world needs people who are care and are willing to try, learn, and try again. It's that simple.
Because of a Teacher, Volume II
My expectations for learning are high. We expectations for how we treat each other are even higher.
3 Tips for Professional Learning Days
When we listen to the educators who are working closest to our students every day and allow their insights to inform planning for professional learning, the plan gets better.
We Can’t Own it All
Not all feedback is good feedback. Not all work is ours to own. Let's own how we show up and respond. Let's listen for good feedback, reflect, and get better. Forget the rest. Give it a rest. It's time to rest. Enjoy some peace this weekend. You deserve it.
Educators Deserve Standing Ovations
We just finished our last school day with students. This school year has felt impossibly hard. We love our students. We love our work. And yet, many of us find ourselves wondering if we can keep doing these jobs. It makes me worry about the future of our schools. It makes me worry about the... Continue Reading →
MEGHAN LAWSON 