TL;DR Perspective is an important part of problem-solving. Changing your perspective is not always easy. You can learn a lot when you take the time to change your perspective. Our family takes big vacations during the summer. We snorkel, climb mountains, and hike through the woods. Our family explores the many different landscapes within the United States. We experience new … Read More
Delighting in Inclusion
TL;DR: Melinda Arnost is an educator, author/illustrator, and inclusion specialist. She was recently a guest on the Good News, Brad News Podcast. Her advocacy for inclusion started in high school inviting other students to join their Breakfast Club. As a teacher, Melinda trusted her gut and started teaching outside of the box in order to meet the needs of students. … Read More
Being Human Is Not Unprofessional
TL;DR: The #RelationshipsFirst movement: Students are more likely to learn when they have a positive relationship with you and get to know you too. We connect better with others who we know, value, and respect. Share stories about life experiences and show humanity to students every day. Their experiences may be similar so by sharing, you have become someone else … Read More
Teachers, Write Your Own Headlines
TL;DR: Writing your own headlines can help transform negativity into a more positive light. Focus on the good. We know when we do that, the good just keeps getting better. Write Your Own Headlines! There’s a story floating around the Internet by Pastor Andy Stanley with the idea of writing your own headlines. Given the state of the world and … Read More
Outward Focused Leadership
TL;DR: It is common for educators in newly appointed leadership roles to share more about them than learn about the people they serve. They typically have an “Inward Focus.” As classroom teachers, the beginning of the school year tends to focus on students. They typically have an “Outward Focus.” Educators transitioning from teaching to administration should apply the same leadership … Read More