A Principal's Reflections

JULY 12, 2020

Leadership must and will be different. Most of all, the learning culture will most certainly be different, and it will be a travesty if it is not. Drive-by professional development did not work in the past. Teaching will and must be different.

Pedagogy 537

Pedagogy Professional Development Leadership Cultures 537

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 19, 2014

During my ten years as a school leader I dreaded professional development days in my district. I am not sure any educator looks forward to these monotonous experiences (developed under the guise of learning!) I attended many of these events just to meet the required hours of professional development.

Leadership 363

Leadership Professional Development Tradition Cultures 363

A Principal's Reflections

JANUARY 7, 2024

It intertwines innovative teaching practices, cutting-edge technologies, and a culture of inclusivity into the very fabric of districts and schools. Organizational leadership is a multifaceted and critical component of ensuring the success of educational institutions. Several key aspects underpin effective leadership in this context.

K-12 452

K-12 Education Leadership Classroom Management 452

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 8, 2023

Inclusion is essential for special education (SPED) because it promotes the social and academic development of students with disabilities, fosters a sense of belonging, and prepares them for life outside of school. It aligns with legal and ethical imperatives, is often cost-effective, and encourages teacher development.

Teaching 497

Teaching Junior High Professional Development Leadership 497

A Principal's Reflections

FEBRUARY 12, 2014

Ongoing professional development, constant review and analysis of successful attempts at the changes in learning opportunities and the increasing use of technology offer momentum." The Pillars of Digital Leadership provide a practical framework for any leader, regardless of technological proficiency, to improve professional practice.

Leadership 409

Leadership Artifacts Professional Development Cultures 409

A Principal's Reflections

SEPTEMBER 29, 2019

No matter your position in education, you have gone through some form of professional development. In many cases, the act of being “developed” comes in a variety of standard types such as workshops, mandated PD days, presentations, conferences, book studies, or keynotes. Effective teacher professional development.

Professional Development 418

Professional Development Artifacts Leadership Research 418

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 5, 2018

As a result, the learning culture does not evolve or becomes stagnant for both learners and educators. My point is that the focus should be on taking a critical lens to traditional practices and determine if the way in which they are being implemented is actually in the best interests of a vibrant and prosperous learning culture.

Cultures 250

Cultures Tradition Professional Development Teaching 250

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 25, 2020

If you can't, consider developing a schedule where administrators and other support staff can fill them in lieu of teachers. Choice in professional learning Forcing educators to engage in one-size-fits-all professional development at this time will tend to be hit or miss depending on the person.

Leadership 535

Leadership Pedagogy Professional Development Tradition 535

A Principal's Reflections

JANUARY 31, 2021

Continue to advance learning and equity in your schools with professional development. While progress has been made in many schools, there is always a desire and a need for job-embedded professional learning that is practical and on-going, something that I emphasize in Digital Leadership.

Leadership 546

Leadership Professional Development Cultures Education 546

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 22, 2023

With the suggestions in hand, the leaders were empowered to review what we had seen and my recommendations to determine the focus for an upcoming professional development day I would be facilitating. Feedback is a critical catalyst for professional learning and growth.

Psychology 436

Psychology Professional Development Cultures Leadership 436

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 19, 2018

It is really about helping kids develop many of the qualities and characteristics in life that cannot be measured with an actual number such as leadership, commitment, perseverance, motivation, self-discipline, teamwork, resilience, enthusiasm, and reliability. Coaching is so much more than the result of a game, match, or competition.

Leadership 371

Leadership Professional Development Pedagogy High School 371

A Principal's Reflections

APRIL 30, 2012

Control : For technology to be not only integrated effectively, but also embraced, a culture needs to be established where teachers and administrators are no longer fearful of giving up a certain amount of control to students. To truly create an innovative culture of learning we must not fear failure either.

Education 389

Education Professional Development Educational Technology Pedagogy 389

A Principal's Reflections

NOVEMBER 17, 2019

However, a convergence of styles separates generalists from specialists when it comes to leadership. Moving from Specialist to Generalist Below are some common styles prevalent in leadership today. Managerial Whether we like it or not, management plays a pivotal role in leadership.

Leadership 401

Leadership Professional Development Tradition Cultures 401

A Principal's Reflections

JULY 5, 2014

Excuses are fueled by elements such as fear of change, a desire to protect the status quo, lack of education/knowledge, top-down leadership, micromanagement, and the unwillingness to take risks. Sustainable changes leading to cultural transformation in schools can and will only happen when one moves from a fixed to a growth mindset.

Leadership 408

Leadership Professional Development Humanities Cultures 408

A Principal's Reflections

SEPTEMBER 14, 2014

These commonly arrive in the form of internal professional development initiatives that chew up a great deal of time, but rarely achieve the types of systemic changes that are intended. This is also where it is sustained to the point that it becomes an embedded component of school and/or district culture.

K-12 359

K-12 Leadership Professional Development Cultures 359

A Principal's Reflections

JULY 12, 2015

The onset of the process is typically fraught with challenges such as overcoming the status quo, a mentality of if it isn’t broke why fix it, fear, a void of leadership somewhere in the hierarchy of schools, lack of knowledge on initiating change, no clear vision, too many initiatives at once, naysayers/antagonists, and a one size fits all approach.

Leadership 377

Leadership Cultures Professional Development Teaching 377

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 25, 2019

I’d even go as far as to say that it is our duty, something I elaborate greatly on in Digital Leadership. Below is my evolved take: "When investing in technology, programs, professional development, and innovative ideas, there needs to be a Return on Instruction (ROI) that results in evidence of improved student learning outcomes."

Leadership 340

Leadership Pedagogy Professional Development Cultures 340

A Principal's Reflections

JULY 21, 2010

Yesterday I was granted an opportunity to deliver a keynote at the NYSCATE Leadership Summit in Troy, NY. The topic of my talk was, "Leadership in the Digital Age." Schools that have moved away from this structure support learning cultures that are innovative. Professional development (see #9) is key.

Leadership 326

Leadership Professional Development Cultures Education 326

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 12, 2010

So many exciting things have happened recently as a result of my own learning and growth in educational technology and leadership. As a result, I have seen my own knowledge increase in these areas, participated in exciting professional development opportunities, presented at both my school and at other events on web 2.0,

Professional Development 275

Professional Development Educational Technology EdTech Leadership 275

A Principal's Reflections

FEBRUARY 18, 2024

This means looking at key practices such as Tier 1 instruction, pedagogy, assessment, feedback, differentiation, RTI , real co-teaching , and professional learning to see where there is an opportunity to grow. It starts at the top with leadership. This is yet another testament to the culture of learning that has been established.

Junior High 491

Junior High Pedagogy Professional Development Leadership 491

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 2, 2020

Digital leadership compels us to meet them where they are and engage in two-way communications using a hybrid approach. Success hinges upon taking and applying the key focus areas listed above and aligning them with your respective classroom, school, or district culture. Each district is unique in terms of resources and demographics.

Pedagogy 546

Pedagogy Social Justice K-12 EdTech 546

A Principal's Reflections

NOVEMBER 8, 2020

For the better part of my educational career, I always referred to any type of learning to assist me as a teacher or administrator as professional development (PD). Up until this point, professional development was always done to me as opposed to something that I wanted to be an active part of. Thus, my thinking changed.

Professional Development 364

Professional Development Leadership Humanities Cultures 364

TeachThought

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

It outlines strategies and principles for fostering a culture of mutual respect, trust, and shared vision, highlighting teachers and principals’ critical roles in student success. A collaborative culture where teachers and principals work closely is crucial for overcoming these challenges.

Professional Development 270

Professional Development Cultures Leadership Tradition 270

A Principal's Reflections

JULY 5, 2012

Schools that have moved away from this structure support learning cultures that are innovative. Support can come in many forms, such as release time, supplies/equipment, professional development opportunities, feedback, and just god old fashioned listening. Professional development (see #9) is key.

Professional Development 337

Professional Development Leadership Cultures Education 337

Teaching American History

MAY 21, 2024

Join us this summer for the best professional development TAH offers! Students will study Lincoln’s most important speeches, as well as study various aspects of his political leadership, including his role as the leader of the Republican party and as commander in chief. Our summer experience on campus can’t be beat.

Professional Development 111

Professional Development American History Economics Social Studies 111

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 23, 2015

This past April I was fortunate enough to have been asked to speak at the Moanalua High School Professional Development Conference in Honolulu, HI. It was an incredible opportunity to get back to Hawaii for a professional event as opposed to a vacation. For more information and to register click HERE.

Leadership 289

Leadership Professional Development Cultures High School 289

Digital Promise

MARCH 3, 2015

As instruction becomes increasingly personalized for students, teachers are ready for those same principles to drive their on-going professional development. "Teachers If we focus on learning and development, teachers know where they need to go." ” Drive Professional Growth. "I San Jose, California.

Professional Development 112

Professional Development Leadership Elementary School Tradition 112

A Principal's Reflections

OCTOBER 7, 2018

In a sense, I wasn’t pushed to be innovative or bring about substantive changes that genuinely impact school culture in powerful ways. However, we must understand that opportunities will not just drop in our laps if a culture of possibility is not developed. Challenges morphed into excuses, and in the end, nothing changed.

Leadership 326

Leadership Cultures Professional Development Education 326

A Principal's Reflections

NOVEMBER 17, 2010

21st Century Leadership Shift Happens (must see video for any educator unfamiliar with the tends and impacts associated with technology and social media. Sustainable change relies on understanding people, culture, and processes. grow professionally by establishing a Personal Learning Network (PLN) , follow specific hashtags (#).

Education 350

Education Educational Technology EdTech Professional Development 350

A Principal's Reflections

MAY 28, 2017

It has been quite the ride since I changed my perspective on teaching, learning, and leadership eight years ago. Social media had to be blocked for all and I, for one, wasn’t going to waste any of my precious time using it professionally or personally. The 8 keys are outlined below: Leadership and school culture lay the foundation.

Leadership 299

Leadership Cultures Professional Development Economics 299

A Principal's Reflections

MAY 5, 2024

As I engage with districts and schools regularly, they frequently inquire about ways to gauge the outcomes and efficacy of their innovative strategies, such as BYOD, 1:1, blended and personalized learning, classroom and school redesign, branding, makerspaces, and professional development.

Artifacts 277

Artifacts Leadership Digital Resources Lesson Plan 277

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 11, 2011

With this being said, quality leadership becomes even more essential in order to cultivate a school culture whose primary focus is on the learning and achievement of each and every student. Here are some of my leadership strategies for making change during challenging times. Change Leadership Students Stakeholders pedagogy'

Pedagogy 242

Pedagogy Leadership Professional Development Cultures 242

A Principal's Reflections

JUNE 13, 2013

In collaboration with my staff and the support of District leadership, my efforts have laid the foundation for an innovative teaching and learning culture that focuses on preparing all students for success. Change educational leadership educational technology Innovation Opinion' That and being digitally resilient.

Leadership 295

Leadership Professional Development Educational Technology Critical Thinking 295

A Principal's Reflections

MARCH 28, 2013

In my opinion, schools that wish to create the most relevant and meaningful learning culture will go in one of these directions. It also figures to entail a more streamlined approach when it comes to providing professional development to staff so that the devices are consistently utilized to support student learning.

Artifacts 337

Artifacts Pedagogy Leadership Professional Development 337

A Principal's Reflections

AUGUST 6, 2010

Let me begin by saying that I was absolutely honored that various members of my Professional Learning Network (PLN) and the greater educational community reached out to me to address administrators looking to embrace social media, plan an educational technology conference at my school, and discuss leadership in the digital age.

Leadership 269

Leadership EdTech Educational Technology Professional Development 269

A Principal's Reflections

APRIL 16, 2017

Mandates and top-down directives rarely become embedded and sustained components of school culture because once the focus changes (and it always does) then all the time, energy, and frustration transfers to the new initiative. The focus should be on how this change will improve teaching, learning, and/or leadership.

Leadership 261

Leadership Professional Development Cultures Tradition 261

Dangerously Irrelevant

JULY 27, 2021

[To celebrate our upcoming book, Leadership for Deeper Learning , I am publishing an excerpt each day for a week before its release. We think that this book makes a unique contribution to what we know about leadership in deeper learning schools. Also, every main chapter concludes with Key Leadership Behaviors and Support Structures.

Leadership 110

Leadership Professional Development Tradition Cultures 110