tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12667688465455958342024-03-19T03:19:56.277-04:00Vroom. Fueling Education.Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-90489904834220978272020-07-15T09:02:00.000-04:002020-07-15T09:02:13.823-04:00One A Day. Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80XcI68q040YSoL7Z1gXMeWaNd5FHne_pKBvCwvXeDYc-MtRYZVutNlidiI5UsQXPsrubQBe9y1rABTI_1OVCDgNhBy7cEYsTp5mJqTfMpbVb5xN06dQfWJn1qKE4VdFux2WAYvS2VuQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-07-13+at+2.50.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="374" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80XcI68q040YSoL7Z1gXMeWaNd5FHne_pKBvCwvXeDYc-MtRYZVutNlidiI5UsQXPsrubQBe9y1rABTI_1OVCDgNhBy7cEYsTp5mJqTfMpbVb5xN06dQfWJn1qKE4VdFux2WAYvS2VuQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-07-13+at+2.50.21+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Restless, anxious, worried. We are at a time in our world in which there are more days waking up with these emotions than any other. What will school look like? Will students return in just a few short weeks? Will teachers feel safe and supported?<br />
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Recently, teachers were referred to as "essential employees" during this pandemic. And, while teachers are always essential in the education of our youth, is it accurate that they qualify for this distinction in such a time of unknown?<br />
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Police, fire, medical. That speaks to me as an essential employee. Keeping the food chain supply running. Again, essential. What we have defined as "essential" is different in the eyes of many. (That is an argument for another day.)<br />
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Yet, during this pandemic and with schools set to re-open in just a few weeks, teachers are now being placed in this category. Essential.<br />
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Mental health, social well being, academic growth and providing up to two meals a day to many of our students are all important aspects of being in the field of education.<br />
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Proudly and eagerly and if given the opportunity, and valuing the career path I chose over 25 years ago, I am committed to being, and most certainly believe, educators are essential today, tomorrow and the weeks and years to come.<br />
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Will I still be restless, you bet. Will we have all the answers to all the unknowns, doubtful. Will there be days of anxiousness, yes there will. However, will I step up and do what I am asked? 100%.<br />
<br />Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-17480484201407601752020-07-14T11:01:00.000-04:002020-07-14T11:01:05.651-04:00One A Day, Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrIJ9pce1x_zytWUx8t80ytWPOQxXjqdZn22A1LdORhkz4MMQVI4VjvryspjSyAJZwZ7Ncrc4sRElirDli6PGDYKVcFDxq_BJ3hXPq6CAYWYI06sW0YBjkRkh0Pvy18eDObICsuh3pd4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-07-13+at+2.50.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="374" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXrIJ9pce1x_zytWUx8t80ytWPOQxXjqdZn22A1LdORhkz4MMQVI4VjvryspjSyAJZwZ7Ncrc4sRElirDli6PGDYKVcFDxq_BJ3hXPq6CAYWYI06sW0YBjkRkh0Pvy18eDObICsuh3pd4/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-07-13+at+2.50.21+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Day 2.<br />
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Today is another day to learn, grow, lead and listen. Impacting others and taking in knowledge from those that can share their expertise.<br />
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I've never thought of my self as an expert in much of anything. If anything. There are a lot of things I think I am good at but nothing I could say I am an expert at.<br />
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I think of those that have refined their craft. Athletes, musicians, artists and entertainers. There are definitely educational leaders that I would consider experts in their field. Those that I turn to when we seek guidance and direction and we lean on their knowledge. Rick Wormeli for starters.<br />
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In education, I continue to learn in the hopes that over time my ability and desire to constantly get better at what I do can be the difference for someone else. Focusing on being knowledgable in many areas of this field in which I have give of myself hopefully helps others. And in return, helps me.<br />
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Are you an expert in something? What is it and how do you define that? I would love to hear your definition and how it applies to your work, your life and your world.<br />
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<br />Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-49692120677267358032020-07-13T14:48:00.000-04:002020-07-13T14:51:19.123-04:00One A Day. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NWjuljy4Is1OA5BlCK07nBWyz6zU7o6YqBZaxd2iGZA97vHyY3j_avfqRzfrvYqKfcvduO5TCh9cVNZ5mXfb520YOS7rJN_noi02YSlcH-FSB7moWRRVxbyBOCkFOguF5TuI5pjjByk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2020-07-13+at+2.50.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="374" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-NWjuljy4Is1OA5BlCK07nBWyz6zU7o6YqBZaxd2iGZA97vHyY3j_avfqRzfrvYqKfcvduO5TCh9cVNZ5mXfb520YOS7rJN_noi02YSlcH-FSB7moWRRVxbyBOCkFOguF5TuI5pjjByk/s320/Screen+Shot+2020-07-13+at+2.50.21+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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You have to start somewhere. Somehow, some way.<br />
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Been gone from this for far too long. Some of my best learning came from writing. Rather, it came from reading. Or was it reflecting? Or was it all 3?<br />
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Great educators, great friends, great people entered my world in education (and beyond) through the platform of writing and reading and reflecting. Blogging.<br />
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I am not the most prolific writer. My days may not be nearly as exciting as your days. You are probably more well read. You probably write more, share more and therefore learn more. But I am not going to allow that fear of failure stop me from taking another run at this.<br />
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I have the time. I have the desire. And, like you, simply want to ready for tomorrow. Whatever that may look like.<br />
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So, going to start with a blank page. Not going to overthink it. I am going to just write.<br />
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And maybe, very possibly, I will learn more today than I knew yesterday.<br />
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I am challenging myself to write <i>One A Day, </i>starting today.<br />
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<br />Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-68163698767267650362020-01-16T15:11:00.005-05:002020-01-16T18:51:56.763-05:00Grateful for the Team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZxEDw3UxR1EhCvxfMMn2LxUiqrfiyRgkfdp7D2zWBvIiCnKFaJ83ubUH2h3ksiPRiFrgs4jsdu5upPwVvATbmgkq42zVCgQqzVWBQmKy3M6ah1bLCkWoVN1PJXfqa-JnXZrNhucY8xI/s1600/teamwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZxEDw3UxR1EhCvxfMMn2LxUiqrfiyRgkfdp7D2zWBvIiCnKFaJ83ubUH2h3ksiPRiFrgs4jsdu5upPwVvATbmgkq42zVCgQqzVWBQmKy3M6ah1bLCkWoVN1PJXfqa-JnXZrNhucY8xI/s320/teamwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What is your favorite quote when it comes to the team work of your school or organization? While there are many, there has to be one that stands out to you.<br />
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For me, the team that I am surrounded by continues to show and demonstrate the abilities we have in making a difference in a students life and in a teachers role. It is not just about impacting the learner, it is also about impacting the colleagues we work with each day.<br />
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This morning, the leadership team I work with most closely had the opportunity to share out the great things that are happening by the entire staff. The Campus staff are the ones with students each and every moment of every day.<br />
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On the <a href="https://www.hilliardschools.org/innovation/" target="_blank">Innovation Campus</a> we take great pride in the experience of our students. We emphasize that it is the interactions that our students have with adults, the relationships that are formed and the active learning that takes place that makes all of the difference in our world.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr7-wA9trdGA7r992zDtc-RuBhMoit_x-CYvxoZGplOBA2QcLth0712HPgAOFrUVX9t6rb2pa38_xJA2dO32dL6SIWBdcGyQYcL90ViyPVohCXinsksaGlcY8t69VkNutUhzSioX3cuQ/s1600/Gordon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr7-wA9trdGA7r992zDtc-RuBhMoit_x-CYvxoZGplOBA2QcLth0712HPgAOFrUVX9t6rb2pa38_xJA2dO32dL6SIWBdcGyQYcL90ViyPVohCXinsksaGlcY8t69VkNutUhzSioX3cuQ/s200/Gordon.jpg" width="200" /></a>Once we focus on that - the relationships, the lessons and the experience, then all of the pieces and parts come together as one.<br />
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The Team is making their difference.<br />
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Today, the Leadership Team of Stacy, Scott, Lauren, Trevor and Jennifer had the amazing privilege and opportunity to share out all of the incredible moments that are happening in every aspect of our Campus.<br />
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For the work that they do, the time they devote to this Campus, the way in which they share their passion for those around them, I am grateful. We are grateful for the teachers we work with, the team that leads the work, the parents that send us their children to serve, the vision of the district that provides us these opportunities to do what we do and especially the students who come eager and willing to be engaged in this place. <br />
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This team. Our team. Whether it is small in numbers or big in size, is what makes the difference in the teaching, learning and leading that we experience each day. I am grateful for all of this, and more.<br />
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More gratitude to come...<br />
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<br />Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-7682720748659087972020-01-15T17:50:00.002-05:002020-01-15T17:56:23.312-05:00The Power of Friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89HcEbE-ybtpWtVCDWISKTyfnqwiw0J0P9RRkzEvkEXNsBBKC3EM_q-2Un1xRatHTBI67RIoULKUq5XoIV5IfL1LshxW0N7T6k9ufWf719IrpheCPi72tz9qYHzR9lA0D_QQnkWzNK1Y/s1600/Constant+Giving.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89HcEbE-ybtpWtVCDWISKTyfnqwiw0J0P9RRkzEvkEXNsBBKC3EM_q-2Un1xRatHTBI67RIoULKUq5XoIV5IfL1LshxW0N7T6k9ufWf719IrpheCPi72tz9qYHzR9lA0D_QQnkWzNK1Y/s320/Constant+Giving.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Whether it is the people that we work with, the friends we have created through social media platforms like Twitter, or strangers that become life-long friends, I am grateful for each and everyone one of the connections I have made.<br />
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Recently I ran into an issue with my blog page, domain account and understanding and fixing what to many is a simple task, is not so simple to merge, direct and connect the pieces and parts of the web world and blog sites.<br />
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Through countless emails to the domain provider and hosting site, scouring You Tube for self-help videos and literally taking hours to engage in online tech chats, it was the power of having personal connections that not only came to my rescue but also resolved the issues I was facing.<br />
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With this experience it reinforced what I already knew. The power of relationships, also known as friendships, and the people that sat by my side (literally) or where hundreds of miles away and took time away from their own hectic schedules to help me, is what made all the difference in the world.<br />
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And, while I am grateful for technology and the tools that we are afforded because of it, I am most grateful for the people that help us in all aspects of our lives.<br />
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In this moment, I am most grateful for Kelly and Jennifer for everything they did when I needed it most. I am beyond grateful for your patience, knowledge and most importantly, your friendship.<br />
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More gratitude to come...Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-39042366868256279442019-10-08T20:03:00.000-04:002019-10-08T20:03:47.595-04:00You Matter. Every. Single. Day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpbDctPMeMyaFImxlwpBnqSRjVXD4mCgOdvm0vGit9J7iu4dZVu7ey05rTgP2010y5KeLORZ7OOGUBzo7QJLNRQywf-Q3iD6rM3gQbRHpF6t-r9IgitORNUeCRMZLjCS4LeGea67SZNI/s1600/What+you+do%252C+Matters+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpbDctPMeMyaFImxlwpBnqSRjVXD4mCgOdvm0vGit9J7iu4dZVu7ey05rTgP2010y5KeLORZ7OOGUBzo7QJLNRQywf-Q3iD6rM3gQbRHpF6t-r9IgitORNUeCRMZLjCS4LeGea67SZNI/s320/What+you+do%252C+Matters+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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As an educator, you matter.<br />
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How you engage with your students, your colleagues and your families, it all matters.<br />
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While I have always been intentional in how I interact with others, I have been intentionally, and quietly, observing what those around me are doing in the days, weeks and months to start this school year.<br />
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While we have been saying for years that the power of relationships with our students (and families and colleagues) is at the core of our work as educators, taking it a step further and showing the depth of those relationships and exploring the mindset of how we make others feel and how they come and go each day, is what truly matters.<br />
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Creating a sense of community, matters.<br />
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Listening and supporting our students that experience known (and yet to be known trauma), matters.<br />
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Being willing to step up and step in to teach and learn with our colleagues, matters.<br />
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Leading with empathy, matters.<br />
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Growing alongside of your students, matters.<br />
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Being able to recognize and respond to our strengths, and our weakness, matters.<br />
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As an educator, every interaction of every day, matters. And, while we can't always be our best self of every minute of every day, knowing that we are impacting the lives of those we do interact with and how we respond to them, is what matters.<br />
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As you head home tonight after another long day of dedication to your students and your community, know that what you gave of yourself today, mattered. And, what you provide your community of learners tomorrow will matter just as much as the day before.Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-55681858813108116202019-08-26T14:55:00.002-04:002019-08-27T07:23:49.148-04:00Back to School Checklist for Educators<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHpng070HGaW9RPQaB5dJI8M6hmA1e1kpaEVARS0Xm4dJY-7RgHS3K5c2swRoSqLC-_Ok7qkw-SS6_ItjfpjcgxIOn9Mvx7ACqzL2-8cKY7BtXQNxfKH4bGNfJYuuWY9Wu29-JLqzu44/s1600/Honey+Photo+Blog+Banner+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHpng070HGaW9RPQaB5dJI8M6hmA1e1kpaEVARS0Xm4dJY-7RgHS3K5c2swRoSqLC-_Ok7qkw-SS6_ItjfpjcgxIOn9Mvx7ACqzL2-8cKY7BtXQNxfKH4bGNfJYuuWY9Wu29-JLqzu44/s320/Honey+Photo+Blog+Banner+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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By now, many educators are back into the new school year and off and running as they design their experience for students. Creating an environment and community that supports the learning is critical as students come through the school doors and find their space with the walls of your classroom and your school.<br />
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As we scroll through social media, parents and teachers alike are sharing pictures, quotes and motivational messages to ensure that this school is even better than the last. As an educator, the profession we have chosen is constantly evolving and once again we are reminded of the role that we have chosen and its impact is greater than ever before.<br />
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And, while some teachers are still a week or two out from the year starting, you get the added bonus of reading and seeing the very messages that are moving us to do great things in our communities from those that are already a week, or two, or more into the 2019/2020 school year.<br />
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For all educators, whether having started your year or still eagerly anticipating your first day of class, here are some reminders to help ensure and remind that it is how you start your year that will make all the difference in the eyes of those you serve.<br />
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<b>1. Your #1st3Days (and beyond) are the Foundation.</b> If you are on Twitter, I encourage you to search that hashtag and see what your colleagues are up to around the globe. And, check out the other hashtags that are trending around education. Being connected and learning from others is just the beginning of your own learning journey as you head back to school. Sharing out what we do to start a school year is an intentional movement of sharing ideas and experiences that will help in holding yourself accountable and make sure you are putting the content second and relationships first.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYVa61hLuJax799T8IdOhWSzsTEQVVygdkwbtPPPBf5US_ndnLn1nu2dRiNrqlL342hqyJfXI39_uJStI70vDmQ80G1FTDZQbOL2-AIhm5WHmYx_QWO4_hpQxp58q4nuGHN8p4UZr320/s1600/relationships.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHYVa61hLuJax799T8IdOhWSzsTEQVVygdkwbtPPPBf5US_ndnLn1nu2dRiNrqlL342hqyJfXI39_uJStI70vDmQ80G1FTDZQbOL2-AIhm5WHmYx_QWO4_hpQxp58q4nuGHN8p4UZr320/s320/relationships.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>2. Create Your Space.</b> It is not just a matter of what you learn but where you learn. An inviting space is a powerful space. While today's student continues to morph and learning styles grow over time, work with local businesses that could help you outfit your space to make it perfect. Create a space that inspires, fits and supports your teaching and the students learning.<br />
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<b>3. Grow Leaders Starting on Day 1. </b>While the teacher is often at the front of the room, make sure to grow the minds of those the come to your room and find the leaders within. Give your students a voice as you create your expectations for the year. Not just the "don't do's" but also the "must have's". Things like trust, communication, permission to take risks and permission to fail should be right up there with respect, kindness and compassion.<br />
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<b>4. Model it. </b>We have heard it hundreds of times over. Practice what you preach. Or in this case, model what you want from others and let your actions speak for themselves. Whether leading classrooms of students or a team of educators, being present and giving of your best every day is essential to what you are going to get in return. Remember, it is not a sign on a wall that is going to get the best out of your team, it is how you model what you want that will get your greatest return.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqThtJZPLPM-vfskZ_BRETub8-5tBoxoBfd3pzAcfl5kxk_Dnn17_E9G4bXxNy9BgQHQSVJsiIAFzDyF5MPVlbGxXp0yD_awLP1-qD_jyI1F1TsQHPXKGggCoTZ10159t2koU1e8Pmbc/s1600/Focus3.Com.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqThtJZPLPM-vfskZ_BRETub8-5tBoxoBfd3pzAcfl5kxk_Dnn17_E9G4bXxNy9BgQHQSVJsiIAFzDyF5MPVlbGxXp0yD_awLP1-qD_jyI1F1TsQHPXKGggCoTZ10159t2koU1e8Pmbc/s200/Focus3.Com.png" width="200" /></a><b>5. Emphasize Empathy.</b> The Design Thinking framework begins with empathy. Understanding and applying Social Emotional Learning is all about empathy both for and of others. If you are familiar with the work of <a href="https://twitter.com/TimothyKight" target="_blank">Tim and Brian Kight</a> and the <a href="https://www.focus3.com/" target="_blank">Focus3</a> team, they emphasize the need for empathy. This also leads right into the foundation of what we do as educators each day. Build trust comes from having compassion, building character and showing competence. If you emphasize empathy, your results will speak for themselves.<br />
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In the end, take everything you know, you have read, you talk about with others and that is right in education and apply it during these first few days of the year. Create that base, support others, lean on your colleagues and bring in the community to help you grow in who you are what we get to do each day. Whether it is the power of the team, doing the work or simply being the best version of yourself each day, let's own it and be all that is good, if not great, in education today. Our students and our community deserves it.Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-311405157673605572019-01-03T09:54:00.000-05:002019-01-03T20:10:27.449-05:00Explore. My #OneWord for 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For many of us, we have been selecting our #OneWord for as long as we can remember. For others, it may have been recently introduced. In sharing with colleagues and in hearing Jon Gordon speak a few year ago, the book <a href="http://jongordon.com/books/one-word/" target="_blank">One Word that will Change Your Life</a> was introduced to me. It brought me the clarity I needed in my work, and within my home. The years pass and I continue the process. Doing so creates focus, adds an understanding of my personal and professional roles and brings purpose.<br />
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Now, it is time to choose a word, or rather as Jon Gordon writes and shares, a word that will choose me, that will guide me through 2019.<br />
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This past year brought change in my career. New faces, new spaces and a new challenge were presented. The first semester has been intense, supportive and full of growth. Push, pull and struggling along the way were common. Newly formed friendships, kindness and love stood side by my side. Each day gave way to a new opportunity to learn, to grow, to share.<br />
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Life at home is changing, too: kids getting older, chapters turning, decisions about next steps on the horizon. The number around the dinner table changes next fall with tassels turning in May. For years, we knew this day would come. Coming too quickly if you ask me. We will go from six to four. Just like that.<br />
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What next, then? What does the future hold? I'm scared and excited; it runs through my mind, my body and my soul every day. Change is good for me, for our children, for our growth. Time to see what awaits.<br />
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It is time to EXPLORE.<br />
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<li><b>With the support of colleagues, I will EXPLORE what I can do each day in where I work. My future.</b></li>
<li><b>With the support of family, I will EXPLORE what is on the path ahead for my children. Their future.</b></li>
<li><b>With the support of friends, I will EXPLORE in the coming days and months, and grow in our relationships with each other. Our future.</b></li>
<li><b>With the support of my faith, I will EXPLORE and be steady in the face of storms. As heartache will inevitably be upon us, we will be there for each other. Our loved ones.</b></li>
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I am ready to take on this new year and the challenges, the opportunities and the experiences that await. Moving forward, my mindset will be one in which I explore what is around each corner and down each path. Here is to an amazing 2019 full of exploration!<br />
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<br />Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-66573132905592047032018-12-31T11:45:00.003-05:002018-12-31T11:45:49.279-05:00Staying In Your Lane. Risk Versus Reward<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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Have you ever heard the expression "stay in your lane" at work or at home? The expression, for those that are not familiar with how it is used, refers to decision making and input about about various situations in your life and/or it can be about any opinion you may have about a certain topic. </div>
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For example, in the education circle, if you are a teacher and a building decision is made, someone may say that you should “stay in your lane” and allow the building administration to make that decision. At a higher level within your company you may be encouraged to “stay in your lane” and keep that type of a decision to those that have the position to make the call.</div>
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As a parent, if you don’t like what you are seeing during your student-athlete’s sporting contest, you may want to share your opinion with the coaching staff. In this situation, you may want to “stay in your lane” and let the coaches coach and the parent parent.</div>
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Of course, this expression can be used thousands of times over. From parenting, to the way a grocery store is laid out, to decisions made at your place of employment, to everyday decision making under your own roof. Staying in your lane, however, is high risk versus high reward.</div>
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Ask yourself this question: How often do you “stay in your lane” where you work and live each day? Do you have an environment where it is encouraged to process, push back, offer input and give feedback to decisions that are made that have an impact to a greater audience? And, when you do offer feedback, solicited or not, how is that received by your colleagues or family?</div>
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Staying in your lane has both negative and positive connotations. Based on your answers to the questions above, you will know rather quickly whether or not you should stay the course (in your lane) or take the risk of stepping, or swerving (carefully) from side to side. </div>
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Consider the following of high risk, high reward for staying in your lane versus not. Keep the following in mind as you consider whether or not you should offer input and step out of your lane: </div>
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<li>Is your input necessary?</li>
<li>What are you intentions? </li>
<li>Consider your approach. Ask for a conversation.</li>
<li>Remember the goal in mind.</li>
<li>You are part of the team. </li>
<li>Recognize that some decisions just need to be made.</li>
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There is no easy way to determine whether or not you should stay in your lane. Every situation presented will have its own response. If you read through this and realize you are always within your 12 feet and never cross over the dotted line (or worse, the lines where you work or live are double solid), you may want to take a step back and assess the very foundation of where it is you spend your days. </div>
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In the end, it is the relationships you form that are essential and those will drive decisions within the organization. If you have not established trusting and purposeful interactions with those with whom you work and live with, whether or not you should stay in your lane is the least of your worries. </div>
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Have critical conversations, build upon what you have and trust your instincts. If your work environment is anything like mine, you have powerful opportunities to grow collaboratively and with support. The team is the most powerful aspect of what we have. Believe in it, lean on it.</div>
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And finally, as you go into the second half of the school year have a goal of encouraging feedback and collaboration. And, take inventory of the relationships you have formed. Find balance on the road you are on going forward into the New Year. </div>
Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-60672346390419342832018-11-29T15:46:00.000-05:002018-11-29T15:53:42.493-05:00With Gratitude - 4 Ways to Give to Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3rwkomVVHRv2q54rS37OZmTt9VQXoSy6704WEpG81ohp8VPvmhqsyX9ESCmBNKs5vUuRR97AU3C6bKoM61OFjurvduQ9N7uH7_n5tGTEJuQibU-r7FXHCVjQvYblV7v7P-PGVfjZlsY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-11-29+at+3.39.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="750" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3rwkomVVHRv2q54rS37OZmTt9VQXoSy6704WEpG81ohp8VPvmhqsyX9ESCmBNKs5vUuRR97AU3C6bKoM61OFjurvduQ9N7uH7_n5tGTEJuQibU-r7FXHCVjQvYblV7v7P-PGVfjZlsY/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-11-29+at+3.39.01+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Walk the halls of your school and listen to the exchanges between students and adults. Engage in a conversation with a teacher that you work alongside of on a daily basis. Hear how students talk about their hopes, dreams and even their struggles throughout the building.<br />
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What you are hearing is people giving of themselves in one form or another. Students give of themselves to their friends and teachers in how they listen, how they support and how they spend their time with each other. Teachers offer support and encouragement to their colleagues in their professional and personal lives. And, our cafeterias and hallways are filled with people both young and old that are constantly giving with their ears and eyes and hearts wide open.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou1AsYzfkU3aVw3S2Zk6rTZqpKnz87uXO2cG9YpvDee6_vyUDvHwyW2PlwWew0a1KTKJx3l9aScFrxvaG9bUAvxtET2EaEa-4RxzZ0e1oxborJuswwIlt1SdfyxVkQdBAQz4-MB-Nsls/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-11-29+at+3.13.57+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="617" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiou1AsYzfkU3aVw3S2Zk6rTZqpKnz87uXO2cG9YpvDee6_vyUDvHwyW2PlwWew0a1KTKJx3l9aScFrxvaG9bUAvxtET2EaEa-4RxzZ0e1oxborJuswwIlt1SdfyxVkQdBAQz4-MB-Nsls/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-11-29+at+3.13.57+PM.png" width="200" /></a>As one holiday passes and another is just weeks away, we find ourselves in a state of constantly giving. Regardless of our individual obstacles and the curveballs that life continues to throw us, we are resilient in our desire to be their for others. We give.<br />
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Additionally, showing our gratitude does not need to be measured by dollars. And there is no way to determine who intends to give more than the next person. What we do know is that we are each able to be there for each other regardless of the time of day, the time of year or the money in our pockets.<br />
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As you think about how you give of yourself, consider these four ways to give to others:<br />
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<b>1. Actively Listen.</b> Do not just listen but listen with purpose. In other words - instead of hearing what someone else is saying and thinking of a response before they finish speaking, just hear them until the end. Pause. Think for a moment about what was shared and then respond. The person who is sharing will notice this subtle yet purposeful act in how you listen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQYDqMfaaEq1RxYXjPOT19fMffTJpVyC1YtyFK2B57WVDfuadQhcSDGqoMqUZl-fPs5L6fcey0_xnuyRfVZXYMDs4OPn7aQCNlIdpLvfEAcUq64g3Gukag3rFXNEJ_bmS6yamhKnvUVA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-11-29+at+3.28.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="384" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQYDqMfaaEq1RxYXjPOT19fMffTJpVyC1YtyFK2B57WVDfuadQhcSDGqoMqUZl-fPs5L6fcey0_xnuyRfVZXYMDs4OPn7aQCNlIdpLvfEAcUq64g3Gukag3rFXNEJ_bmS6yamhKnvUVA/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-11-29+at+3.28.13+PM.png" width="198" /></a><b>2. The Gift of Time.</b> This is the one gift we have each asked for in a variety of situations many times over. In the spirit of giving, find a creative way to offer a colleague this very gift. Covering a class for part of the day is a great way to do this. Find a day that works and take over a lesson during your planning period. Or, if you are an administrator, build this into your week and encourage your colleague to use the time however they would like.<br />
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<b>3. Use Your Muscle.</b> The heavy work takes up much of our energy. If you are looking for a way to give to others, offer yourself, and your muscle, to pick up, clean up and even repurpose your teaching space. With flexible seating and a shift toward focusing on design, give of your muscle to make this happen. The transformation will be more than just furniture being moved.<br />
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<b>4. Give Thanks.</b> Especially this time of year, simply give thanks to those around you. Regardless of how well we know someone, seek out those you share your day with and simply let them know you are grateful for who they are and what they do for the organization. While using your words is the most meaningful, send a note. Write to someone and share your gratitude. You will be grateful of the feeling you will have for doing so.<br />
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The season in which we are in continues to be the one that many of us invest the most of ourselves when it comes to giving and showing gratitude. With that in mind, be creative in how you give. While financial support for those that are in need goes a long way, I would also share that time, muscle, how we listen and words of thanks are equally as powerful.Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-37882738456960840332018-11-06T09:01:00.002-05:002018-11-06T19:35:04.907-05:00A Book Worth Reading - What Made Maddy Run<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Educators across the country have known for years that the social emotional well being of their students is a critical component of knowing their learners. The importance of understanding a students background, their life story, and what events have shaped their journey to date are essential to the progress we make in our classrooms each day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsbWZylxqKdqXT9w6djvHd-8WfnMBzFxdXk6D9SM8xt5tUPPmGFNbA2kX6Zik63ibqtr1ocQcLR4o6lFWRr7hVxxqIQ0P-60nexsv9xbS-PHQEYzK12gONLkeiyEVqeskMT3XkVzZ_q8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-11-06+at+8.07.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="230" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUsbWZylxqKdqXT9w6djvHd-8WfnMBzFxdXk6D9SM8xt5tUPPmGFNbA2kX6Zik63ibqtr1ocQcLR4o6lFWRr7hVxxqIQ0P-60nexsv9xbS-PHQEYzK12gONLkeiyEVqeskMT3XkVzZ_q8/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-11-06+at+8.07.54+AM.png" width="211" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Even with all of this knowledge and the desire to shield our children and our students from the cruel realities of society, students are more fragile than ever before. Self-harm, anxiety and depression continue to be a topic of teachers and administrators to not only start a school year, but also is a weekly point of conversation with counselors, social workers and most importantly, parents. Anxiety is real. It's impact is life-changing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now, connect this to your own personal story and your own struggles as an adult growing up and taking on your role to teach. And/or, for those of you that may have your own children, how has your parenting evolved into something that you most likely didn't recall as how your own parents raised you? Times are changing. Children are living in world that many adults are not familiar with. The days of "ignoring it" are gone. We must take action.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last year about this time I was handed a book from a colleague that was authored by <a href="https://twitter.com/katefagan3" target="_blank">Kate Fagan</a>. It was a read that I was not familiar with but one that I was encouraged to dive into. Especially having two high school seniors beginning their journey of their next chapter of their lives. The decision of college, athletics at the next level and more were on my horizon, and theirs, and it was coming quickly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The book, <i>What Made Maddy Run</i>, is an unbelievably challenging book to read. Not because of the level of vocabulary or the fine print, yet due to the hard truths of young adults and the struggles they face with depression, anxiety and the fear of failure. What was equally as powerful (and painful) was that I was reading this through the lens of an educator <b>and </b>as a parent. And, as hard as it was to read, I could not put it down. I was drawn in. I was learning. My own response, reaction and support would soon grow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The <a href="https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/" target="_blank">statistics</a> state that too many times over the story of Maddy is a common one across campuses. While Maddy had an amazing family, supportive friends and she excelled in the classroom, there was a side of her that was never fully understood. Or worse, never heard. Part of that was due to her control. Part of that was due to the adults not necessarily recognizing the signs. And, on top of all of those previously mentioned favorable life factors, she was an amazing athlete. Maddy was a "picture perfect" image of a young adult who had the world in front of her and dreams that couldn't be stopped.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgNN8dDiEbdFtrU3p84Wpbkv60HVtRW7kshvEsh5AZHV8HFoKWYTVjBq_Le4UV6Iy9uLw7DJ56m1Sc9MupqGCBlqocwrv40_ScsCMzn_e9je_56aRr6WvHKgI3kwbg6IpIOMhjESG_h4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-11-06+at+8.19.55+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="437" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifgNN8dDiEbdFtrU3p84Wpbkv60HVtRW7kshvEsh5AZHV8HFoKWYTVjBq_Le4UV6Iy9uLw7DJ56m1Sc9MupqGCBlqocwrv40_ScsCMzn_e9je_56aRr6WvHKgI3kwbg6IpIOMhjESG_h4/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-11-06+at+8.19.55+AM.png" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>And then it did. Abruptly and suddenly and to her family and friends, shockingly.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Where are you in your understanding of social emotional learning in your space? If you are anything like me, you are still learning and growing and searching for resources to make you that much more responsive to our students needs. With that in mind, I would encourage you to pick up this book and give it a read. It won't be easy. It gets uncomfortable. It is painful. Yet it is also a look into the life of a young person who seems to have it all but the truth was far from the reality. You will be better for having read it. And, you will be better prepared to support your students and your children along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We must continue to get a deeper understanding of the social emotional state of the young people coming to their classroom door each day. It is essential. Understanding their hope, their sense of belonging and even their grit, should now be a part of our daily work. While Maddy on the surface may have had many of these attributes, we discovered in the end she was lacking many. It was the layers that were not peeled back that could have revealed a different ending to her story.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, continue to explore and continue to learn. Connect with others and keep the conversation going of social emotional learning in schools. Continue to locate the vast resources that exist. Especially from within your district and from your colleagues. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Same articles of interest on social emotional learning are:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-06-04-the-future-of-education-depends-on-social-emotional-learning-here-s-why" target="_blank">The Future of Eduction depends on Social Emotional Learning: Here's Why</a> From <a href="https://twitter.com/EdSurge" target="_blank">EdSurge</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/finding_common_ground/2018/03/no_place_for_social-emotional_learning_in_schools_are_you_sure.html" target="_blank">No Place for Social Emotional Learning in Schools. Are You Sure?</a> By <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterMDeWitt" target="_blank">Peter DeWitt</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/how-a-kindness-contagion-improves-lives-especially-now/2018/10/26/25a723ea-d3b7-11e8-8c22-fa2ef74bd6d6_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.3d6436dc290f" target="_blank">How "Kindness Contagion" improves lives, especially now.</a> From <a href="https://twitter.com/washingtonpost" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a></span>Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-61956273818449491162018-09-25T19:28:00.000-04:002018-09-26T09:40:21.485-04:00Collaborative Effort - 5 Qualities of an Impactful Meeting<br />
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Have you ever left a meeting where you were completely and positively energized from the work that was just accomplished?<br />
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As you think back to those meetings, were there any attributes that repeat themselves?<br />
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Many times we take the structure and the success (or failure) of a meeting for granted. Often times we give credit to one or two people (deservingly so) who organized the time together or we just assume that good leaders have good meetings.<br />
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While that may account for the success of some of these times we come together, there is more. Much more. Meetings that have us leaving with excitement and eagerness have a few (very) specific qualities in common.<br />
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In the last couple of weeks I have had the opportunity to be a part of a few different collaborations that were absolute game-changers. I left these conversations ready to take on the day and the week ahead. Hard to think that a "meeting" could be this energizing and exciting and leave the lasting impact that it did. In fact, they did just that.<br />
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Here is what made all the difference in each of these conversations:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsM-RIJYTSkF-zDkCaqqGgTuAJSn1GsrVB2PqBORIBfvyP245-rPvXi8m6lXhjfL1xRBDdXaVnkWwBSgWXlSGF8Oz_KndqbLG9Dqr9aT0SKtjYBYEyU90UkcDLET0U4vxZzzjwWziA3M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-09-25+at+7.27.14+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="311" data-original-width="312" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbsM-RIJYTSkF-zDkCaqqGgTuAJSn1GsrVB2PqBORIBfvyP245-rPvXi8m6lXhjfL1xRBDdXaVnkWwBSgWXlSGF8Oz_KndqbLG9Dqr9aT0SKtjYBYEyU90UkcDLET0U4vxZzzjwWziA3M/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-09-25+at+7.27.14+PM.png" width="200" /></a><b>Input for the agenda. </b>Not to be taken for granted, asking for agenda items in advance goes along way with those in attendance. Not only would this upcoming time together be about what the leader felt significant for us to discuss, they also took the time to ask us what was important to share with the group. Call it buy-in or call it input, this is the epitome of being collaborative.<br />
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<b>Respect the time.</b> Too often we sit in meetings wishing it would be over so we could get back to the list of items awaiting us. Just like asking for our agenda input, our time was respected and it was shared up front how long we would be away from the building. This allows for a clear ending time so that others, including ourselves, would know when we would return.<br />
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<b>Stay on task.</b> Personally, this can be the most difficult attribute for me in many aspects of my day. I am the master of a tangent. In meetings, however, much like the ones of these past few weeks, the group understood the task at hand and stuck to the agenda. While mini-break-offs are one thing, sticking to the agenda is another layer of respecting the process.<br />
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<b>When it fails, own it.</b> While we would like to think that all meetings can go off without a hitch, it is unlikely to say the least. So in the event that things do get heated or opinions begin to splinter, be the one to take charge and own any missteps along the way. The best leaders own their mistakes. The even better ones own them in front of others.<br />
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<b>Give praise. </b>Recently I left a meeting that I was confident went rather well. What made that crystal clear was that before I even got out of the parking lot I found myself in a group text chat of gratitude. This made the time, energy and effort that much more worthwhile. While we don't do what we do for praise, it sure feels great when we get it. So, next time you have a chance to offer praise to a colleague, do so. It feels just as awesome to give praise as it does to receive it.<br />
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While the list could go on, these 5 qualities capture a few of my takeaways from my most recent experiences. Some of these meetings I was a guest and others I co-led. It takes commitment to ensure that time together is powerful and purposeful. The challenge has been placed in front of me. Continue to grow in how I lead others.<br />
<br />Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-65566372974246719772018-08-01T08:15:00.000-04:002018-08-01T09:21:52.839-04:00Ready, Go. Welcome to August!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My hope is that all educators took time these past couple of months to pause, rejuvenate, find balance and give back to family and friends the time, energy and love that many devote to their schools throughout the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The calendar has turned, August has arrived. I truly believe that having this time away is intentionally designed into our work. We each know what we give of ourselves when students and staff are present. The weeks away are a needed period of time to reset when they are not. These months are intentional, they are purposeful, they are essential.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today is a new month on our calendars. For many, if not most, it is the month in which we officially get our mindset on the return of school. It is the time in which we tell ourselves to get (officially) going.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The reality is, however, if you are an educator like myself, you most likely never truly took time "off". Instead, you stayed connected via social media through twitter conversations and gathering of information. Many of us dove into the latest book(s) about the world in which we work. And each of us picked up the phone on more than one occasion to meet up with a teammate or colleague that inspires us every day we walk into the school buildings we serve. Learning never took any time off these past few months. Our growth continued.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today, however, we officially begin. Emails from administrators will begin to hit our inboxes. Invitations for professional learning events will come from the districts we serve. And our own children, if you have them, will start asking the inevitable question, "how many days of summer until school starts?" For my children, the answer is 21.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To each of you reading this - it is time. It is time to be thinking about our classroom design and how we will be purposeful in building our relationships with students and staff. It is time to be thinking about lessons and instruction and how we will reach our learners where they are knowing where they need to be. It is time to ensure we are reaching the social and emotional needs of every child, every day, to the best of our ability. Today, it begins.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good luck in the days and weeks ahead. You are committed to what you do and how you do it. Make this school year your best of all. Take on new challenges, embrace opportunities and be inspired and motivated to be at your best. Welcome to August, friends. It is time to do the work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ready, go.</span>Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-38106889501295022082018-07-23T11:29:00.000-04:002018-07-23T15:16:24.406-04:00Why We Tribe - The Reasons Behind ItI don't even remember <i><b>when</b></i> it actually started. I know I can go back and search for a first post or try to put my finger on when I first tweeted my blog through social media. However, I am not sure that gets to the bottom of <i><b>why</b></i> I even started on this journey to begin with. We can each answer the when but can we each answer the why?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqLFo8d7KG7OYF7iDdCkURSVwiJVSdl4-2JCBC9nVIu_s360D7o_pdPm1uJ7MRlIb_XvVwXK93ueU2KuG7el0wqu6bI8bTScmEgme0Ibn_qa07K8-vdpX7JK8OBFWF3UjoFhi8CdvB-c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-07-23+at+11.06.17+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="635" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWqLFo8d7KG7OYF7iDdCkURSVwiJVSdl4-2JCBC9nVIu_s360D7o_pdPm1uJ7MRlIb_XvVwXK93ueU2KuG7el0wqu6bI8bTScmEgme0Ibn_qa07K8-vdpX7JK8OBFWF3UjoFhi8CdvB-c/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-07-23+at+11.06.17+AM.png" width="320" /></a>Blogging for me has been a rocky relationship. Some weeks and months I feel like I have so much to share and grow from by putting my experiences in writing. Then there are weeks, months and even the past school year in which I hardly wrote at all. There was guilt for not writing. Disappointment at times. I was not modeling everything I had encouraged others to do. I stepped back. Stayed quiet. I was trying to redefine my place.<br />
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As the school year went by and the seasons passed, my reflection on the year unfolding was getting louder. While I had stopped writing and posting, I hadn't stopped growing. I gave myself permission to step away from blogging. It wasn't until this spring that I found some answers and realized I needed to go <a href="http://www.fueling-education.com/2018/06/and-then-i-stopped.html" target="_blank">back to the beginning</a> of my journey. I needed reminded of my <b>why</b>.<br />
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June passes and now into July. <a href="http://www.fueling-education.com/p/the-compelled-tribe.html" target="_blank">The Compelled Tribe</a> (a group of educators from across the country) were given a task and a challenge of sorts by writing to a prompt, a shared topic. We asked them, and therefore I ask myself, "Why [do] We Tribe?"<br />
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<i><b>Our suggestion for your post this month is to use the power of reflection to move forward. Simply, "Why We Tribe".</b> Each of us has committed to this group for one reason or another. Whether we are writing and reading as suggested or fall short due to the realities of life, why are we here? The goal is to tell our story and recommit to the group. Hopefully this post will encourage just that!</i></blockquote>
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Now I find myself sitting here today gearing up for a new year, new challenges and many new faces. Relationships continue to grow and knowledge continues to expand. I find myself eager, yet scared. </div>
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It sets in. It all comes back to the question that motivated and inspired me along with so many others to get into the world of blogging to begin with years ago. It answers the question. I am re-discovering my "<b>why</b>". </div>
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While simple by words, it is not always simple to see. The reality is that it is our <b><i>Tribe</i></b> that is at the core of our why. And it is our Tribe that reinforces our reasons for blogging, reflecting and growing. </div>
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<b>Our Tribe:</b></div>
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... gives us an open and honest platform to <b>REFLECT</b> in our practice. Therefore, we get better at our craft. Our PLN is transparent and does not judge. Reflecting on what we do is essential to grow forward.</div>
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... is about <b>RELATIONSHIPS</b> first and foremost. When we find our tribe and commit to them whole-heartedly we grow. We live the model we preach in our school districts and in our classrooms. Relationships are at the foundation of everything that follows in teaching, learning and leading. Our tribe reminds us of this daily.</div>
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... provides an opportunity for each of us to <b>RECOGNIZE </b>our strengths and weaknesses. It is this group of people, our community, our tribe, that helps us see what otherwise we may be unable to recognize on our own. No rose-colored lenses here. Just honest feedback and an opportunity to expand who we are.</div>
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... energizes and <b>REENERGIZES</b> our passion for the work that we do. We all stumble and we all have days that are harder than others. The tribe is always there. We stand with each other in our best of times and our worst of times. We feed off the stories of each other. The tribe brings the energy.</div>
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... gives each of us the opportunity to <b>REJOICE</b> in our work and the work of others. The power of the professional learning network is more than a passing moment. Connecting with others and sharing our story is part of our growth and our way to celebrate the work of others. We rejoice in what we see in others. </div>
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There are thousands of bloggers in all aspects of work and life. There are hundreds of educators that take the time to write about their journey. And many of them are better at their craft than me. I am content being a small fish in a very large pond. </div>
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At the end of the day, being a part of a tribe and many different tribes at that, it is what allows me to grow in what I do each and every day. Whether my tribe is the building I serve and the community within, the district leadership team I am blessed to be a part of, the Compelled Tribe of educators from coast to coast, or my family at home, it is the experiences of each of these that allow me to give to others and therefore answers my <b><i>why</i></b>. My why is my tribe(s). And for that, I am grateful.</div>
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Why do you Tribe? Check out what Seth Godin says about finding your tribe.</div>
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Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-69136701905470405122018-06-17T07:51:00.002-04:002018-06-18T10:50:36.367-04:00Back to the Beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We each have our own version of what reflection is, what it looks like and what the intentions are. For me, writing about my educational experiences had been my path for so long. For years I had taken to the keyboard to share the journey I was on with the work that I do.<br />
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And then I stopped.<br />
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The passion for writing fell short. I struggled with this and internalized whether or not I could even have the word "blogger" in my online description of who I was as an educator and as a professional. Defeat set in. Failure loomed. Certain relationships went silent.</div>
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As the months passed and the lack of sharing my journey through blogging continued to have zero presence in the online world, I came to the realization that it was my own fears that had been holding me back. And most importantly, it was the fear of failure that had become the barrier to my desire to write.</div>
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Some of us are better than others at putting our thoughts, emotions and stories onto the canvas of a paper through the movement of keys on a computer. Others of us have found that sharing our journey is often done more effectively through the simple art of listening and conversing face-to-face. It is the relationships that we form through personal interactions that inspire us to do the work we do.</div>
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In the end, maybe we are one in the same. Maybe we should focus more on the "why" and less on the "how".<br />
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The reality is that we each have a story worth sharing. Our outcomes in our work are a series of responses we have made in decisions, actions and purposes of each day. Maybe it is time to rethink the vehicle in which we share our own story. Simply put - if we share, we grow.<br />
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I have always believed, and still do to this day, that written reflection can be one of the most powerful tools in our growth. Pausing, sharing, refining, editing and publishing our story can be transformational and inspirational.<br />
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<i>It is our commitment to reflect that will guide each of us on our leadership paths.</i></div>
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Giving myself permission to step away from the keyboard is what has motivated me to return to it. Spending less energy on how I write and refocusing on why I write has been the difference.<br />
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My voice is back.<br />
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The story is just beginning.</div>
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Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-55149222953106443292018-06-17T07:30:00.001-04:002018-06-17T07:32:07.298-04:00Learning Through Observing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mesmerized by the passions of others. Writing, sharing, teaching. Educators striving to make an impact with students, with colleagues and with a community. Learning does not happen in isolation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Learning is not a moment in time, learning is constant over time. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Watching others contribute to ones growth in knowledge has no specific formula. There is no specific way. We stumble, we attempt and we stay firm in our belief that in the end, we are better than where we started because we believe in each other. We believe in our growth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our convictions are strong. Anchored through the conversations with others and built on the foundation of trust and a goal to be committed to the organization in which we serve and to learn ourselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Learning occurs through observing. And, doing. We must have a willingness to let go of what we may have thought was once the only path and find the path that will make us better tomorrow than we were today. Sometimes looping back, paths are meant to be blazed through the daily challenges in life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not every step has one that follows. Your path is just that, yours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Watching, growing, breathing. Being the best version of ones self. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Always learning. Always observing. </span>Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-13127589174556493032018-05-15T18:36:00.001-04:002018-05-16T08:45:17.942-04:00The End.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH89QaGxAdVqOUhgm4yaS04e0zySFkDjp9iwXpKGLPWtQpsx-rgQefDIdRF4wn5oYf3O8IX3ihCenpIMSjw4bng94kZ0Qzw_q89rLrQ0d4VpIvzC5nWv9BQVEyVr84KaZ-goz79wfGfsQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-05-16+at+7.15.56+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="687" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH89QaGxAdVqOUhgm4yaS04e0zySFkDjp9iwXpKGLPWtQpsx-rgQefDIdRF4wn5oYf3O8IX3ihCenpIMSjw4bng94kZ0Qzw_q89rLrQ0d4VpIvzC5nWv9BQVEyVr84KaZ-goz79wfGfsQ/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-05-16+at+7.15.56+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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By now we are all heading into the home stretch of the school year with our students and staffs. Celebrations are taking shape and students and teachers alike are getting restless as the days pass by. Undoubtedly, the year is coming to an end.<br />
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Before you put all of your thought into your ending, let's reflect back to the beginning. Do you recall that first month? Do you remember what you did to kick off your year to set the tone for the teaching and learning that has happened these past 8 months?<br />
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My (obvious) guess is that you focused on the power of relationships.<br />
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Your beginning, like mine, was consumed with getting-to-know-you activities, completing learner inventories and, of course, simply learning the names of your students. You were engaged and invested. You were discovering who you would spend your year with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8clVxppYCReBidS3ZYFwOJLcmmViiVlG_eJoJAbvoRIBTTQsS_QBJBHaSDK8fUnu6CRgT-lGLwp3_QZfIrZ9BrM2jTkxHGYkBIJ5OSQ4s3NDuNCDTjkESskjI9i4l7ZmuSmd-EUK1K4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-05-15+at+6.34.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="726" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8clVxppYCReBidS3ZYFwOJLcmmViiVlG_eJoJAbvoRIBTTQsS_QBJBHaSDK8fUnu6CRgT-lGLwp3_QZfIrZ9BrM2jTkxHGYkBIJ5OSQ4s3NDuNCDTjkESskjI9i4l7ZmuSmd-EUK1K4/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-05-15+at+6.34.58+PM.png" width="320" /></a>Now that the year is almost over, how will you finish? Will you remain as engaged and invested until that final bell on that final day?<br />
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Personally, I am fully entrenched in our year-end celebrations. We have planned out those special moments in which we acknowledge the accomplishments of the year. Change is around the corner and we are nervously excited for the next adventure in our journey.<br />
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Whether graduation for our kindergarten classes all the way through our graduates of the class of 2018, we must end as strong (if not stronger) than how we started. We must bring the pomp and circumstance and celebrate each milestone of our year.<br />
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Build your ending as strong as you built your beginning. This is the end of our year. Remember, your ending is <i>their </i>ending.<br />
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Laugh, cry, reflect, share and take note of all that is that you accomplished this year. Find ways to stay connected and stay engaged. There will never be another ending to the one you are about to embark on.<br />
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Enjoy, the End.Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-20485213060814484012018-05-08T21:52:00.001-04:002018-05-09T06:32:17.980-04:00Growing Differently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2dJo_Yg-STmoFSo2UZjYuCYoIYrDYocuAMc9TcKCuDLnLnaQ0gMpNYzPSrQeePYa8lW28-FfONZO2kqMYMWY13Kq_7fBjPczneIGp0CCZtSzqfw8RQ79V-M_8akVKCyOCHg1LEaaG0U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-05-09+at+6.31.41+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="681" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2dJo_Yg-STmoFSo2UZjYuCYoIYrDYocuAMc9TcKCuDLnLnaQ0gMpNYzPSrQeePYa8lW28-FfONZO2kqMYMWY13Kq_7fBjPczneIGp0CCZtSzqfw8RQ79V-M_8akVKCyOCHg1LEaaG0U/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-05-09+at+6.31.41+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This year I haven't taken to the pages. And, the guilt of this has picked away at me over time. I take great pride in growing through writing. Therefore, when not writing, there has been a sense of disappointment. Until today.<br />
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As I was listening and learning today from <a href="https://twitter.com/gcouros" target="_blank">George Coursos</a>, it hit me. While I have had a sense of being at a loss these past few months for not modeling a platform of reflection (blogging) that I take great pride in, I was reminded (via George's comments) that quite possibly my growth this year has happened in other ways, equally as powerful, just not nearly as noticeable. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HzQayDcqGN0UzkOEn2iWkLckLvULhvYxQVkhpXb03m_nCOPh5Ff00MEH1T1BZ06v73YKAJJz9kr9udRWI6MwSNhPMtogR02G50WrqMqe4_KQbxJJwh43KT2uiU_87Nc77XWzTI9l2JI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-05-08+at+9.14.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="584" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HzQayDcqGN0UzkOEn2iWkLckLvULhvYxQVkhpXb03m_nCOPh5Ff00MEH1T1BZ06v73YKAJJz9kr9udRWI6MwSNhPMtogR02G50WrqMqe4_KQbxJJwh43KT2uiU_87Nc77XWzTI9l2JI/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-05-08+at+9.14.56+PM.png" width="320" /></a>Mr. Couros reminded me/us that while we need to find ways in which to share out our story, the way in which we do can change over time just like our students change the way in which they learn over time. And even though we may become accustomed to one particular way of doing so, we must constantly be evolving ourselves as learners. And therefore, as teachers.</div>
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The reality is that this past year I have found other ways to grow personally and professionally. And finally after months of "guilt" (and with the help of today's conversation), I feel a sense of understanding in my journey. </div>
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This year, maybe more than others in years past, I have been more intentional and purposeful with:</div>
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<li>Engaging with face-to-fact conversations and having deeper conversations about being impactful and effective in teaching and learning/leading.</li>
<li>Sharing our/my school story of successes and failures in teaching and learning through both my personal twitter account and our school (@wmscats) account and most importantly our school hashtag, #WeaverWay.</li>
<li>Helping others grow by encouraging and modeling multiple platforms of social media to reflect and grow as educators.</li>
<li>Reading some amazing books about my current role as an administrator and future role next year. (Message me if you would like my list!)</li>
<li>Growing others through intentional professional development as a community of learners.</li>
<li>Focusing on relationships first and foremost with students, staff, colleagues and community.</li>
<li>Building leadership capacity in those I work with day in and day out.</li>
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Reflecting today, and hearing the message of the morning, I am letting myself "off the hook" for not writing/blogging as much. Because in the end, I have grown just as much (if not more) but just in other ways and while using other tools. </div>
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Mr. Couros also reminded me that if we ask our students to change in the ways in which they learn, then I too can change the way in which I am taught. The goal is growth. And for me, I have done just that this year.</div>
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Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-48608084112641770562018-02-02T07:00:00.000-05:002018-02-02T07:06:58.369-05:004 Ways to Start Your Friday and Tie Up the Week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8a07WZK_43LTidYXvlMfi5i7iYRwIJ0x10BlMnwW7kIl6R6P2pHPwUXmtEfhCGiL8g_NyvB38dnm6RBWAEP2m9mFDWS-rLSCbQ2Ok0n22GJzKy0FZuoW1N3LvoBThQkcrnCVstETdIw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-02-02+at+6.58.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="771" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8a07WZK_43LTidYXvlMfi5i7iYRwIJ0x10BlMnwW7kIl6R6P2pHPwUXmtEfhCGiL8g_NyvB38dnm6RBWAEP2m9mFDWS-rLSCbQ2Ok0n22GJzKy0FZuoW1N3LvoBThQkcrnCVstETdIw/s320/Screen+Shot+2018-02-02+at+6.58.15+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The week is wrapping up. Lessons taught, lessons learned. You have enjoyed the week and now it is time to tie it all together. Until Monday, that is.<br />
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As you start your day today, consider these four tips to ensure you maxed the week coming to an end and you can get your students thinking about the week coming up.<br />
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<b>1. Turn and Talk (with the Teacher).</b> Find time today to connect with as many of your students for a brief interaction of a take-away from the week of instruction. Think of all the material you covered, the goals of each day and strive to have that exchange with your learners. Teach 150 students throughout the day? No worries. Create a google spread sheet and each Friday have a plan get to a new bunch of students to connect with. By the end of the month you will have reached all of them.<br />
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<b>2. Target Time.</b> Speaking of goals, what lies ahead? Create a space in your course so that before students head off for the weekend they can make a quick note of a goal for the week ahead. It could be something as straight forward as being prepared for class, studying for an assessment or even paying better attention. Again, have that space for students to jot down what they are thinking. By the end of the quarter, share with them their goals for the nine weeks and encourage them to reflect on whether or not they attained the mark they set.<br />
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<b>3. Share a Story.</b> Working in the middle school I have a true appreciation for the ups and downs of the interactions of todays student. They are pulled in a thousand directions and asked to do a thousand different things. And many of those "things" are at once. At the end of the week, and throughout the week, take just a moment and have your students connect with a classmate. Share a story, a piece of work, a success. Kindness prevails - always.<br />
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<b>4. Be the Planner.</b> Whether the teacher in the classroom or the leader of the building, be prepared for Monday. It is a great feeling to walk out of the of building Friday afternoon and having your plans ready for the week ahead. Before you walk out those doors this afternoon, make sure you are excited to come back Monday. Because if you are not excited, they won't be either. Have your lessons ready and enjoy the next two days for family, friends and time for you.<br />
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As educators we have the opportunity to set our day and week how we want it it to go and how we want our students to receive it. We have the standards in front of us but it is our own creativity and passion that will drive what each moment looks like. Fridays are as powerful as Mondays. So, make it count.Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-54673678603305359592018-01-28T11:59:00.000-05:002018-01-28T12:05:35.880-05:004 Ways to Get a Pulse on Your Leadership<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As leaders, much of the pulse of our work is done through the simple observation of our organization. We look for obvious signs of what is working and what may not. Often due to the lack time, we find ourselves asking surface level questions of our parents, staff and students to get an idea of the good or not so good. Hurrying to begin the day of tasks, we try to conduct random walkthroughs that can give us general sense that the organization is sailing relatively smoothly. While the attempt may genuine the results are obvious.<br />
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<b>As an educational leader in todays schools, we can not settle on being average. </b></div>
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The achilles heal of a leader can be the inability to look deeper into the organization and have intentional and purposeful conversations of the community they serve. While the lack of time can often be an excuse to getting some of the essential work done, leaders can also get comfortable, complacent and even flippant if they aren't careful and consistently (not to be confused with constantly) checking the pulse of their community.<br />
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<b>As an educational leader we must commit ourselves to our own professional growth to support the growth of those we serve.</b></blockquote>
Here are four ways to get a pulse your leadership and ensure that you are not settling on average:<br />
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<b>1. Leaders ask for <i>and get </i>feedback towards growth.</b> When you ask for tough feedback from your staff about your leadership and they don't hesitate to give it to you, you are growing. When you ask the right questions and have the commitment to your culture, the feedback you get will be genuine and productive. Feedback can come through face-to-face conversations, staff surveys and from walking the halls and engaging the community. We know how walls can talk. We just have to be intentionally listening to them.<br />
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<b>2. Leaders know the importance of active listening.</b> <a href="https://twitter.com/TimothyKight" target="_blank">Tim Kight </a>of Focus3Culture recently tweeted this, "Listening is hard, real listening is real hard". As leaders, we need to spend more time actively listening rather than actively speaking/directing. More often than not, teachers approach leaders and the leaders take over the conversation. Instead, press pause and listen. An effective leader will be able to find balance. Don't get caught up in your response if you are not taking the time to hear what is being said.<br />
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<b>3. Leaders know how to facilitate to promote growth.</b> Instead of directing traffic (managing teachers), effective leaders will lead by facilitating staff collaboration without the need to give an agenda or direction. A defining moment in your role as leader is when your leadership has transformed to one of facilitator. When you become a part of the conversations and are not expected to lead the conversations, you are leading. Leaders build leaders. Are you?<br />
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<b>4. Leaders value and lead with relationships first.</b> When leaders have teachers that know the importance of relationships and therefore lead their classroom environments in the same way, you have a healthy pulse on the culture of your building. When we build trust and we believe in our staff, we will excel as leaders and can focus on the work that really matters. Creating an environment with relationships at the core is easier said than done. Stay focused, stay driven.<br />
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As you work through the remainder of the year, check the pulse of your leadership. The actions of those you serve are a direct response to how you lead. Make sure that you ask for feedback, listen to your community, facilitate conversations and put your people first. And, stay connected. When you stay connected you provide yourself ongoing conversations about effective leadership and others can support the journey with you.Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-33346386345364006552018-01-05T10:35:00.003-05:002018-01-05T11:15:05.603-05:00Pivot.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few months ago I had the opportunity to visit the Philadelphia 76's corporate office and learn about their culture and their way of doing business. Getting a guided tour filled with an intense amounts of information I was quickly and powerfully engulfed in the atmosphere and collegiality of the organization. It became apparent rather quickly why and how they are leading the way in how a professional sports organization can thrive regardless of wins and losses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ScottONeil" target="_blank">Scott O'Neil</a>, president and CEO, has a clear vision for his organization and has an intense passion for being successful on the ice (New Jersey Devils) and on the court (76'ers). However, being the leader that he is, he has meticulously dedicated himself to the power of relationships, knowing his people and driving the collective culture of the teams he oversees by being present in all that he does. He defines leadership.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reflecting back on that unique experience, there was a word shared that day that has remained in mind and has been ingrained through my thoughts of leadership ever since. That word is <b>PIVOT</b>. Shared in that meeting by a young executive, he described pivot this way:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Decision making. Make decisions that impact the organization to make us better, adjust and adapt quickly, fail forward, we need to pivot, don't keep doing things that are not working, <b>PIVOT</b> right then. </span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lgnCUjQ1V-OpxwsIWeMxKkVG1TXqguCc6rW8rPkxdvZRsDXnVCYqZJEpqdAnlpiomZ4oVyoLBVTnv2qj3RW3rL-W9Jp2EQ1lBlF7Mz4CrLFub9yq_ov4xwnr9aSgC7ynMStQLLLJDaI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-05+at+10.02.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="273" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lgnCUjQ1V-OpxwsIWeMxKkVG1TXqguCc6rW8rPkxdvZRsDXnVCYqZJEpqdAnlpiomZ4oVyoLBVTnv2qj3RW3rL-W9Jp2EQ1lBlF7Mz4CrLFub9yq_ov4xwnr9aSgC7ynMStQLLLJDaI/s200/Screen+Shot+2018-01-05+at+10.02.59+AM.png" width="145" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thinking through this description and having had the experience, I reflected on how this could translate and possible evolve into my <a href="http://getoneword.com/" target="_blank">One Word</a> for 2018. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My words have been: Finish, Purpose, Intentional and Push these past four years. All powerful and timely in their respective way, this year will be different for me professionally. It will be full of different experiences and new opportunities. A job change, new colleagues, creating a culture in a new space. Leading, organizing and guiding others I will be in a constant state of change. I will need to PIVOT day in and day out throughout the year ahead. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My adaptation of <b>PIVOT</b> is this:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remaining grounded to what is at the core of what is most important in teaching, learning and leading (culture) while recognizing the need to pivot to take your organization to "the edge" and strive to become ELITE. I will need to be present and be prepared at any given moment as I guide the organization in the work ahead. PIVOT as I, and we, fail forward and always be ready to pass, dribble or even drive the lane. To pivot is to embrace all that is around you. </span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And with that, my OneWord for 2108 is <b>PIVOT</b>. My gratitude goes to Mr. O'Neil for his model of leadership of an impressive organization filled with passionate and loyal stakeholders. Thank you Michael for sharing what may have seemed to be a simple lesson in culture and climate and since then has morphed into much more. And, with equal gratitude, to the colleagues I see each day that have helped me thrive and succeed in what I get to do day in and day out. I serve. And I do so with great pride.</span><br />
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In the end, <b><i>pivot</i></b> throughout your journey in leading and learning. It is a game-changer and success will come on and off the court.</span><br />
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Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-13392883099195752552017-12-24T13:00:00.000-05:002017-12-24T13:22:38.324-05:00Looking In the Rear View Mirror. A Reflection on 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKnzDUOaL3APxch0ieuvaQcwjMysZxDrGjqc3LJQwmv-6Wy2J0Rx2u_ibejw08BdAScxKC2qt7pXISg-lVorjYBNAee0zOcYJC-HG9EA-22DWNDY8uesHYCqKIHUWww4LjeuI7fNW__g/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-24+at+12.28.43+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="729" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKnzDUOaL3APxch0ieuvaQcwjMysZxDrGjqc3LJQwmv-6Wy2J0Rx2u_ibejw08BdAScxKC2qt7pXISg-lVorjYBNAee0zOcYJC-HG9EA-22DWNDY8uesHYCqKIHUWww4LjeuI7fNW__g/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-12-24+at+12.28.43+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>It has been quite a while since I took to the keyboard and posted my reflections with teaching, learning and with life. For me, these past 6 months have been about discovery of who I am and finding my purpose. Whether as a principal, a parent, a spouse or simply a friend, I have committed myself to the powerful art of reflection.</i><br />
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With that in mind, each of us takes our own journey. We also stop and take inventory of the work we are passionate about, the families that engage us and the friendships that we thrive upon. As each of us moves ahead in our journey it is an essential part of the ride that we take a moment and look in the rear view mirror. Often times it is what we have accomplished that will give us direction in the days ahead. This creates a constant state of growth.<br />
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And, even though I have been silent from posting here on my page, I have been anything but silent in understanding the powerfulness of being connected with educators near and far. Whether learning from the blogging group "T<a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&q=%23compelledtribe&src=typd" target="_blank">he Compelled Tribe</a>" or being a part of the twitter chat #Ohedchat or learning alongside colleagues from the <a href="http://www.hilliardschools.org/" target="_blank">Hilliard City Schools</a>, this academic year has pushed me in my understanding the greater good, the awesomeness of learning and importance of leaning on others.<br />
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<b>With that in mind, here is a reflection of my 2017:</b><br />
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<b>1. Struggle</b>. Ending the 2016/2017 school year meant learning from mistakes. At times it was stressful and finding resolution with various situations was difficult. However, in the end, it came down to trust and understanding. The <i>Power of the Team</i> (as we share where I work) was never as important as it was in the spring. With that, the year concluded and students, teachers and friends geared up for what would be a fantastic summer ahead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx-51tVEPX_XoSoVdGoxGL9bAEN1HtyKP3XwTobmJ0CgBtfflCzitPklkxUmiwmiRpCPK-81HdWitJ3oATWoUQbvGoAc_C1pifPi3Ss570absk1h3m3lfnt_qqkdidA5jsL48Lu2eQ5M/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-24+at+11.22.54+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="629" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDx-51tVEPX_XoSoVdGoxGL9bAEN1HtyKP3XwTobmJ0CgBtfflCzitPklkxUmiwmiRpCPK-81HdWitJ3oATWoUQbvGoAc_C1pifPi3Ss570absk1h3m3lfnt_qqkdidA5jsL48Lu2eQ5M/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-12-24+at+11.22.54+AM.png" width="200" /></a><b>2. Balance</b>. The summer of 2017. Memories made and moments cherished. We often lose balance as educators and families and friends are put on hold as we give so much to the educational institution we each work for. For me, the summer of 2017 was about reconnecting and keeping it that way. Embrace each moment and remember that life is a series of experiences. My goal is to ensure that the experiences shape my journey. No looking back here. Friends and family were my focus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp7U10Xwn29yKWazBcAZOgCxZJWTy2r2sNmfVqTtBdWdVfL2_OpeEfgH3zqz6l-iUNCwvU3mJfNGiGFherGoNHafMmS7p4ysCrPS0c16HQZ5rK1vxTvo_9fn1ZjOr1Dnidlc54YaSBR4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-24+at+12.58.25+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="583" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGp7U10Xwn29yKWazBcAZOgCxZJWTy2r2sNmfVqTtBdWdVfL2_OpeEfgH3zqz6l-iUNCwvU3mJfNGiGFherGoNHafMmS7p4ysCrPS0c16HQZ5rK1vxTvo_9fn1ZjOr1Dnidlc54YaSBR4/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-12-24+at+12.58.25+PM.png" width="200" /></a><b>3. Celebration</b>. What a start to the school year! The <a href="https://twitter.com/wmscats" target="_blank">@wmscats</a> started the year off with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%231st3Days&src=typd" target="_blank">#1st3Days</a> for the 2nd year in a row. We focused on relationships first. No content allowed. Our charge was to focus on getting to know our learners and our learners getting to know us. I had the pleasure to share this work with over 25 educators that have reached out via social media for our template this year. The power of being connected proved itself time and time again. Not to be outdone, the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23ohedchat&src=typd" target="_blank">#OHedchat</a> team kept it rolling each Wednesday night at 9PM EST with awesome conversations and professional growth. I am a better educator thanks to this experience.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf3uwRO0KP1xh2k4r7-luzRQGktIzCTe5t8yiHU-Q_cKqMqF-lSSNZwenPFSh9KnF_LHWKoi6ctkiXVTx1ucCbUwKg0TVUXhWj9wzboS2f-lvtWYDu9RVdBChzXT416p8j92ezUq3G5U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-12-24+at+11.42.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="499" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrf3uwRO0KP1xh2k4r7-luzRQGktIzCTe5t8yiHU-Q_cKqMqF-lSSNZwenPFSh9KnF_LHWKoi6ctkiXVTx1ucCbUwKg0TVUXhWj9wzboS2f-lvtWYDu9RVdBChzXT416p8j92ezUq3G5U/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-12-24+at+11.42.53+AM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>4. Purpose</b>. As 2017 wraps up, I was offered a new opportunity in my journey of serving others. Starting next year, I have the exciting opportunity to open the extension project of the <a href="http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20171219/new-hilliard-city-schools-learning-hub-will-open-next-year" target="_blank">Innovative Learning Center</a> (soon to be Campus) for the <a href="http://www.hilliardschools.org/innovative-learning-hub/" target="_blank">Hilliard City Schools</a>. Entering my 25th year of education in the fall, I will take all that I have learned in serving others and embrace this change. Innovation, collaboration, growth mindset and design thinking will drive what we do for students. We each need to be "pushed" (my <a href="http://getoneword.com/" target="_blank">OneWord</a> this past year) and this will do just that. I am excited to be pushed out of my comfort zone and take on this new role.<br />
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<b>5. Hope</b>. This reflection is essential. Whether it is the mistakes we make, the accomplishments we are blessed to be a part of or the people we encounter, there is always a sense of hope going forward. Leaning on others and being on this journey together makes us better. It has made me better. By no means have I reached an end. Rather I am in a constant state of reinventing who I am. I have fully welcomed the understanding that it is the team, and the attributes of each member of that team, that will give me hope and courage in 2018 and beyond.<br />
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<i>Here is to your journey, your struggles, your successes and your story. Share it. Let others hear your passion for the work you do and the communities you serve. Pledge to yourself that you will push yourself in the year ahead. Find balance and above all else, celebrate.</i>Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-50500379024407887622017-07-30T10:14:00.002-04:002017-07-31T12:39:36.216-04:004 Essentials to Start Your School Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFu-nmnsyZlzJVwBRidtNCxIWoRcTZIVa3KNsVnE-oz7BMMAsaykOcFeZ9iTw_YvvkTa08M5YOEh6YKxAFKgSqRyuw96WynqqZI-Ef8fkZqoJCCQAhSRgpWT7CbDDqjv4YyADPrfeVYE/s1600/life+is+a+series+of+moments+and+experiences+that+will+shape+and+define+ones+own+story.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFu-nmnsyZlzJVwBRidtNCxIWoRcTZIVa3KNsVnE-oz7BMMAsaykOcFeZ9iTw_YvvkTa08M5YOEh6YKxAFKgSqRyuw96WynqqZI-Ef8fkZqoJCCQAhSRgpWT7CbDDqjv4YyADPrfeVYE/s320/life+is+a+series+of+moments+and+experiences+that+will+shape+and+define+ones+own+story.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Writing alongside those in the #compelledtribe, we commit ourselves to reflection through writing. Personally and professionally each member of the tribe has had their own takeaways on how it has, and will, impact their teaching, leading and learning.<br />
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Blogging is not about self-promotion. It is not intended or suggested to be a platform for ones agenda. Rather, blogging is about growth. As we consider the profession we are in, it should be apparent that we blog to become more skilled in what we do. The writing we share and the time and mental consumption of our words are merely intended to be a part of the bigger journey.<br />
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As I think about the time away this summer and the experiences I have enjoyed, I immediately find myself connecting these back to my school, my students and the community I serve. Simply stated, life is a series of moments and experiences that will shape and define ones own story. If that is the case, then the opportunities these past few months have me prepared for the weeks and months ahead and are setting us up for some great successes.<br />
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Here are some things to consider as you head back-to-school and how your experiences this summer may become a spring-board of excitement and direction for the path you are about to embark down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xW92YzPVGygvbSNwJTqhvvYH3e6YrumKY_5J5RuICBgwsFVDboV1DHcvzcB4hj44n0SU-BNZ2NAZu0bOo4_Al8aFsL3k48JGuc37uQajsQmn2VBrDWu1XjHtmHrI4zT-6GOSts51c-o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-30+at+10.02.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="639" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xW92YzPVGygvbSNwJTqhvvYH3e6YrumKY_5J5RuICBgwsFVDboV1DHcvzcB4hj44n0SU-BNZ2NAZu0bOo4_Al8aFsL3k48JGuc37uQajsQmn2VBrDWu1XjHtmHrI4zT-6GOSts51c-o/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-07-30+at+10.02.15+AM.png" width="200" /></a><b>1. It starts and ends with relationships.</b> A summer of various events could not, and would not, have been as enjoyable as they were if it were not for the genuine care and support of the people that were on the journey together. Whether immediate family or close friends, the better we knew each other, the more value there was in the experience. As you head back to school, put this first and keep it there. Know your community of learners and leaders. As the year progresses, do not lose sight of the importance of those relationships from the first day all the way until the last.<br />
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<b>2. Get out of your comfort zone.</b> Personally I like my comfort zone. Two feet on the ground, routine and planned events are my norm. This summer I put that mindset on the back burner. One could say that I adopted a growth mindset for adventure. Whether a ride to the Grand Canyon high above the ground, sailing across Cayuga Lake or spontaneous outings with the family, it was invigorating and rewarding to push myself out of my comfort zone. Thinking of your staff and students, consider the same. Mix it up, try something new and expand your boundaries of teaching and leading.<br />
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<b>3. Model the way.</b> As my kids grow older I find them leading the way in some of our adventures. Where I would normally stick to that above mentioned schedule, I found myself pushing away from that and as this summer demonstrated, I modeled the way. As the summer moved on, I embraced the notion of having to model what is not only expected but also what is encouraged. Whether in the classroom or the conference room, do the same. Model what you want and what you desire to be attained and you'll be instantaneously amazed on the results you get in return.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC6dr_Tp_UnhPhheVKUUp5-ZEBnXqYrKfBfKUT1nYnBih5qaaynklZqoruB5mNQGIg2nnCQzlDJFPRErC2SoWPskRcGuRLqgeDX-1xZmWv-bHnTy8GxNL-99aEwFExxjoKDiCOOXHUb0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-30+at+10.01.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="537" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUC6dr_Tp_UnhPhheVKUUp5-ZEBnXqYrKfBfKUT1nYnBih5qaaynklZqoruB5mNQGIg2nnCQzlDJFPRErC2SoWPskRcGuRLqgeDX-1xZmWv-bHnTy8GxNL-99aEwFExxjoKDiCOOXHUb0/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-07-30+at+10.01.59+AM.png" width="198" /></a><b>4. Trust (and hold others and yourself accountable).</b> Early in the summer the leadership of the district had an opportunity to continue our journey in building our culture by working alongside <a href="https://twitter.com/TimothyKight" target="_blank">Tim Kight</a> of Focus 3. Within his message something hit home in a way that I needed to here. He spoke in great length (but in simple terms) about the significance of <i>trust</i> in our profession. Heading back to the office this past week I am excited to have a greater understanding of how trust will be a focus of my leadership. Of course, as we lead others and observe those that we serve (and identifying when trust is broken) tough and direct conversations will follow. In your classroom this coming year consider how trust will play a role in your work with your stakeholders. If a building or district leader, do the same. Set levels of trust with those around you. Encourage them along the way.<br />
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The list could, and should, continue as you apply your summer lessons to the work you are about to embark on. Remember that growing is part of what we do as teachers and leaders. Whether you do so through reading maybe even blogging, make a pledge to yourself that you will continue to push yourself and apply your life lessons, your series of experiences, to your daily work.Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-73286787169751028412017-07-01T09:41:00.000-04:002017-07-05T08:31:00.783-04:00A Summer Lesson. Surf's Up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past week I had the joy of watching my two youngest at surf camp. For the past three years they have each awoken before the rest of the house so that they can master the skill of riding the waves. Now in their third year of camp, I am impressed with their dedication and passion for a hobby that they only do for 5 days out of the year. Waves are hard to come by in Central Ohio.<br />
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Throughout the week as I was watching them surf, I paralleled what they had invested into their learning of how to surf as to the work that we do in education. And as a part of any summer vacation of embracing learning throughout the year, I was quick to realize the parallels and the challenges.<br />
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This time around I have been watching them catch wave after wave with a different lens. Yes, as a father but also as a teacher, leader and learner<span id="goog_481822972"></span><span id="goog_481822973"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>. What I was witnessing and what they had accomplished didn't happen just through showing up, it took much more than that. Here is what I learned by watching my boys riding the waves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgympbrE1WGAfhhB7tYZ0DTx8Ln9sG6uEC9iEA1zk4cFMf0-YAevbZpnUCD0ybWZo5UGIP6R_o_xrZeD7GUhlne4N_RKiK-H-6O1mbRTtXU483F07wSyHWIGS_2fkzr-4mR8Q6XpWGRs5c/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-01+at+9.00.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="357" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgympbrE1WGAfhhB7tYZ0DTx8Ln9sG6uEC9iEA1zk4cFMf0-YAevbZpnUCD0ybWZo5UGIP6R_o_xrZeD7GUhlne4N_RKiK-H-6O1mbRTtXU483F07wSyHWIGS_2fkzr-4mR8Q6XpWGRs5c/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-01+at+9.00.52+AM.png" width="320" /></a><b>Surf's Up - Know Your Learners</b>. Before even taking to the water, the<b> surfers </b>were coached in basic water safety and given an appreciation for the craft of riding the waves. In addition, the camp counselors learned who their campers would be before setting out to the ocean seas. The counselors learned names and took an interest in their campers. The coaches were building trust. <b>Educators, </b>like surf coaches, recognize the need to know their learners. Going well beyond names, and well before instruction, we must know who it is we will be pushing and what knowledge they bring with them. We take assessments of their skills and come to know who they are. Like surf camp, trust is essential. Relationships first.<br />
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<b>Catch the Perfect Wave - Learn the Basics.</b> One of the most challenging things for educators to do each year is to come back to "zero". With <b>surfing</b>, each week the camp counselors have to start "over" with a new crop of eager vacationers. I watch in awe as they skillfully go back to the beginning of their week just coming off of getting the last week of learners to a skilled, maybe even an accomplished, level of catching the waves. As <b>educators</b>, one of the most rewarding moments of each year is watching our students get to the level they do as a school year wraps up. Like camp, we too must recondition ourselves to go back to the beginning. For many, that is the ultimate draw to the profession. Going back to "zero". That is, taking our learners on a journey toward success even when it means starting from the basics of the beginning of the year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWLz5d6QcxLQxhgVaT8Oz8R7XMPiRCw1tyPLDFt3VZG11Inno07SvMGPkspn19MG28wGQMjO6_Q3J4VhQr8JnGu0-ztP6y33uNRBxfJKBTRuMGLEW7xpUFx_1aHZntiE5F1_imd-eHDk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-01+at+9.28.01+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1085" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHWLz5d6QcxLQxhgVaT8Oz8R7XMPiRCw1tyPLDFt3VZG11Inno07SvMGPkspn19MG28wGQMjO6_Q3J4VhQr8JnGu0-ztP6y33uNRBxfJKBTRuMGLEW7xpUFx_1aHZntiE5F1_imd-eHDk/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-01+at+9.28.01+AM.png" width="320" /></a><b>Point Break - Fail and Fall Again</b>. As a parent it is not easy to watch your young <b>surfer </b>fall over and over into each passing wave. The struggle can be painful. Salt in the eyes, the smack into waves and the sheer reality that it is harder than it appears can bring the desire to quit and move on. However, they get back up and hit yet another wave. Through coaching and trust, each surfer is willing to try another wave in the hopes that this will be the one that sets them on a path of continued success. For <b>educators</b>, it is not much different. Failure will occur. Our role is to ensure they have an environment where risk taking is encouraged and students feel safe in their journey. Whether in a classroom or on the waves, keep going after what seems to be impossible.<br />
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<b>Hang Ten - Reaching Your Goal. Riding the Waves.</b> Toward the end of the week, my little <b>surfers</b> were not so little. They had worked tirelessly each morning through trial and error, building confidence and learning from their mistakes. Likewise, as <b>educators</b> we provide an atmosphere where hard work and determination are praised and those that need additional support are provided such. We teach to the whole surfer/student and meet them where they are at and grow them from there. And above all else, just as we do in school, our surfers celebrate what they have accomplished.<br />
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What a powerful week to watch two city slickers from the midwest learn and explore the art of surfing. This was more than just spending each morning in the ocean. They showed their resiliency and their determination as they persevered in the face of frustration and disappointment. For every fall into the water they hopped back on to their boards and set out to try again. As a parent, this was a powerful lesson for me as well. While I value the time our children are within a classroom setting, I have an appreciation for this worldly example of teaching and learning. Equally as amazing to watch was connecting how our youth work with our children as the teachers they are. The classroom is endless as our are opportunities to grow.<br />
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Here is a quick slideshow of the 7 year old. His expressions speak louder than any words on a page. The look of amazement and accomplishment are all the measurement that is needed to assess his efforts.<br />
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<b>And, check out THIS MUCH WATCH VIDEO of his older brother (14) as words and actions take him from failure to success and how determination and grit get him to achieve the ultimate surfing goal. Hang ten, kid!</b></div>
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Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266768846545595834.post-11227689560755260032017-06-12T11:12:00.003-04:002017-06-12T11:50:14.928-04:00A Summer of Learning. 5 Ways to Reflect and Grow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the ending of another year of leading and learning, I push myself to take the pulse of the year completed. While there are many different moments that I am extremely proud of I know there are just as many moments in which I stumbled. The truth is I rarely take the time to revel in all that was positive. I would say we celebrate and move on. In the same vein, I don't labor on the events that may have crumbled and been obstacles on our path to success. Instead, I give each the attention they deserve. Like you, I learn from the successes we have and the failures we experience.<br />
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Now that the year is complete, this is an educators opportunity to get better at their craft. Summer is the perfect time to grow yourself in all aspects of your work. And even though there may not be students or teachers walking our halls and attending our classes, our learning never stops. This is a summer to grow and deepen our understanding of best practices in education.<br />
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As you starting thinking about where your summer growth may come from, here are the ways in which I will grow my learning in order to be a better leader:<br />
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<b>1a. Dive into a Book. </b>Get reading and think about how the words on the pages can impact the students and teachers that will walk through your doors in August and into September. Need some suggestions on what to read? There are many. Get on Twitter, stop by your local book store or ask a colleague. There is a vast collection and the topics are endless. Make sure to chose books that push yourself as an educator.<br />
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<b>1b. Jot it Down</b>. Post-it-notes, pages, sketch-notes or even take to your blog page. If you are anything like me, writing it down is what makes me better at remembering what I have read and will be more likely to apply in the future. Keep it simple and keep in intentional and you will be grateful you took to paper or computer to recall what you have been thinking about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p5c9zokywOg2cjQcKpG9KG_sAVnh4_gVVUcO8bpBwOfLhInSq8pTjrzBRI5cTvRkZVNDBMZFdsDoyKxv2xvPziAOR2eraB6mWypwB9uKDQ2mMBXGhrGnEBKviYzEjvmOJiu8JaqbRJ4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-06-12+at+10.57.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="445" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p5c9zokywOg2cjQcKpG9KG_sAVnh4_gVVUcO8bpBwOfLhInSq8pTjrzBRI5cTvRkZVNDBMZFdsDoyKxv2xvPziAOR2eraB6mWypwB9uKDQ2mMBXGhrGnEBKviYzEjvmOJiu8JaqbRJ4/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-06-12+at+10.57.28+AM.png" width="200" /></a><b>2. Head to a Conference.</b> Whether an EdCamp, a conference sponsored by your local educational service center or at the national level, conferences are a great way to connect with educators that are passionate about what they do. Find something that works for your budget and commit to making the trip. I have found that conferences challenge the way in which I approach my work and broaden my lens to what others are doing in their schools and in their communities.<br />
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<b>3. Pick up the Phone.</b> Today we rely on social media and email to deliver messages and professional information and sometimes we forget that our "old technology" is just as good as the latest and greatest tech tool. Some educators use "Voxer" to be an integral part of their learning journey. Voxer allows you to send a message to either a group or to individuals and then they can respond as they have time. Of course nothing is more personal than picking up the phone and connecting and sharing your journey in leading and learning.<br />
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<b>4. Get Outdoors.</b> Regardless of what you teach or where you teach (or lead), there is much to be gained from being outdoors in your community and taking in the culture and surroundings that define it. If fortunate enough to travel, take pictures of where you have been and plan to use those in the year ahead. Remember, every step you take is a step in growing yourself. Use the outdoors as a way to grow and to rejuvenate yourself as an educator.<br />
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<b>5. Find Balance. Press Pause.</b> With all that there is that can be done, sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all. Clear your head, go for a walk and find the time to decompress from the year that is behind you. The pace we keep is intense and we need to give ourselves permission to catch up. So yes, we do have weeks off that other professions do not so use them wisely. Find balance and press pause.<br />
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You may be asking where the reference is to family. I purposefully saved that for last. As I have been reading the work of <a href="https://twitter.com/JonGordon11" target="_blank">Gordon</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TimothyKight" target="_blank">Kight</a> they both emphasize the need for clarity and purpose. For me, it is family that helps me achieve both. Regardless of the company that you keep, embrace the moments you have and spend time this summer growing with them. Family is often the reason you give with the effort that you do. Be sure to give back to them in the days and weeks ahead.Fueling Eductionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09256697444037876055noreply@blogger.com