You Matter. Every. Single. Day.

As an educator, you matter.

How you engage with your students, your colleagues and your families, it all matters.

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.

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.

Creating a sense of community, matters.

Listening and supporting our students that experience known (and yet to be known trauma), matters.

Being willing to step up and step in to teach and learn with our colleagues, matters.

Leading with empathy, matters.

Growing alongside of your students, matters.

Being able to recognize and respond to our strengths, and our weakness, matters.

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.

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.

Ready, Go. Welcome to August!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Ready, go.

Growing Differently

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.

As I was listening and learning today from George Coursos, 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. 

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.

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. 

This year, maybe more than others in years past, I have been more intentional and purposeful with:

• Engaging with face-to-fact conversations and having deeper conversations about being impactful and effective in teaching and learning/leading.
• 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.
• Helping others grow by encouraging and modeling multiple platforms of social media to reflect and grow as educators.
• Reading some amazing books about my current role as an administrator and future role next year. (Message me if you would like my list!)
• Growing others through intentional professional development as a community of learners.
• Focusing on relationships first and foremost with students, staff, colleagues and community.
• Building leadership capacity in those I work with day in and day out.

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. 

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.

4 Ways to Start Your Friday and Tie Up the Week

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.

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.

1. Turn and Talk (with the Teacher). 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.

2. Target Time. 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.

3. Share a Story. 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.

4. Be the Planner. 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.

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.

Timeout, Coach

Timeouts. Just about every sport has them. They are used in a variety of ways. Whether to slow down the pace of play, allow players to regroup, to get another player into the game or even to freeze the opponent, timeouts are a crucial part of competition. Timeouts will always be a part of the game.

In fact, they have been known to win, or lose, some of the most amazing sporting moments (movies included) of all times. Here is one of the classic timeouts (speeches) in sports movie history. Please forgive a few moments of language. The message though, is coaching (and use of a timeout) at its finest.

Our work in education needs timeouts as well. We work tirelessly as teachers and administrators. Each of us are constantly on our game in the hopes of achieving all that we can day in and day out. Granted we are not in a game that we are trying to "win", we are however, trying to ensure some of the greatest teaching and learning of all time. Consider it our own victory of sorts.

Therefore, take a timeout when the situation calls for one. Whether you are working with your students, supporting your teachers in professional development or leading a district, there are times that you need the same opportunities as the athletes are provided on the court or on the field.

Timeouts are great for:

• Reflection of a situation that needs thought before responding.
• Regrouping from a lesson gone awry.
• Supporting others in time of confusion and loss of clarity.
• When you simply believe that life in general is moving too fast.

The writing of this blog is my own personal timeout. I afforded myself a few moments to take a break and step back. My work and aspects of it have been moving at lightning speed. I was losing my ability to think clearly and guide unconditionally. And, I do not see this timeout as a sign of weakness or fear of losing. Just the opposite in fact. Instead, I will go back into the game ready to finish what I started. Even though there is no clock that will read "zeros" or a score that shows winners or losers, it is my hope that those that I work with will be able to see and feel the energy and passion I come back with after taking pause and reflection in what I do.

My timeout was only a few moments. But the impact will last well beyond. Game on.

A Day of PD - Putting the Shoe On The Other Foot

Rise and shine! Today, (if not at Hilliard University insert your day of professional development here ________) is a day you have been provided to grow as a learner. The shoe is officially on the other foot. Typically you are the teacher; today you change your role. Now that you are here (where ever that my be) what are you going to do with your time? My two cents - grab some coffee, connect to wifi and check out some pretty amazing teaching and learning. Here is some straightforward advice below to plan out your time. And, above all else, enjoy your day of PD!

Birds of a Feather Flock Together – As tempting as it is to travel from session to session with those you know, push yourself to break off and set your own path. Take notes, ask questions, meet new educators and make the learning interactive. Grow your Professional Learning Network.

Don’t Put All of Your Eggs in One Basket – When we head off to conferences many times we go with a specific goal in mind. All be it goals are extremely important to have. In fact, they are essential to measure growth.  Make sure you get to sessions that have you thinking about who you are as a leader and learner. Goals take form based on your experiences. Branch out.

Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover – Often times we select sessions to attend based on title alone. As we have heard countless times, make sure to peel back the cover and read into the description and the presenter. Some of the best learning moments can come from the most unlikely of places. Explore your options.

Actions Speak Louder than Words – When all is said and done, the real test is taking the knowledge you have gained from your day of professional development and apply it to your everyday world. Take the time to reflect, formulate a plan to implement and set your actions steps. Be courageous.

I would encourage you, and challenge you, to push yourselves the entire day. You have a unique opportunity to grow yourselves leaps and bounds. By participating in these professional experiences, you are that much more in tune with the world of education and are showing your passion for teaching and learning. You are modeling for your students. Stay committed and know that your work is essential to not only your development but also for your student's experience.

"Yet"

Heading into a new school year can bring excitement and anticipation. Eagerness to meet new friends, colleagues and classmates and, of course, the beginning of the journey of learning. Teachers are ready to implement best practice and their administrators are ready to support them each step of the way. Everyone will work in concert to provide the best experience and the best lessons possible. It will be inspiring.

However, a new year also brings challenges, obstacles and the unknown. Students are entering environments in which they are having to make new friends, learn the styles of new teachers and learn new expectations and routines. Teachers too are taking on unchartered roles as they continue to be lifelong learners themselves. Implementing one2one, incorporating a personalized learning experience and of course, always doing what is best for kids and being innovative each step of the way. It can be overwhelming.

As we came back together as a staff prior to the school year we talked about our mindset. Growth vs Fixed. And how we as teachers and learners ourselves could shape the climate of the year awaiting. With all of this excitement and anticipation and conversation there is a word that we as a community of learners adopted for the year ahead with the hopes that it will propel us to great things each step of the way. As we were talking about these unknowns, these fears and these opportunities for new learning, we know that students and teachers alike will be faced with doubt, worry and a desire to retreat to something more comfortable. Therefore, as this community of teachers, leaders and learners ourselves, we will add this simple word to our students and our teachers (and our own) vocabulary. When met with resistance, a seemingly insurmountable challenge, the brain that is telling us to stop or worse case, not even try to begin with, this will become our response. This word will be a part of our growth mindset.

Yet.

This year, as we recognize students becoming worried, fearful or anxious about material, relationships and responsibilities we will support them in their learning and work with them to be successful and accomplish what lies in front of them by adding the word "yet" when they say they can't, won't or have doubt. Ourselves as educators, teachers and administrators when we are handed moments of challenges and adversities in our day we too will implement this mindset into our decisions and our direction and be reminded of "yet". We will model what we expect of others. We will be relentless in our pursuit of success. And of course, failure may be a part of this growth but growth will occur none-the-less.

With that, can you add "yet" to your work? What will you do when faced with challenges? Will you fold to pressures and the weight of our profession or will you regroup, regain your focus and forge ahead? Will you add "yet"?

I encourage you to purposefully add this simple word to your classroom or school building/district and to your mindset this year and watch what unfolds. Already I have grown in my leadership and modeled how I expect others to do the same. As someone who thought they were always a person to persevere, this intentionality of "yet" has added that much more value to what I do.

Your PD Summer Checklist

The countdown is over, summer is here!

Teachers have taken to a new routine. They are spending time with their families, catching up on chores or simply, taking it easy.

However, that is not the case for all of our teachers. Not yet, at least. Learning for many teachers is taking place on this second day of summer. The building in which I work is fortunate to host our "Summer Academy". This academy is time set aside for teachers within our district, the Hilliard City Schools, to receive additional professional development on many of the innovative ideas that continue to take shape in our forward-thinking community of leaders and learners. The courses are being taught by our district staff for our district staff. It is purposeful and it is powerful.

Today alone, teachers are spending their time learning about Canvas, our newly adopted Learning Management System. They are also working through iMovie and learning applicable ways to introduce this fun and creative tool to their students when they return. And, for many, they are diving into a deeper understanding of Blended Learning and our One2One initiative for our district. This August we will distribute 3600 iPads to our 6th through 8th graders. There is some intense learning taking place!

Keeping in mind that we are all learners by nature, create some goals this summer for yourself and your learning. Make sure you stay current and keep those new and innovative ideas in the forefront of your mind. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Inspire. Find a local conference (Innovative Learning Environments Conference) or a workshop through an educational service center. Or even yet, go camping. Find an EdCamp and jump into a great day of learning with like-minded (and not so like-minded) colleagues.
• Engage. Keep the conversations going with our colleagues by connecting every week or so. Reach out via phone or email and stay in touch. Talk about what you are looking forward to in the coming year.
• Embrace. No simpler way to teach yourself something new than reading a good book. There are countless suggestions. Here is my list from this past year: Cover to Cover. Whether something heavy or even better, something light, find a good book and allow yourself a few moments to enjoy.
• Play. With technology being a staple in our work, grab your iPad, your lap top or any device and just spend some time exploring all the options available to teachers and students.

The goal is simple. Keep the learning going throughout the summer months. We encourage our students to head to the library and practice their math over the summer. There is no better way to remind them of that by modeling ourselves. 

Have a great summer of relaxing and learning!

Thanks to You, I Learned.

I learned a lot this year. In fact, it was a year like no other. I grew as a leader and a learner. My colleagues became my inspiration. My work was my passion. I found balance.

Hopefully you can say the same.

Looking back, there are three things that summed up my year. Simply, without these, I am not sure I would be where I am today.

I led with no regrets. 

When taking risks, I focused on falling forward.

And, with great significance, I listened.

As I close the books on 2014 and gear up for the year ahead, I know that there are many people to thank. To my colleagues I work with day in and day out, you are so much of my motivation. To my Professional Learning Network beyond my school and my district, I am forever grateful for your desire to share your knowledge, your perspective and your passions.

With that, I end the year as I started, with reflection. The connections, the collaboration and the interactions are irreplaceable. I am better thanks to you.

Happy Holidays!

2014 Fueling Education favorite reads:

1. The Power of Twitter

2. If You Inspire Others, Who Inspires You?

3. Blogging, Why Bother?

4. To My Teachers: With Gratitude

5. Time to Change the World

Far from Routine

(courtesy of scoopit.com)

Each day I find myself following a rather familiar routine. Picture your day. My guess it is, well, predictable. Their are the "givens". Rise and shine, make your way into the office, clear some emails and away you go. We know that each day there will be tasks that need to be completed. Again, it has to be done.

What I enjoy most about my days though are the moments between the moments. The parts of the day that are not a part of the routine. This is when the real “work” happens. These are the moments that we find ourselves passionate about interacting with students, supporting our teachers and finding ways to connect with our school community.  These moments are the ones that got us into the business of education and these are the moments that keep each day from being redundant. This is far from routine.

As you head off to your school, your office and your classroom tomorrow focus on the moments between the routine. Look for that opportunity to get away from the predictability of it all. Take the opportunity to find the moments that will be the first one of the day or the week. Be anything but routine.

(courtesy babble.com)

Our lives are anything predictable.  Each day has an opportunity to be something greater than the day before. Make the most of it. You will be glad you did.

Constant Growth

It is difficult to fathom not challenging myself during these past couple of months away from the routines of the school day to grow professionally. Reading, following twitter chats, conferences and of course, blogging, have all been a part of the routine.

Does this sound familiar to you?

Most likely, yes! Why? Because you have taken the time to stumble upon my ramblings of this blog. Well, more than just that. In fact it is through your commitment to reading, tweeting, blogging, courses and conferences that you are growing. You are more capable of being better today then you were yesterday. You yearn to being a better educator, student and/or person. That is commendable and should not be overlooked.

Most of "us" just take this learning for granted. We do it and therefore assume so has everyone else. Is that the case? Doubtful. You have challenged yourself, even subconsciously, to grow in your knowledge of being a better teacher, leader, student or person for the unforeseeable future. You have taken a pivotal step in being better.

Here is my struggle and my concern. What to do with those that have not challenged themselves professionally during this time of year and therefore missed out on opportunities for professional growth. Are they going to be left in our dust?

(courtesy cnn.com)

We have read the books, we have heard the keynotes. Growing ourselves professionally is a necessity to our survival. For nine months out of the year our school districts provide it for us. We are given time, release days, and often money to attend workshops and have collaboration time.

Therefore I ask this: If it is so important for our districts to create professional development budgets, line items in our finances, why would we not continue that learning during the time we are not in daily contact with our teachers, leaders, students or communities?

(courtesy indiereader.com)

With the summer days ticking away I challenge you to reach out to a colleague and check in on their summer of growth. Talk about everything and anything. Connect and open the conversation about how much success we have had in our roles and how we are going to have just as much in the year ahead. Let's not wait until the district spends the dime and we "have to". Instead, let's avoid getting left in the dust and take the lead in our learning.