Randomness

We get to work with some amazing people. As educators we tend to plant our feet in a particular school and that is where we go each day. Being at the same school for the past seven years, I have had the pleasure to walk the halls with some talented teachers and devoted students for countless hours. The relationships are powerful, impactful and essential to the work we do. 

On occasion, we have the unexpected pleasure to cross paths with a random professional as they fill a role for an absence.

Taking the assignment of working in a building for a few weeks or months as a substitute can be a challenge. Unfamiliar faces, not knowing the climate, learning expectations and understanding the community in a short period of time are just some of the initial hurdles.

The impact of this role will be made by the effort and energy this person puts forth. What we often refer to as the "long-term sub" can be as simple as a "seat-filler" all the way to an educator that makes a lasting impression. The choice will be theirs. Their work ethic, passion and belief system will determine how they are remembered moments after they leave.

For the past six weeks I have had the pleasure work with Christine. Her name passed along from a colleague, she filled the absence of my guidance counselor who fell ill and was required to take time off. 

Today is her last day of her long-term assignment. As I excitedly welcome my guidance counselor back, and am grateful for her return, I reflect on the interaction I have had with this professional. As we were wrapping up the day yesterday, I said to her, "have a nice life". And with that, she moves on. 

As impersonal as this farewell may have sounded, the reality is that I will most likely never see her again. She has found work for next year, family is established in another community and she will meet a new staff in the fall. As in any line of work we grow our roots as we are transplanted. That is life. However, what I have learned from this random interaction, not unlike the others before, has left an impression on my as my role as a leader. Embrace these interactions with others. Learn from the moments in which you have. Recognize and acknowledge the efforts they put forth.

I firmly believe that we each have a purpose in the lives of others. As educators, that is an amazing responsibility. Do not take it lightly and take pride in what you do and how you do it. For me, this was a reminder of the role I play. I am grateful of the randomness of meeting others. There are lessons at every turn.

My message of appreciation:

Christine,
​
You have been an awesome addition to our middle school staff these past 6 weeks. It was a pleasure to cross paths with you. You have made a difference.

As I joking stated yesterday, have a nice life. It sounds bizarre to say and odd to just think it, but the reality is we most likely won't cross paths again. Ever. That's just how this crazy world we live in works. People come and go. I believe that there is a reason you were brought to us if even for a short time.
Your professionalism, care for kids, attention to detail and genuine respect for your job are second-to-none.  

With that, be well. Continue to guide kids in the ways you do best. I am inspired by your passion for teaching and learning and moved by your love for children.
Yes, you are that good at what you do. 

With gratitude and respect for your work, 

Craig 

Moments Between the Moments

As educators we are many things.

We give of ourselves tirelessly and pour our energy into our students. We refine our craft, strengthen relationships and work to ensure that each day every student grows in their academic journey. As teachers and leaders we wear many hats. We are more than just teachers of English and Math and Choir, we are an extension to the day. When we decided to be teachers we knew that our work would not end when the school bell rang. Our days would roll into nights.

It is during these extracurricular activities that we guide students to experience the moments between the moments. Those times in which the classroom walls have been pushed aside, the doors opened and the structures removed. The rules change, the dynamics shift and the social structure of the school day is thrown out the window. Often times, these activities allow students to change character, let down their guard and take risks. It is an entirely different experience. It is a part of their growth.

Tonight I found quite a few of those moments. Peter Pan is this years school play. Our 7th and 8th grade middle school students are putting on a show like no other. It is impressive. These students found their moment between the moment.

As I looked at the props, the backdrop, the transitions and of course the actors themselves, I realize that these moments are just as important as the moments between 7:30AM-2:30PM. These are the moments between the moments. And, as middle level educators we embrace these opportunities and know their vital importance to the academic experience. We know that experiences like these are irreplaceable and unable to be created in any other setting. They are essential.

Tonight was impressive. It was affirming. And, for those of us that work with kids at the middle level, it was as equally rewarding to see them during this phase of their journey in life. It will be these moments between the moments that will be remembered as they grow through their high school years and beyond.

This evening, and in the years to come, all of these students will take flight right alongside Peter Pan and Tinker Bell as a result of this experience.

Silver Lining

Take advantage of today. Don't wait until tomorrow.

Our gift as educators and as leaders needs to be shared.

Our community of learners looks to us to guide our environments down a path of success. Success takes on many forms. Walk side-by-side on this journey. It can not be done alone.

Always look for the silver lining, see the glass as half-full and chose optimism. As teachers and as leaders we bring so much hope to each day. We set the tone. Be responsible.

Teach, lead and listen to those around us. Be passionate about your work. Love what you do. Reflect on your teaching. Students will let us know about their learning . We should listen to what they have to say. Allow yourself as a teacher and as a leader to adapt.

Continue to give and you will be rewarded. 

Unconditionally and universally, your dedication to what you do and how you deliver the talents that you posses will be recognized. The reward will not be a plaque, a promotion or a promise, it will simply be the success of those closest to you. Your students, your colleagues and your community will reward you with kindness, support and belief.

There is no gift greater than the love and the belief from those around you. Be humble. Accept graciously, give tirelessly.

Be amazing today. No need to wait.

The Time is Now.

With three full months of school left, there is plenty to be accomplished in this academic year. Teachers are providing lessons full of passion, students are gaining knowledge by the moment and the school community is thriving to the fullest. There is much yet to be done.

The reality is though that for many of us the current school year is winding down faster than the calendar suggests. As difficult as this sounds, many of us in administration are already in the planning stage of the school year that awaits. Staffing, budgeting, scheduling and more has become our focus. The 2015/2016 school year will be upon us before we know it.

The time is now.

To start next year, after an in-depth technology task force completed hours of work and reported their findings to the school district and community, our middle grade students (6th through 8th) will all start the year with Ipad mini's in their possession.  We will roll out 3600 devices in a district of 16,000 students. This is no small feat. And, for those that have already participated in something like this before, you know there is work to be done.

The time is now.

As we close in on Digital Learning Day on March 13th, there is a level of anticipation like never before. Our teachers and our students are preparing for what lies ahead. Our district is blessed that we have embraced technology integration over the years in our buildings. Each school and each teacher is incorporating the Blended Learning mindset and creating a culture that supports an online component. We have been planning, we will be ready.

The time is now.

While many of our teacher have been using Ipads over the past few years, some staff are less familiar with the opportunities that await them. Therefore, to ensure a level of readiness, my staff is doing the following as we close out this school year to prepare for next:

- Familiarizing themselves with the Ipad and it's potential with instruction.
- Discovering apps and programs to implement into learning.
- Exploring the device and it's various forms to interact with students and parents.
- Connecting globally with educators to hear of successes and failures.
- Collaborating with colleagues within the building and district to discover its layers.
- Risk taking and allowing themselves to fall forward with trial and error in the infancy stages.
- Supporting one another on this journey of teaching and learning.

As educators, we realize that in order to be ready for what lies ahead, we must plan ahead. The time is now. Each day is a celebration of our successes. Let's be ready for tomorrow and be ready to support this next layer on our professional academic journey.

Be Daring.

(courtesy wallpaperia.com)

The opportunities are limitless. In your role and the position you have, you make a difference in the lives of children and adults each and every day. The number of interactions you have with others is countless. Every moment of every day you have the ability to influence the mind and spirit of a child or adult and guide them on their journey in learning. It is an amazing responsibility.  

Whether as a teacher of students or an administrator of teachers, be reminded of the potential you have. Recognize the opportunities throughout your day to be bold. Dare to make a difference.

We have a gift. We are a gift. 

We have the gift to bring an experience to another person that is yearning for direction and knowledge. They may not ask, yet we deliver. We have each been tasked to make an impact. Do so with fearlessness.  

My daily checklist includes:

• Take a risk.
• Lead, follow. Change your role.
• Listen when you would typically speak.
• Share where you would normally listen.
• Embrace change.
• Ask questions.
• Follow your passion.
• Teach like you would want to learn.
• Inspire others.
• Foster relationships.
• Love what you do and who you serve.

Be daring. 

Dare to push yourself and be extreme in your teaching and leading. Step outside of your comfort zone. Push yourself personally and professionally. You'll be better for it.

Learning through Listening

I enjoy writing. Even more so, I enjoy reading what others share whether they are blogs or books. It is a reminder of the great minds that I am surrounded by on a daily basis. It coincides with the craft of listening. Pausing to hear the words of others.

Each time I come to the computer I am hoping I will write the post of all posts. Conjuring up ideas that will flood my brain and hoping the topic will come naturally as I begin to write. It is this writing that assists me in being reflective of the work I do. The journey has been intense.

Wanting to be eloquent with my words of reflection, there are often moments I turn to my peers for ideas and a direction. It is the work of others that often inspires me and what I write.

Today I was flooded with many amazing shares by members of my PLN. From near and far, I was provided moments of learning one post at a time. Sharing my day with you through some of these amazing writers, thinkers and leaders would be a gift all in itself.  I hope you enjoy their posts as much as I did.

Today was a day of learning through listening. Listening to the words of others. Enjoy.

Bobby Dodd and his advice on How to Get the Most Out of Your Blog is full of great suggestions that can be applied immediately. He suggests stretching your blog, and I agree, to grow your audience and more importantly your brain.

This post is designed to give you ideas on how to maximize your blog.  There are different areas of your blog you can use to maximize communication and help others.   

Let's look at some of the ways you can stretch your blog: 
Choosing the Platform Its important to have the right blogging platform.  You need to choose the right platform that fits your needs. Whether you choose WordPress, Blogger, Tumblr, or Medium (and there are others), choose the one that will enable you to do what you need it to do.  When I first began blogging, I used a blogging application set up in website my school district used.  It was limited in what it could do and my wife suggested I switch over to Blogger because of the ease of use.

Jennifer Hogan writes about Four Ways to Conquer Fear. She reminds us that rear is real and is an emotion we each have to deal with. Great suggestions within the post that will have you embrace fear, not hide from it.

Take a No-Excuses Approach. This requires a high level of self-awareness and honesty with self. It takes being able to recognize excuses and disregard them. Excuses can disguise themselves as reasons, like “I don’t have time,” or “That’s how we’ve always done it,” or “I’m too busy.” 
Sometimes it’s helpful to have someone call you out on your excuses. Find someone who can do this for you, and say “Thank You” when they point out your excuses. Then throw the excuses out the window and get on with whatever it is you are afraid to try or do.

Dennis Shug shares is perspective on the following: Is Leadership Style Born...or Made? This is a question that is asked time and time again as we fill roles that are associated with leadership in our districts. You will explore the concept of learned leadership.

See people as they are, but also how they can be. The best classroom teachers and school leaders are perceptive. They have a heightened sense and ability to simultaneously identify strengths, assess and target needs, and draw out potential in individuals and in groups of people. If you’ve ever taught a student to read, you can relate to the elation associated with this feeling. If you’ve ever coached teachers on improving classroom management, lesson design, or how to engage students at a high level, you understand this.

Greg Armamentos is eloquent with the post - The Precious Familiar in which he forces the reader to look at those around us in our work and the voice that we each carry. Non-traditional in his writing, you will be inspired what you read.

We’re funny, you and I. Always chasing those special moments, and treasured people. Until we have them. Then it is on, to the next. We allow the precious, to become familiar. Losing their luster, at least in our eyes, and our hearts.

Monica Moss shares her post I'm scared you won't love me anymore which reminds us exactly whey we got into the world of education, relationships. With this post you will pledge to yourself to dedicate each moment of each day to the students you serve.

The hardest part of my job is and will always be when I have to give consequences to a student who has broken the rules. Don't get me wrong. I know it's necessary, but sometimes it's difficult when you know the background of the child. I have been working closely with a child whose home life isn't like mine. So sometimes it isn't easy to understand what he is going through. However I have tried to spend more time listening. 

Ben Gilipin and his diving into the world of mental illness in the world of education with the post, Change by Addition. It is powerful in every sense of the word. This post will instill the blessings we are provided each day with the students and staff we are surrounded by.

The child that we all feel fear for.  The child that for little to no reason explodes.  The child that withdraws and is noticeably depressed.  The child that shows ZERO remorse. The child that has an emotional impairment.
During my time as a classroom teacher and now, principal, my most challenging issues have easily been students with an emotional impairment.  I can vividly remember each and every case.  I can still remember the meetings that lasted month after month after month with hardly any action...until... the blowup!

As you read these posts and others, make sure to comment within theirs or on mine if time permits. Feedback is something we model. As always, yours would be appreciated.

A Collective Effort

(courtesy hdscreen.me)

We can't do these jobs alone. The days are long, the work is hard and the reality is that we need each other in order to reach our goals.

Teachers are the greatest example of what a collective effort can get you. Team meetings, department time, hallway conversations and passing moments of engagement are all a testament to the power of dialogue.

Educators, like no other group of people in all my years of work, do it better than anyone else. Embracing each others ideas, showing the utmost respect and care for each other and unconditionally supporting one another during the best and worst of times is evident day in and day out.

As we head into the Ohio Middle Level Association State Conference, I am energized knowing I am surrounding myself with some of the best the region has to offer. These educators are being the given the opportunity to gather at a location set a side for some intense professional development and then take this knowledge back to their respective districts. The cycle continues. The ideas will travel. The collective effort will be showcased at this event.

I encourage you to take the time this week to reflect on your role in the collective effort. Think about the conversations you are having and what you bring to the table. Ensure that you are part of the team and moving the organization forward. Be a problem solver, a solution seeker, a lesson planner, a passion finder and a student-centered educator. Be a leader, an advocate and a listener.

Be a part of the collective efforts of those you work with. We are better for it.  Here is a quick video that reminds us of who teachers truly are.