5 Reason to Blog

Recently I was sitting having coffee with Jacki Prati and having a great conversation about our upcoming EdCamp on August 7th. The excitement is building for this amazing day of professional learning as we will be joined by over 200 educators from all over the state of Ohio and beyond. We will come together to talk about all that is great in education. If you are in the area please drop in. (Information can be found at: http://www.ileohio.org/)

As our conversation about camp was wrapping up, the conversation shifted to blogging. Or, as in Jacki's case, the lack there of. Not to worry, those are her words, not mine. She shared the personal and professional disappointment that she had not sat down at they keyboard for almost a year. Jacki went on to say that it was not about the lack of desire. Nor was it the fact that she was "too busy" with work, kids, etc. This was more than that. She had lost her purpose.

As the conversation continued, I began to think about my journey with blogging. This became a perfectly timed reminder for reflecting on MY purpose for why I write. And even more importantly, why I share. Let's be honest, if we simply wanted to write for ourselves, we would keep a journal or a diary. But instead, we blog. Therefore, we share.

With that, I began a list. This would be a condensed list of the reasons I write, and share. When I post to my page, tweet to my colleagues and connect with the #compelledtribe, I believe that I do so with purpose. I share this list with you, and especially Jacki, so that when you write you may discover the reasons for your journey. Here are mine:

1. Parallels in our experiences. My job is unlike any other. The same can be said about yours. However, after we take away the titles we soon realize that there are more things in common than we first realize. We lead and we learn through each others experiences. Sharing those experiences makes us recognize the role of each person in the process. Learning of these parallels makes us better.

2. Recognizing our successes and our failures. There are always going to be moments to celebrate in education. However, there will also be moments of frustration and disappointment. Writing about these highs and lows allows us to connect and relate to the daily global happenings around us. This piece also keeps us grounded and humble.

3. Becoming the student, and the teacher. As educators, this is our goal. Switching up our role as the leader and learner is essential. The writing process is just one avenue to get there. Taking the time to reflect through writing has provided lessons that are irreplaceable. Often times the greatest accomplishments are read and not written.

4. Compassion and understanding. Reading about another educators journey can be inspiring and heartbreaking all in the same breath. Knowing what we each go through can be motivational and empowering. There are events and circumstances out of our control. Being aware of the greater picture keeps us grounded and focused.

5. Pride and joy. Each day we greet our students and teachers with smiles and laughter. We became educators to make a difference. Seeing the "light bulb" each day is where we get our greatest satisfaction in what we do. Discovery of emotions such as pride and joy keep us motivated to teach and lead day in and day out. Writing is an avenue to get there and assist others along the way.

In the end, find your purpose for blogging. If you are like Jacki and have lost your way, create a list and set some goals for yourself. Additionally, for tips on getting back to writing and suggestions on how to share your thoughts and ideas, check out Gretchen Rubin's article "Having Troubles Getting Yourself To Write? 9 Tips." Thanks to Jennifer Hogan for sharing this article with me. And, for being my inspiration and motivation in so much of what I do when it comes to blogging, leading and learning.

Five Essentials (to Effective Leadership)

(courtesy davidrumsy.com)

Learning is truly a journey. Each day I look forward to what lies ahead. Getting better is expected. As I venture into another year in education, my fifteenth as a building administrator, there are some "essentials" that I will continue to refine. Following these will be just the beginning of my own leadership journey. Please, feel free to add your own thoughts, and suggestions, in the comment section below. Let's grow the list together.

1. Be ready to listen. The greatest of ideas can come from the most unexpected places. We often are so eager to lead that we take for granted the art of an open ear. Encourage your colleagues to "bend it". Open the door to communication and sit back and hear what is needed be said. Not everything that is shared will be something that is implemented or applied, but you'll be better off to have heard than not heard at all.

2. Strengthen relationships. Every educator that I have met understands the value of knowing who the work with. The great leaders, those that stand apart from their peers, know that the deeper the relationships, the greater the outcomes of success of the organization. While you are listening, make sure to take note of what each member of  your team brings to the table. The more you know who they are, the more likely you are to get them to follow your lead. Relationships matter most.

3. Step aside. As an administrator we have the distinct responsibility to lead our buildings into academic success. Student achievement is our goal. Being the instructional leader is our charge and for the safety and well being of our community, we are the operators of our institutions. Knowing when to lead, and when to step aside allow others to lead, is a craft that only some posses. Sharing the role of who is at the helm builds strength within your walls of your school. Teachers aspire to lead, leaders aspire to create opportunities for them. Give them the support to take the reigns. Build capacity.


4. Model it. From your demeanor, to your disposition, to how you lead, to how you learn and especially how you interact with your staff, students and parents, model at all times. If we expect it of others, expect it of yourself. Always in a constant state of change and an ever growing use of technology in our profession, educators (like any other career) must stay with the times. Model the leading, learning and work that you do. What we do is observed by all. Make it count.

5. Get (and stay) connected. Whether with the people you serve each day or the ones you meet through conferences, conversations or social networking, one of our greatest professional tools is getting connected with others in our work and learning through those interactions. Using platforms such as Twitter, Voxer, Instagram or the constantly evolving world of social media, it is those connections that will grow you as a leader and a learner. If you are not connected, you are not keeping up.

Challenge yourself to work on these five essentials as you begin to think about students, staff and your community entering your halls in the coming weeks. Create for yourself a blueprint for what it is you hope to accomplish this year in each of these areas. Where you find a strength, tweak it. Engage with others to help you discover which is an area that could use more attention, your weakness. Surround yourself with people that inspire you and motivate you. Don't sell yourself short. We each have the ability, and the positions, to lead like never before.

Mind over Matter

If it were only that easy.

For years I have taken the stance that certain things happen in life because we allow them too. Many, however, believe that it is fate that is behind the things that occur in our lives. And it is fate that determines when these events happen and how they happen. Fate for many is what keeps the balance of what we had intended to occur and what actually does. There is a sense of calm when we believe that things "happen for a reason". Regardless of your belief, let's dive into the topic.

Without pause, we could all agree that each of us has made certain decisions in our lives that have created a path of our successes and our failures. Therefore, these decisions will determine our overall satisfaction in what we do and what we are doing. By making these decisions, we could say that our fate is never sealed. Whether controlled or not, things do happen without explanation and regardless of that deep-rooted belief of fate. It is agreed by many that there is always an opportunity to improve our situation. That conversation would go down the path of "mindset". More on that topic another day.

With that in mind (no pun intended), and speaking more directly to our career paths, I further believe that such paths are determined by our behaviors and our actions. Simply put, it is our responses to the events (that we often times can not control) that determines the direction in which we go. Timothy Kight, an expert in the field of building leadership skills, shares this formula:

Event + Response = Outcome. (E+R = O)  

If we "are what we eat" and we "reap what we sew" then isn't it just as fair to say that if we want to achieve certain levels of achievement that we should be able to do so by applying a concept as simple as "mind over matter"?

Mr. Kight emphasizes that our focus needs to be on our "responses". It is those responses that can assist in controlling much of our career paths. The "events" that happen around us (and to us) well, they are going to happen without gaining our input first. And, if we already know what our desired "outcome" should be or what we want it to be, then stay focused on the part of the equation that we can control. Again, our response.

To take it a step further, many go on to say that success is often based on two factors: intelligence and luck. Take the position you have and the position you want (if there is such a thing). To get where you are, and more importantly, where you want to be, (the outcome) which one of the two will be more likely to get you to that spot? Would it be luck? Would it be intelligence? If I am being asked, I would argue it is a little bit of both. Agree?

So, in the end and after all is said and done, I come back to two beliefs that outweigh all the others. The first, fate. We need to hold on to this. It is what helps us in the worst of times and in the best of times. It can not be overlooked nor dismissed. Secondly, and just as significantly, I believe that what we accomplish in life is in large part to "mind over matter", the response. We chose our paths based on our actions. In the face of adversity, how we handle such a beast is what makes us achieve.

With that, put your mind to it. Believe in it. Hope for a little but of luck, rely on your intelligence and do not dismiss something as deep as fate. Your resolve, and your response, will be there in the end.

Pace Yourself - The Blogging Journey

(courtesy running.competitor.com)

I am a runner.

What I have learned about running, I have applied to my work. Watching those around me over the course of time I have been able to grow as a learner and a leader and yes, even a runner. What was once a rush to apply the knowledge (and start the run) I have learned that it is not how fast you go out of the gate, the blocks or hit the trail but rather how you finish and how you feel as you cross the line.

We have to pace ourselves.

The journey of the #compelledtribe has been one in which I applied these same principles. I began as a novice writer and to this day would still consider myself just that. As I write, I often write for myself. I jot down my thoughts about the path that I am on. It is about reflection. It is about the journey. My goal is simple. Be better tomorrow that you are today.

Jennifer Hogan, an extreme blogger (and runner) asked me last year if I had any interest on a joint blogging effort. "Who me?" I said. Hardly one to recognize my own abilities as a writer I was hesitant to say the least. I bought some time and went for a run. I would have to think this one through. Would I be able and willing to commit to a task such as this that would hold me accountable for contributing a post twice a month, if not more? Would I be willing to put myself out there to my peers both near and far? This would be one of the most, if not the most, transparent things I have done as an educator and a leader. I was reluctant.

Then, as I was running, my own feet became my answer. "Pace yourself".

If I would be able to do this, and be able to hold myself accountable to the expectations of not only the group but also of myself, then this could be a challenge that would have a reward not measured by dollars and cents. This could be a one-of-a-kind opportunity. This could be a "game-changer". And with that, the challenge was accepted. The #compelledtribe was founded.

Over this past year I can say that I have become better at what a I do in all aspects of my life due to the relatively simple decision to join a group of bloggers and write and therefore reflect. And what I write about is what is relevant to me, my family, my work, my colleagues and my ability to lead. And therefore I am better at each of those and then some.

As you read this you are the same as I. A blogger. Ask yourself a simple questions - "Why do I blog?" For many, the answer will seem apparent. However, I challenge you to truly reflect on why it is you take the time to put thoughts on to paper and then out to the world. I am sure you, like me, are better at what you do and who you are in large part because you take the time to go for a run. Find your path and reflect on your journey and always remember, pace yourself.

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!

First Chair

Guest Blogger Monica Todd is an 8th grader at Hilliard Weaver School in Hilliard, OH. She is your typical middle school student. Or is she? What is shared below are her words, her takeaways, from her 7th and 8th grade middle school journey. Her English teacher, Meghan Schultz, introduced blogging to her students this year as a way to communicate and receive feedback for their leaning. With Monica's permission, I share her post with you.

Monica's Musings

Eighth grade was a tremendous year for me. I learned so much, did so much and changed so much. I just have to make one last blog post all about it. Just for closure. 

I've had so many great experiences over the course of the year, but Washington DC wins by a landslide. I truly believe that Washington DC changed me as a person. I got so much closer to my friends, I saw so many beautiful things and I learned so much about our country. But the most important thing I learned wasn't about history- it was about life. I had a revelation standing atop the Lincoln Memorial. In that moment, I realized I needed to be an optimist, that I needed to think positively in order to have good memories. To savor every moment. That had to be from God. I've been trying to live like that ever since, and it has made me so much happier. If I've learned anything this year, it's how to live in the moment and that good thoughts are what make good memories. 

Another huge win for this year was that I have made some truly amazing friends. Making good friendships is something I've always struggled with. I've always been shy, so the beginning of 6th grade was a nightmare. I was going to Tharp, away from all my friends in elementary school. I prayed and prayed for God to send me good friends. I thought I found them, but at the end of 6th grade, I realized that they were not good friends at all. Again, in seventh grade, I thought I had found the perfect group of friends. It also didn't work out. Finally, in eighth grade, I think I've found my group of friends. I finally have friends that know me well, that support me and I can hang out with for hours. Sure, we're not perfect, but at last I have found friends that I'm comfortable being myself with. 

Finally, I have done so much this year, I can't write about it all in detail. I'll just do this highlights, then a long list. First, I made first chair in orchestra. I still do not get tired of the thrill of seeing your name on the top of the list. All the hard work paying off. Your tired fingers and rosin-coated strings were worth it. Your passion paid off. I know I won't be feeling that kind of joy for a long time. I may never be first chair again in high school, so I'd better savor it. I've also become a much better artist this year, and not just in skill, though I have improved. I am so much more passionate about art than I was at the start of the year. I'm much more relaxed and I've learned how to have fun with art. I'm also learning to become proud of my art. I used to get so embarrassed about how people would just go on and on about how good it was. Now I know that you shouldn't be ashamed about how you inspire people. Yes, I'm still working on dealing with the embarrassment, but it doesn't stop me. 

This year, I've been so involved in drama. I thought it was a minor passion, but now I think it's a real one, specifically directing. I loved it. Even all the stress was worth it. I wish I could do it all over again, just to feel the joy of seeing your vision come to life. It's a feeling like no other. I've done so much else this year, but I think I'm going to have to draw this to a close. I'm running out of good words. 

All I have left to say is that I have done so much this year. I have changed so much, from becoming an optimist atop the Lincoln Memorial, to growing in all my passions, and becoming truly happy. That's right, I became truly happy this year. And finally, I came to love blogging. This is not my last blog post ever, I have plenty more passions to write about. 

Ask the Tough Questions

One of the hardest things to do is to ask for help. Equally as challenging is to ask for someones opinion. The kind of opinion that is genuine, truthful and doesn't come with fears of repercussions. When asking for help, we are often afraid of the backlash. Scared that we will be judged or thought less of.

Yet, that is exactly what we are doing as we wrap up this school year.

The school in which I lead will once again open themselves up to these very ideas. We are asking the tough (and some not so tough) questions of our students, our staff and our school community. I have often heard the following expression: "one year does not make a trend". Therefore, let's collect the data. Let's discover some trends, let's find what is working, and as equally as important, let's find what is not working. With this information we will be ready for the school year that lies ahead. As with any school district or school itself, our goal is simple - we strive to be at our best. To be the best for our students, our community and for our fellow colleagues,

As we work with students in the classrooms in which we teach, we remind them that the answers to their questions are within reach. Therefore, here is how we ask our stakeholders for their take on our work:

- We give our 7th and 8th graders the Student Experience Survey through Battelle for Kids. This specific survey speaks to Engagement, Hope, Belonging and Classroom Management. Giving this survey in both the fall and spring gives teachers feedback to what they need to know to reflect on how students perceive their environment and helps them understand their students.

- As students exit our school building next week, we will also be giving them a survey specific to their experiences at our middle school in relation to activities, the learning process, their teachers and their likes and dislikes. Many of the questions will be multiple choice but their will be some questions that ask for more information. This is a very transparent exercise that shows our willingness to reflect and improve and/or maintain.

- We also ask our teachers for their feedback and their opinion of their year, throughout the year. We ask what's worked or not worked. And we ask where have we hit (or missed) the mark with our leadership. They are encouraged to be as honest as possible. And, after giving this survey for the past few years, they are. And thanks to them, we are better at what we do.

- Through the relationship with our Parent-Teacher Organization, we have cast our net that much further when it comes to embracing our work and the expectations they have as a group of invested parents. We know the community plays a significant role in the education we deliver and the experiences our students have. Whether classroom interactions or extra-curricular activities, our community gives a perspective that assists us in improving our services. As we wrap up our year with them, they too are given a survey of sorts in which they can help us grow as a system.

Students, staff and community, the three pillars of education. We have to be able to ask the tough questions and be open to hearing the raw responses. It is imperative to seek out feedback that will enhance the climate, the learning and the student experience in our schools.