From James Clear’s 3-2-1 newsletter …. So true!

High standards, firm vision, and clear expectations are good for schools, but illogical rigidity is not!

#EduSky

H/T to James Clear, today’s 3-2-1 Newsletter. So very true! If the school cannot function without me, it’s time to reflect!

#EduSky

I’m three episodes into Coach K’s #MasterClass on #leadership. The big take away so far:

1. Start from defining your values.
2. Then, define collective values.
3. Our values breed our culture.

#EduSky

Engaged learners are generally meeting expectations, on task, and participating.

The problem becomes when we, as the teachers, act as if that is the same as being truly engaged.

General compliance is necessary but not sufficient.

#EduSky

After having spent the past four days watching our custodial team move mountains of snow, I have only one question …

… how do the Inuit do it?

#EduSky

A frightening thought.

We expect so much out of our teachers and put way too many demands on them. We all need to work together to find a way to make this a sustainable profession for our educators.

The consequences could be dire.

#EduSky

I don’t think engaging students requires an extroverted, MC type teacher.

An introverted teacher can still engage students through:

• Warmth and positivity
• Facilitating quality discussions
• Empowering students to lead the classroom
• Genuine care and enthusiasm for student success

#EduSky

Quality collaborative time is the greatest tool educators have to fix (insert just about any problem)!

We’re not able to create more time, $, resources, or to fix the challenges our kids bring in.

But we CAN put our heads together and come up with solutions that will make things better! #EduSky

Volume isn’t the indicator of engagement or disengagement.

A noisy classroom can be disengaged. A quiet classroom can be disengaged.

Instead, aim for the appropriate volume for the instructional goals of your lesson and activities. Model, practice, affirm. Rinse and repeat!

#EduSky

After 16 full days of Winter Break, we will return to class … not tomorrow. Snow day.

Neat?

#EduSky

Back to school on Monday! It’s been a great break, feeling rested and recharged and ready to go!

Some goals:

•Presence in classrooms with abundant empowering feedback
•Protecting time to finish old things, vs. continually piling on new things
•Continued focus on “hopeful urgency”

#EduSky

Happy 2025, #Edusky!

What are your goals, Committments, and resolutions for the new year?

In 2024, I:

•Went to Europe and Lake Tahoe for the first time
•Finished my first year as a building principal
•Hiked Rocky Mtn NP
•Found the #EduSky community

Looking forward to a great 2025!

I’m 💯 convinced that, done well, purposeful partnering and grouping of students of students is critical to engaging students.

It makes all students:

•Think
•Talk
•Explore
•Try things

It also ensures the quiet ones or those who need processing time have it.

#EduSky

Foster a growth mindset in your classroom or school.

Celebrate effort and progress, not just correct answers. The journey needs to be just as important as the destination!

#EduSky

Wait, it doesn’t?

A question I often ponder. What is student engagement, really?

•Can a student be on task and complaint but disengaged?
•Can a class be safe and calm, but disengaged?
•Can a student be happy, but disengaged?

I think the answer to all of them is “yes.”

So what is engagement, really? #EduSky

‘Twas a steak kind of night!

You can’t pour from an empty cup!

Ay yi yi

Ooo! A good one, and a great way to have touch points with all students.

The gall of some people ….

I taught for a year in a semi-rural school.

The veteran staff barely even tried to learn your name because they knew you’d leave. I don’t mean that as a criticism - there were some great people, both admin and teachers, doing the best they could, truly.

But the under-resourcing was criminal.

The return-from-Winter Break in January is a great opportunity to set new precedents and try new things in the classroom.

For leaders, this can apply to the school as a whole.

School leaders - what are resetting in January?

#EduSky

We adopted this fella from a foster agency.

THEY adopted him from some folks who found him and his litter in a Rubbermade container.

He could’ve died on the side of a road. And yet we get to love him his entire life.

The world is awful sometimes. But it can be beautiful too.

#DogsofBlueSky

“The night is always darkest just before the dawn…”

In other words, acknowledge the hard things. But if you believed you were on the right path when you started, keep going. Pulling out now means the implementation dip is the new normal.

Well yeah but… umm… freedom and … socialism ... is bad … and, reasons?

Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate it! 🎄

And for those of you who don’t, I hope you and your loved ones are spending quality time together during this holiday season!

#EduSky

Unfortunately, we often leave the most important voice at the table out of the conversation during IEP meetings.

Our building team interviews students prior to their meetings and shares their input. It’s a great first step to empowering these learners!

#EduSky

Like many educators, I tend to pile appointments into those scheduled longer breaks.

And I’m not gonna lie, a dental trip in the midst of a candy and sugar heavy holiday is a cheat code.

#EduSky