Any political agenda and organization which doesn't begin with personal responsibility is just half the argument. It's just not going to succeed. ~Peter Coyote I have an admission... For years I complained publicly and privately that our school district was not doing enough to support its teachers. Past professional learning opportunities included sponsoring a $10 … Continue reading A Healthy Professional Balance
Tag: Education
Cynefin: Learning to Live with/in Complicated/Complexity
We are glorious accidents of an unpredictable process with no drive to complexity, not the expected results of evolutionary principles that yearn to produce a creature capable of understanding the mode of its own necessary construction. ~ Stephen Jay Gould A respected colleague recently introduced me David Snowden's Cynefin (ku-nev-in) model. The framework itself appears holds … Continue reading Cynefin: Learning to Live with/in Complicated/Complexity
Off And Running: Random Thoughts To Start Another Year
You. Got. This. Three important words that I bring back into my consciousness each and every September. My mantra, of sorts. As a begin the second year in a new assignment I am committed showing up open, clear, and curious for myself, my students, and our learning journey together. A New Adventure! Speaking of a … Continue reading Off And Running: Random Thoughts To Start Another Year
Letting Kids Be…[kids]: Reflections to Responses
With the tent now dried out and put away, I have had an opportunity to reflect back on a recent three-day retreat outing with forty-eight middle school students earlier this month. I know what you are thinking...? My response to that question is for another post. Smack dab in the cross-hairs of my reflections have … Continue reading Letting Kids Be…[kids]: Reflections to Responses
It’s Fun to Have Fun, But Students Are Too: Dr. Seuss and a Lesson for Teachers
It's better to learn how to learn than to know. ~Dr. Seuss I am currently reading master biographer Brian Jay Jones's brand spanking new ode to literary behemoth, Dr. Seuss. Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination has compelled me reflect, on more than one occasion, on the many connections to Geisel's … Continue reading It’s Fun to Have Fun, But Students Are Too: Dr. Seuss and a Lesson for Teachers
Sh&$ Happens (or Why Destiny Matters)
I can control my destiny, but not my fate. Destiny means there are opportunities to turn right or left, but fate is a one-way street. I believe we all have the choice as to whether we fulfill our destiny, but our fate is sealed. ~Paulo Coelho Sh#% happens Emerges (for a reason) Admittedly, I struggled this year … Continue reading Sh&$ Happens (or Why Destiny Matters)
Talent IS Overrated
Nobody comes out of the womb doing organic chemistry. Suzanne Lucas I recently viewed this TEDxBasel Talk by HR specialist (aka The Evil HR Lady) Suzanne Lucas. And as usual, I could not help but make attempt to make connections to my approaches both in the classroom working with my students, and as part of … Continue reading Talent IS Overrated
Decision Fatigue: Got Some?
As if educators in the twenty-first century are not already charged with a growing responsibility for our learners that includes supporting the acquisition and utilization of self-regulation skills, current neurological research has concluded that in the early years of learning it appears that the 'how' of learning and teaching immensely influence on brain development. Martha … Continue reading Decision Fatigue: Got Some?
Daring to Lead Together
It's not hard to make decisions once you know what your values are. Roy E. Disney So proud that our staff is a curious staff. Yes, we talk pedagogic ideals, share lessons, and offer advice on supporting learners and connecting effectively with families when. But most often, we just listen. Ask a lot of questions. … Continue reading Daring to Lead Together
Taking Stock: Joy In Review
Well, I'm officially four months into my new position. The experience, overwhelming. The learning curve, enormous. The self-induced level of pressure, palpable. The fear of so, what's next, ever-present. Among the singularly memorable moments of joy and compassion, and connection and care this fall, the classroom also experienced episodes of frustration, fear, anger, and futility. … Continue reading Taking Stock: Joy In Review
