George

Is it transformative to the learner?

A teacher was sharing a story about a student in her grade one class that had struggled with reading. One thing she tried was providing a student an iPad to read texts, and because of the ability to enlarge the text, all of a sudden, the student was reading. More importantly, the student was enjoying … [Read more…]

By George

Learners Are the Driver of Innovation in Education

One of the things that I am often asked: ” Is innovation all about technology?” I can understand why I often receive this question because a lot of times when I am sharing some new ideas with a group, it is while I am using technology. But my issue is that I am comfortable with … [Read more…]

By George

Going Beyond the “Cool” Factor

Years ago, I remembered walking into this redesigned library that was seemingly the stuff of dreams in education. It was more like a media center and had spaces that were created for collaborative learning as well as spaces to work your own. Flexible seating accommodated the learning needs of many different learners, and it was … [Read more…]

By George

5 Areas to Consider to Move Toward a Culture of Innovation

I was recently asked what some actionable steps to moving toward a “culture of innovation are.” In my first book, “The Innovator’s Mindset,” I discuss five areas that schools can focus on to help people embrace meaningful change. They are the following: Strengths-Based Leadership (How do we focus on strengths of those that we serve?) Powerful … [Read more…]

By George

Listening to Lead Forward

One book that I come back to over and over again is “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. Written in 1936, there is still so much from this book that resonates today. For example, this quote always grounds me on if we are trying to help others move forward; we must … [Read more…]

On Delivering Feedback

I appreciate the article “Feedback (and Other Dirty Words),” which gives some insights on what is essential in delivering effective feedback. Here is an excerpt from the post. Done right, feedback is not only a good thing, it is essential to growth and performance. They say we need to do more than tweak our feedback … [Read more…]

The Innovator’s Mindset and the Profile of a Graduate

This post is from my “Innovate Inside the Box” co-author, Katie Novak. In her recent work, she connected the idea of graduate profiles and “The Innovator’s Mindset.” Check out her post below. Today I had the opportunity to work with an amazing administrative team in the Del Norte School District on the northern coast in … [Read more…]

By George

Creating Opportunities for Purpose in School

I recently had the opportunity to discuss “Innovate Inside the Box” and “The Innovator’s Mindset” on “The Award-Winning Culture podcast by Wildcat Nation.” I have done several podcasts, but this was one of my favorites because it was led and created by current students. It was great to talk with the students, but the best … [Read more…]

By George

The Pursuit of Excellence in the Creation Process

I thoroughly enjoyed this post from Shawn Lovejoy on “The Liabilities of Being a Perfectionist.” This part specifically stood out to me: Leaders execute. They get things done. Quickly, consistently and (hopefully) with little drama. Perfectionist leaders get trapped “waiting” on something to be perfect. Conditions must be ideal and every wrinkle ironed out before a … [Read more…]

By George

Looking Inward to Move Onward

From Katie Martin in “Learner-Centred Innovation“: Just think how you might begin to make the changes and the impact you desire in school if instead of statements like, “If they would have, . . .” you started asking, “How might I…?” This is what is referred to by psychologists as the locus of control or … [Read more…]

It’s Never Too Late to Start Something New

In 2019, I have had a goal of running at least 100 miles each month using the @Aaptiv app. Some months are more comfortable than others, but my focus has not been on getting faster but getting my goal done each month. As I was doing one of the running programs, I heard the story … [Read more…]

By George

Creating a Shared Story

I recently read a post titled, “The 10 Stories Great Leaders Need to Tell,” and they listed these ten stories that leaders need to be able to tell: Story 1: Where We Came From (A Founding Story) Story 2: Why We Can’t Stay Here (A Case-for-Change Story) Story 3: Where We’re Going (A Vision Story) … [Read more…]

3 Questions to Consider When Implementing a New Idea in a School Community

This passage from a post by Gabrielle Marquette resonated with me: Making big changes seem small is a skill that administrators need to excel at if we are going to see wide scale change in our educational system. Teachers need more time to reflect on their practice as it is highly dynamic. They need time … [Read more…]

By George

3 Questions to Consider When Implementing a New Idea in a School Community

By George

On Being a Dad

I had just finished a workshop with a group of administrators, and a participant came up to me and said, “I had seen you speak before you had your daughter and I wanted to tell you that you seem much more empathetic in your delivery. It was nice to see you grow.” It meant a … [Read more…]

The Wisdom in Our Classrooms

I received a question/comment recently about the concern that as classrooms and schools consider why change is essential and what change is necessary, that educators are concerned that their expertise will no longer be valued. For me, the teacher in the classroom is and will always be the expert. The shift is not about devaluing the knowledge … [Read more…]

A Reminder for When Others Seem Resistant to Change

This is something I have heard (and have said in the past) people say quite often: Our people are just not moving fast enough! This can take other forms as well, such as “people are resistant to change,” etc. Here is something that I think to help ground me in this thinking. Some people thought … [Read more…]

By George

A Reminder for When Others Seem Resistant to Change

By George

Empowered in the Process

I read this great post from Deidre Roemer recently, where she discusses a letter she received from a former student. With deep reflection, although the message was very complimentary of the student’s time with Deidre, I appreciate Deidre’s self-reflection on what she read: When I read the letter the first time, I felt really good … [Read more…]

The Importance of the Reciprocated Relationship in Education

I encourage you to watch this video from Edutopia on the importance of relationships for learning: “Emotion and learning are completely connected.” Research shows that students who feel safe and supported by adults at school are better able to learn. #HowLearningHappens pic.twitter.com/ELTtCWPJhz — edutopia (@edutopia) September 7, 2019 It would be an excellent video for … [Read more…]

Author: George