One of the key differences that exist between learning environments in primary school classrooms and those in many secondary schools is the use of the classroom display space. Too often…
Read More Students staring at blank walls? 5 classroom displays for Secondary Schools
I pride myself on being visible so that I know what is going on at my school.* I stand at the front door or “the intersection” every morning to greet the students (my…
I have been a fulltime principal for about ten years. A few years back, I took on teaching the sixth grade social studies class at the same time. I wrote…
There is no question that educational leaders today deal with a relentless stream of competing demands, requiring them to work at a rapid pace, shifting quickly from one task to…
The following excerpt is from my new book, The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity, which will be published this month (October 2015) by DBC,…
It is heartening to see the number of articles and discussions that center on providing the best possible professional learning for teachers. Firstly, it is encouraging that professional learning is…
Read More Professional Learning for Teachers – go find the balance
Last weekend was the third time my son, Austin, stepped out on his rollerblades. His first two times were frustrating for him and the start of our rollerblading activity last…
In a recent staff meeting we kicked off our first professional development season, which focuses on learning engagements. One aim of the plenary was to begin to get teachers thinking…
Great leaders don’t spend time trying to change people. They spend their energy creating the conditions in which people want to change. Discussions move beyond “why” as educators begin thinking…
I think most educational leaders would agree that being an instructional leader is an essential part of one’s leadership style. The ability to lead teachers through professional development, be…
Many schools employ technology coaches / integrators, though the role they undertake is wide-ranging and differs greatly from school to school. Like many new positions that are created in schools…
Read More Getting the most out of your school’s technology coach
If you missed the great sharing between the educators who were able to take part in last night’s second #CE14 #CPChat of the month on the topic of Constructive Teacher…
Read More #CPChat Transcript On Constructive Teacher Evaluation
Thanks to everyone who participated in our initial Connected Educator Month #CPChat this past Thursday night! Jason Markey and Rosie Vojtek did a wonderful job co-moderating our discussion on the…
In about my sixth year of teaching, I remember sharing a story about my dogs with my grade 9 students. As I was on my own in a small town…
Did you know that great teachers feel slightly disappointed and somewhat unappreciated with a perfect evaluation? Take a look at the following quotes. “I want to be better. Telling me…
Read More If You Thought I Was Perfect, You Weren’t Paying Attention
This is a cross post from my personal blog. I was just re-reading a post that I wrote three years ago entitled, Advice to a New Administrator. This is the…
