Unintended Consequences…

You know how people are all outraged about “ObamaCare”? Well, it’s one of those things that—to me, a non-medical person—sounds really good. Who doesn’t like the idea of everyone getting to have health insurance, even with pre-existing conditions? Apparently, it only sounds good, though, because my insurance friend talks about it with a very negative... Continue Reading →

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What if we were ALL IN?

At our district opening ceremonies this week, there were great speeches surrounding the topic "be all in." Speakers connected the importance of being all in for students, all in for families, all in for our schools, and all in for team collaboration. I think that this is a great topic. I'm totally ALL IN because... Continue Reading →

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New teachers: Be the change

Last week, I had the privilege to help welcome new special education teachers to my district. I absolutely LOVE early career teachers. Their enthusiasm is contagious and inspiring. Being a special education induction coach (an after-school gig) is something that I am passionate about because we need excellent teachers who stay in this field. My... Continue Reading →

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Can we perhaps change things?

(This is very local to Scottsdale, Arizona. "SOS" refers to a FB page called Safeguard Our Students). Perhaps you have heard this little quip before, but here it is again: making changes to this world does not happen by clicking “like” on a Facebook page. Making actual comments on a posting on a FB page... Continue Reading →

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A gift to our future selves….

Sometimes (not often enough) I try to give a gift to my future self. This week, I am giving my future self the gift of time. Thus, even though school doesn’t start until Monday, I have been at school this week getting as much done as possible, so that the "me" of next week has... Continue Reading →

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Some intangible consequences…

I got interviewed this morning for article about class size. I don’t know how long interviews are supposed to take, but this one took 25 minutes, and her focus was the impact that insufficient funding has had on students across the nation.That’s an easy one for me, because I think that the most pressing issue... Continue Reading →

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Are we ready for the hurricane?

         This is what I want to tell all of my teacher-friends, but I don’t know if I will. Sure, some of them follow this blogging site, but most of them don’t.         You see, here’s the thing…teachers are so overwhelmed and so stressed out, so weary and demoralized, that any suggestion of adding something to... Continue Reading →

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Lead with Compassion!

I just read a great article and had to share here: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/leadership_360/2014/07/leadership_learning_and_compassion_the_indispensables_of_education.htmlIsn't it true that leadership starts with compassion?...soul-deep, earth-shattering compassion? I think that teachers have the capacity to be incredible leaders because teachers often have enormous amounts of natural compassion and empathy for the struggles of others. When teachers see struggling students, struggling families,... Continue Reading →

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The importance of staying inspired…

I'm in Denver for an educators' event called "Raise Your Hand," and it's made me realize how valuable it is for educators from all over the country to get together, share ideas and inspire each other. I've been teaching for 22 years, and I am still very passionate about my work, and events like I experienced... Continue Reading →

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True teacher leadership: Mentoring others

I think that one of the coolest things about teacher leadership is that sometimes, you don't even know you are leading. About two weeks ago, I got an excited call from a colleague. Last year was her first year teaching preschool special ed in my district. It was a challenging and frustrating year for her,... Continue Reading →

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