High Fives and Hugs

Last year my intervention class wasn’t worth any school credits, although a required part of each of my student's Individual Education Plans.  I quickly learned I had to find ways to motivate my high school students.  I started weekly trivia that earned them points towards semester pizza parties and then everyone earned “Candy Fridays”

I worked hard last year advocating for my students, and now they get a well deserved credit for my class. This year I decided to eliminate “Candy Friday” for two reasons.  

1. They’re now getting their credit
2. Selfishly, I don’t want the candy around me.

This week a student, J, walked in said, “It’s Candy Friday!”

“Sorry J, we’re not doing Candy Friday this year.  How about High Fives and Hugs instead?”

After a little stare…

“That’s cool.  You know, I haven’t been hugged since, like, elementary school.”

“Yeh, most teachers don’t hug after elementary school, huh?”

J laughs and says, “No, I mean by anyone.  You know my dad doesn’t do that stuff”

J is an 18 year old student who struggles with reading and writing.  He lives with dad, uncle and twin brother.  They moved here when he was in 8th grade from Kenya.   His mother is still there. J struggles with making the right decisions and he makes some pretty bad ones unfortunately.

Yes, J needs the educational support that we provide him, but he needs so much more.  He needs support, care, and someone to guide and cheer him on. There are many students in our buildings exactly like him.  Are we doing EVERYTHING we can to ensure that we’re meeting their needs? What will each of us do to look for and support the Js in our buildings?

Yes, J got a hug as he left on Friday.

What THEY are saying!

Building relationships with my students is a #1 priority for me. As an Intervention Specialist, I am fortunate to get to have my students over multiple years. I thought I knew my students really well, but I was blown away the last two days getting to know my new freshman and the upperclassmen even better!

I started my first day with a large bag of M&Ms. We went around sharing highlights of summer, our goals and unknown fun facts!  It was a fun way for my groups to get to know one another.  

On day two I asked them to fill out a survey for me as I met 1:1 with the students. I was amazed with my student's openness and transparency about school.  Please keep in mind that these are all high school students who have some type of IEP.

Survey Takeaways we can all benefit from:

“When taking notes, it’s sometimes hard to keep up.  Once a teacher stared at me and told me to write faster - I was trying!”

“I want to succeed this year.  Graduation is close.”

“I wish teachers would talk with one another.  It’s hard when I have more than a couple of tests on one day.”

“I wish teachers would make class more interesting like they did in elementary school.  I need to move around.”

“I wish teachers knew how hard reading was for me.  I’m not like most high school students.”

“I want to prove to everyone that I CAN be successful at school this year.”

“I wish principals would enforce the dress code more.”

“I’m looking forward to getting on honor roll this year!”

“I sometimes feel like I am bothering teachers when I ask questions.  I wish teachers would try to explain things in different ways.”

“I wish school started a little later in the day.”

“The hardest part about school is getting back on track missing something or being absent.  As hard as you try it keeps getting harder and teachers just keep moving on.”

“I know it’s hard for me to stay focused, but I don’t like it when teachers say something to me about it in front of the whole class.”

“A great teacher is one you can always go to and ask questions to even if you’re not in their class.  You just trust them.”

“I like hands-on learning.  Why don’t we do more of that?”

“A great teacher will help me with my goal of getting good grades and being eligible for sports.”

“I wish teachers wouldn’t call on me in class, I’m shy.  I wish they would talk to me on my own.”

“I feel like we try to cram a lot of stuff in a period sometimes.  It makes it hard to focus when we do that.”

“I like the teachers that I have this year.  I’m excited!”

“I wish teachers knew I have really bad anxiety.”

AND…  just because I do teach high school… “The best part of school is all the cute girls!”

"The Edge"

I was born and raised in a suburb of Columbus.  I did both rounds of my graduate work at The Ohio State University, so suffice to say, I’m a HUGE Buckeye fan.  So yesterday, when Urban Meyer stated that the motto for the 2016 Football Buckeyes was going to be “The Edge” I wanted to learn more.

“The Edge is where the average stop and the elite begins.” The Edge is intended to symbolize a point where the work in practice becomes very difficult and great players persevere while average players give up.

As educators and school leaders we need to push ourselves to “the edge” as we start this new school year.

• We must try new things and take risks.  Don’t be afraid of failure, but rather afraid of what you may miss if you don’t try.
• We must set goals for ourselves, both personally and professionally.  Have accountability checks with people you trust.
• We must meet new people.  We learn and grow from others.  Meet the new staff in your building - all the staff, not just the teachers, and really talk to them.  Grow your Personal Learning Network as well.
• We must be present - give 100% to the students and building you are serving. Leave the negativity behind.
• We must define our “why” and revisit this often.  Don’t ever forget why you chose education as your profession. Make it your passion.
• We must have fun.  Take time to laugh and truly enjoy what you are doing.
• We must be kind.  Even on the hardest days, take a step back, take a step outside, but be kind.

Make this the year you find your edge!

OH….

School Leaders -- I'm Hiring!

I just finished my school administration master’s and the ink is still drying on my license. Sure, I learned the pedagogy behind school administration, school law, human resources, etc. I was so lucky to be able to complete a wonderful internship at both the elementary and high school level and had great mentors.  But now I’m done, well, with the requirements. Now what?

I can tell you I’m not done.  I crave learning and will continue to seek out learning opportunities.  This is my passion and a future goal that I will continue to strive for.  As a connected educator I am fortunate to be connected with other educators and leaders. I read blogs, books, and participate in Twitter chats, but I’m sure there is still a lot that I am missing. So, I’m hiring school leaders who will continue to help me grow as a future school leader!

I recently saw Tom Peters’ quote “True leaders don’t create followers. They create more leaders” as I was scrolling through my Twitter feed.  As a school leader I challenge you to the following:

• Find the aspiring leaders in your building and offer sound advice. Have conversations with these staff members and share your experiences with them. Tell us the good, the bad and the ugly.  It’s really the only way we’ll know if this is what we truly are passionate about. Message me - I want to hear it!
• Share resources.  Find a great article? Find a great blog?  Know of a great book? Share!  We want to learn and grow.  Yes, we learn in school, but the “real” is what we will benefit from the most!
• Have a great conference or PD opportunity that you know about?  Please tell us.  We don’t hear about the opportunities in fields that we aren’t a part of yet.  Same with EdChats - invite us!  We may lurk, but again, that’s how we learn.
• Let us join you in presenting or allow us to present at staff meetings.  Can we assist or lead on a project?  Ask us our ideas, maybe we have an idea that we would like to try to implement.  
• Be a mentor!  Seek out teachers going through their admin program in your school or in your district and ask “How can I help?”.  Even better - contact a local university that is working with aspiring administrators and ask to present or mentor a student! Again, many of us want to see the authentic side to school administration.

We’re the next generation of school leaders.  We look up to you.  We can only be as great as those who guide and teach us.

Are you willing to accept my job offer - will you help me grow and learn? I’m ready to hire!

What Did I Do??

What did I do?!?!

The best thing I could possibly have done for myself.

This month my #compelledtribe friends are sharing personal “ooops” that they made in their career that they have grown from. Here’s my twist on the theme.

Last year I found that I could be eligible to get my principal’s license to cover K - 12.  Having spent most of my career at the elementary level I asked for a transfer to the high school.  My request was granted and my dear friends asked “Are you crazy?”  “Why?” “What did you just do?”

I began to panic and think “I just made a HUGE mistake”.  I’m leaving great friends/colleagues, students and parents that I have formed great relationships with, and a job that I was quite confident in doing.

Then I started my new job.  I met my new teammates. I met my wonderful students.  I started to get to know them and their families. They trusted me with their stories and invited me to their activities.  How could these people EVER be a mistake?

I learned a lot last year.  I learned that it’s not a mistake to take a risk, but in fact very important to do so! This blog, being on Twitter, and being a connected educator are all a result of that “mistake” I thought I made last spring.

Do I miss my elementary students?  YES! Do I miss my colleagues?  EVERY SINGLE DAY!  But I can’t regret all the good things that came out of my move!  So to all the wonderful people that I have met in the past 12 months, THANK YOU for making me realize that "mistakes" don't really have to be that after all!

Being Connected -- And Being Like "G"

Within the past year I have grew as a person and as an educator by being connected. I have met wonderful people with whom I value their opinions, thoughts and dedication to education. I can’t imagine where I would be without my PLN.  A year ago I knew nothing about blogs, EdChats, and Voxer groups. I am better because of these.

This past year, through being connected, I was able to visit schools and see great things other leaders were doing.  Jacki Prati and Craig Vroom opened their schools to me and allowed me to see another aspect of school leadership.  These connections were simply made through Twitter and being connected.

Being part of the Compelled Tribe under Jon Wennstrom’s leadership has encouraged me to take risks and write about the wonderful things I see happening in education.  Watching a Periscope video of Jennifer Hogan and Craig Vroom encouraged me to give this is shot and it has been one of the best things I could have done.  The great friendships that I have formed through this group is unlike any other.  Allyson Apsey’s blogs and tweets encourage me to be better weekly!

Derek Oldfield, Reuben Bellisario and I must have a mile long strand of messages to each other in Twitter. The relationship and support team that the three of us have formed has been extremely encouraging and helpful.

I know the importance of being connected and the value it brings.  I joke with Bobby Dodd often about some of the crazy things I have heard recently after interning with him last year, but a recent Voxer chat made me reflect on those who are not connected.  Is not being connected bad?  Does that mean a person isn’t innovative and successful?

I do come from an area of my state where there are very highly recognizable connected educators. I think it’s a misconception that all people are socially connected where I am from.  Sure, we encourage it, but some people just aren't there.  They may never be.

I think of my teammate “G”.  She is two years from retirement and by far one of the best teachers I have ever worked with in my life. Her dedication to her students and the others in our department is like none other. She will never be a “socially connected” educator.  You won’t find her on Twitter.  You won’t find her on Facebook.  You will however find her doing the most amazing things with her students.

“G” teaches direct instruction English classes to special education students.  Not the easiest gig.  What she does with these students blows my mind.  She was one of the first to use Google Classroom, having students submit their work that way to her.  She had her students writing blogs, and their final was producing a podcast!  They read from Nooks and produce Prezis. When you walk into her room, these struggling kids are enjoying Of Mice and Men and Shakespeare. These kids are writing pieces that brings tears to my eyes.  These kids are learning!

So, is being connected important?  Yes, I will stand on top of my house and give you a thousand reasons why a person should be, but I also encourage us all to find the hidden “Gs” in our schools. These educators know their “why”. We need to share their stories for them.

Are you a Bucket Filler?

When I taught at the elementary level we often often used Carol McCloud's book Are You a Bucket Filler with our primary students to teach kindness, respect and understanding.

As I often do, I think about children's books and how they can relate to our jobs as educators. The concept of bucket filling shouldn’t be limited to what we teach our kindergarteners.  Are we, as the teachers and leaders in schools, bucket fillers or bucket dippers?

A healthy school culture is crucial today.  Students are watching and observing everything we do and say from elementary schools to high schools.  Are we supporting each other and our students?  Are we encouraging each other as well as our students?  Are we helping each other grow?  Are we filling each other’s buckets?

The idea of bucket filling is simple.  We help, we encourage, we support.  We make sure those around us are happy and feel needed and included. Bucket dipping happens sometimes without people even knowing they’re doing it.  We have to be more cognizant of this. Our students definitely cannot see this.  Some students go home and have their buckets dipped on a continuous cycle.

As educators and leaders in buildings we need to remember our “why” of entering this field.  I’m sure we all would say it was to help students learn, grow and flourish.  As leaders, it should be to help grow the district, building and staff.  We need to focus on filling buckets, other's buckets, and make this our priority as we head into the next school year.  

Are you a bucket filler?

10 surefire ways to keep your cup of MoJo full this summer

Mojo is the moment when we do something that's purposeful, powerful, and positive and the rest of the world recognizes it.

-Marshall Goldsmith

Summertime is the perfect time to fill your cup of mojo! Here are TEN surefire ways from the Compelled Tribe to keep or get back your mojo this summer.

Exercise - @Jennifer_Hogan

I find that when I get to exercise, it keeps me motivated, energized, and confident. Exercise is a time when I can disconnect from the world and just be “inside my head.” It allows time for ideas to percolate without interruption... time that I value and appreciate. It also provides the whitespace I need as an introvert. For me, it encourages creativity and problem-solving while the endorphins are being released! Done consistently, it’s a true mojo-maker!

Connecting - @jon_wennstrom

For me, I draw energy from being around positive people. Connecting with educators during summer learning sessions, sharing and learning from others on Twitter about books we’ve read, and of course blogging and reading blogs. I’m definitely an extrovert and being around other educators helps inspire me and always leads to new ideas to implement and helps me keep my mojo!

Theater- @sandeeteach

I love Broadway musicals, plays, and other theatrical productions. It’s a way for me to escape and immerse myself in a story. One of my favorite theaters spoofs popular shows. For example, this year two of the shows will be “Indiana Bones Raiders of the Wal-Mart” and “Captain American Fork The Worst Avenger”. (American Fork is the city where I grew up.) The actors and actresses are masters of improvisation which makes for a night of laughter. Another favorite theater performs in the round which is always a delightful experience. There are beautiful theaters in downtown Salt Lake City for Broadway musicals and outdoor shows in many local communities. For a few hours, I can lose myself in another world. But upon further reflection, I always relate the experience to teaching because that’s just what teachers do. We get ideas that benefit our students from everywhere.

Find a good read, or two - @Vroom6

There are lots of ways to find joy and rejuvenate during the summer months. And, I am all about work hard, play hard. With that, one of the greatest joys I get from the summer months, and a way in which I keep my mojo running full steam ahead, is by catching up on some of that much needed reading that took a back seat during the school year. Often times the days we are in session with students and teachers are filled with more scripted reading and writing. So for me, it is the summer months that I get to find that much anticipated new release on best practices in our field. Whether striving to become a better leader, or a better learner, it is the books that I carry with me to the beach, the pool or the park that I enjoy the most.

Dream big together - @allysonapsey

When my mojo needs a pick me up, I dream about what could be for our students, but I don’t do it alone. Just like everyone else, I find myself focusing on the trees rather than the forest from time to time. When monotony sets in, I push back by collaborating with the amazing teachers I work with. I am astounded after each conversation--we feed off each other, we divide and conquer, and we multiply our creativity for the sake of our students. Through these type of conversations this year, we came up with an amazing service learning project, we started plans for a Makerspace, we piloted new

reading initiatives, we shared professional reading that has inspired us and so much more. While we are dreaming big together, we are building stronger relationships, laughing, and challenging each other.

Pause and Reflect - @KarenWoodEDU

When my mojo needs some rejuvenation, (and it sometimes does), I first take a few minutes to reflect.  I find that sometimes my initial desire to “rejuvenate my mojo” may have my efforts focussed in the wrong areas or in areas which may not be productive for educators or students in the long run.  Reflection leads to focus and clarity.  From clarity goals can be set and then the fun begins!  Once my goals are established I jump in full force and do so with collaborative efforts.  It is very important that the shared vision of success is truly understood by all.  The last strategy I feel is essential for rejuvenating mojos is time to step away from work.  I admittedly do not do this well, however I find when I can clear my head (by going to the beach, going for a walk, kayaking, swimming, or practicing yoga/meditation, etc.) I return refreshed, focussed, and ready to ramp up my mojo and the mojos of others around me.

Get into some music! - @PrincipalStager

I was a music major in college and a music educator prior to becoming a principal. Whenever I need to get my mojo back or need to decompress, I find a piano and PLAY. I play in a group at my church so I have the opportunity to play rather often. I understand not everyone has the ability to sit down and play a musical instrument, but when I don’t have a piano to play, I drive in my car or just put my headphones in and JAM! There is nothing like a great playlist of uplifting and energetic music to get your energy back and your cup overflowing! This is my sure-fire way to get back on track.

Make a “bucket list” - @jodiepierpoint

I decided to make a “bucket list” of things I wanted to accomplish within a year, but I’m finding summer is a perfect time to accomplish them.  Things such as volunteering and baking cookies for friends have been real pick me ups!  Training for a quarter marathon has led into a half, simply because I’m out with great friends chatting while I’m doing it.  I check my list all the time, call a friend, and pick an activity to do - it’s a great way to rejuvenate not only myself, but others too!

“What if People” & Quiet Time - @Debralcamp

I do my best thinking when I am with people that like to say “what if”.  There is something about the words “what if” that allows walls to come down.  When discussions are lead with the words “what if” it takes away the threat of there being wrong answers and allows for brainstorming to happen in a way that doesn’t in a lot of conversations.  I find it very motivating to be pushed and pulled by other people’s thoughts and ideas.  Positive energy comes when people work together and create as a group. There is a collective product that is created as well. I find on the flip side that quiet time and reflection after being with “what if people” takes me to a space in my head where more ideas can be generated.  Revisiting and reflecting again with the same group consistently allows for new ideas to develop and to be tried. (They don’t always work but the process sure is fun and motivating.)

Balance - @Abond013

Often times when I am feeling overwhelmed, I find that I need to prioritize. It is important for educators in any role to find time to take care of themselves. We need to give students our best and that is challenging when we are running on empty. Besides exercising, traveling, and spending time with family or friends, I find that fueling my passion keeps me going. For example, if you are passionate about literacy, continue to take interest and learn more. Surround yourself with people who share your passion.

Involvement - @melsa777

In order for me to be recharged, I must remain involved and be continually learning. That may be through reading professional books, participating in Twitter chats, meeting with co-workers or attending conferences. Through conversations, attending sessions and by doing some good reading, I am able to gain knowledge from others. I gain energy from others, gain good ideas and begin the collaborative conversations needed in this educator's life. I particularly enjoy going to and presenting at conferences and meeting people I have connected with online. Begin involved motivates me to be the best educator I can be.

Just Keep Swimming

This weekend I was fortunate enough to get to spend the day with my Godson and his brother.  The plan for the day was going to the park, ice cream and Finding Dory!  DEAL!

As the boys were eating their popcorn and laughing I couldn’t help but be truly moved by this movie. You see, Dory suffers from short term memory loss and struggles to stay focused. She repeats herself and asks the same questions repeatedly. Dory, however, is the sweetest, kindest fish in the sea.  She doesn’t let life get her down - she just keeps swimming.

Dory’s friend Hank refers to himself as a “septopus”.  Hank, an octopus, lost one of his tentacles, but that doesn’t stop him. He is just as strong and competent as his eight-legged friends! He may be a grumpy guy, but his heart of gold helps and encourages Dory.

Then there’s Nemo, who was born with a deformed flapper, but swims and swims as fast as he can! He definitely doesn’t allow this to stop him or halt his joy of life.

I love that a movie can so openly celebrate both cognitive and physical differences!  Finding Dory’s characters are viewed as everyone else in the sea - their differences are seen as strengths.  The movie also has a huge focus on friendship and how friends can be your family.

As educators, are we seeing all the strengths in our students and colleagues or are we just seeing what is on the outside?  Are we asking questions? Are we engaging in conversations?

Are we making our staff our family?

Taking Risks and Chasing Dreams - What's on Your Bucket List?

Recently a friend and I spend the morning walking and we started talking about the “Pinterest Party” she was hosting that night. Excited about what we were doing and the theme of the night, I asked her how she came up with the idea.  She said it was on her “Birthday Bucket List”.  She had decided that she was going to do 37 new activities during the year following her 37th birthday.  Amazing!

Of course, that got me thinking.  What do I want to accomplish before my next birthday?  Since my birthday was just this week, I thought it was the perfect time to start my “Birthday Bucket List”. 

Shouldn’t we all be risk takers?  Shouldn't we all go chasing after our dreams?  

Part of my “bucket list” for the year

* Go horseback riding

* Lead professional development / present at a staff meeting or EdCamp

* Complete a 10K

* Learn a new app / tech tool

* Start/Find a new job (principal!?!)

* Get a meaningful tattoo (small, and in memory of my Dad)

* Volunteer 1x per month

* Try Sushi (eeeks....)

* Surprise people with homemade cookies

* Send a care package to a soldier

* Donate toys at Christmas

* Attend a Columbus Crew Soccer Game (only sport in Ohio that I haven’t been too!)

* Host a wine tasting party

* Attend a Murder Mystery Dinner

I would love to hear what dreams others are chasing or risks you’re taking!  

Here’s to a successful trip around the sun!!