Ignite the Spark: Captivating Student Curiosity
Think about the last time a social media post grabbed your attention. Maybe it was a hilarious video, an inspiring story, or a fascinating fact. Whatever it was, it captivated you. Webster’s dictionary defines being captivated as having one’s interest or attention held by something charming, beautiful, or entertaining. Now, imagine if educators planned their […]
Vulnerability for School Leaders at the Beginning of the Year: Why It Matters and What It Looks Like
Around the time I transitioned from assistant principal to principal within my school, I had coffee with a friend. He asked me about my plans for my first day with staff in August. I recited my draft agenda, starting with the vision and mission roll-out, a few staff culture activities to add some fun, and […]
Setting the Stage for Inspired Learning
Unveiling the Influence of Classroom Settings on Student Experience and Outcomes Imagine a workplace where vibrant colors and eye-catching displays replace mundane walls. Everything is well-organized, stocked, and accessible. It’s clean and well-lit, with natural light and lively green plants enhancing the atmosphere. Thoughtfully arranged seating fosters a sense of community. Multiple working and learning […]
30 Seconds to Success: Boost Classroom Engagement with Positive Narration
30 Seconds to Success: Boost Classroom Engagement Want to create a sense of belonging in your classroom for every student, every day? Want a strategy that won’t require any more of your already limited time? Positive narration, simply noticing aloud the positive actions and behaviors of your students, ensures students are seen and acknowledged. […]
Maximizing ESSER Funds: Empowering Educators and Sustaining Student Success Beyond 2025
Maximizing ESSER Funds With less than seven months remaining until January 28, 2025, the countdown to the expiration of federal aid through the Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund has begun. This impending deadline looms over school districts, threatening the loss of crucial funding intended to support students in their recovery from pandemic-induced learning loss. […]
Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness: How School Principals Can Use Meditation to Become Effective Educational Leaders
In the dynamic landscape of K-12 education, particularly in underserved communities, school principals stand at the forefront, shouldering the responsibility of steering their schools toward success. They not only manage day-to-day operations but also provide vision, guidance, and support to their staff and students. Amidst these demanding roles, maintaining focus, resilience, and effectiveness becomes paramount. […]
AIC Feedback
Providing feedback to adults can feel daunting. Some of us may not know how to begin or might run out of time. However, these concerns shouldn’t hinder us from delivering valuable feedback. Constructive feedback is essential for educators’ growth. It empowers them to reflect on their practice and enhance student outcomes. Despite any reservations, we […]
African American Classrooms: Leveraging Student Values in Creating a Positive Classroom Culture
We often impose classroom rules with the “why” steeped in productivity. For example, “You can’t listen to music during independent work time because it might distract you from your work”. However, our scholars bring values and beliefs to the classroom that impact how closely they adhere to those rules. Culturally relevant education takes those […]
Improving Communication with Disgruntled Parents: A Guide for School Leaders
Engaging with disgruntled parents can be a challenging aspect of school leadership, but with the right approach, these interactions can lead to positive outcomes. Drawing from my own experiences and learning from past mistakes, here are some strategies for successful communication with upset parents: Schedule a Meeting: Set aside a 30-minute block for the meeting […]
How to Hook Scholars In and Keep Them Engaged
As an instructional coach, the perennial question that often surfaces from teachers is, “How do I keep scholars engaged throughout an entire lesson?” This concern is not only valid but also fundamental to fostering a positive and productive learning environment. In this blog post, we will explore six impactful strategies to not only capture the […]
