Stop thinking about what programs or initiatives you need to start.
Instead, think about what you need to take away.
Teachers are overwhelmed. Don’t put one more on their plate without taking away at least one thing.
Take a long hard look at what you are asking your teachers to do. Which of those things are ACTUALLY moving the needle on teaching and learning?
Focus on those things.
Then remove the barriers that stand in the way of those things.
If we can figure out which barriers are in the way, and take steps to remove them, it is amazing how much we can accomplish.
Addition by subtraction is a real thing.
Now let’s get started.
The Good Stuff
1. The importance of building consensus amongst your staff.
If you are leading any type of change initiative on your campus, do not skip the work of creating consensus amongst your staff first.
2. Asking good questions is a leader’s superpower.
This article will show you six ways to be more intentional about how and when you ask questions.
3. Instructional feedback is the backbone of the responsibility we assume when we are appointed as educational leaders.
In this article, assistant principals offer 10 tips for giving effective, actionable instructional feedback to teachers.
Meanwhile, on Social Media…
A thread on not shying away from scary words such as “ensure” and “all.”
If your mission statement puts all of the responsibility for learning on the students, that’s not a mission statement. It’s a cop out.
— Dr. Lute Croy (@lutecroy) October 21, 2022
. @mikemattos65 is right, y’all: We often argue that we learn from our mistakes — but that’s only when you have the chance to fix your mistakes, right?
— Bill Ferriter (@plugusin) November 2, 2022
So, what impact does that #simpletruth have on your grading practices?#worthasking#RTIaW pic.twitter.com/16hPXL08vr
Final Thought
October is usually a really tough month for educators, but here we are. We made it through.
With Thanksgiving approaching in just a few weeks, try focusing on gratitude.
Who could you reach out to in order to let them know the impact they have had on you?
Who would benefit from a letter or hand-written note letting them know why you are thankful for them?
Fill your cup this month by filling the cups of others.
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