The human sense of time simply amazes me! We ask for the week to move tremendously fast and then find ourselves very upset when the weekend ends just as quickly. As educators we are often asked to reflect on the reasons why we wanted to teach. “To inspire,” one might say. “To allow students to have an opportunity that I never had,” might say another. The list could go on and on and… Yet, when the calendar turns to September we can’t wait until our first break, most likely Thanksgiving. From there it’s the quick turnaround to Christmas break, semester exams, so on and so forth.
But when do we, the ones who want to inspire, ever ask for time to slow down? You will rarely find an educator asking if we can keep extra days in the schedule, so the students don’t get rusty, instead of a long break.
At this time of the year we are fighting the “senior slide.” The dreaded time when the most upper classmen will shut off, for they’ve been accepted to college or have their post-secondary plans secured. While the seniors begin to shut down, they begin to pull the other students down with them. Yet, it is our responsibility to rise above the dreaded slide. And it is in this time when, rather than looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, we must realize how the tunnel was constructed; how we were able to set foot in the tunnel; and how we can engage these minds to realize all that still surrounds them prior to succumbing to the light.
It is a test of wills and a test against human nature. It is a time for us, the educators, the individuals who hope to inspire and reach the unreachable; to reflect on those specific reasons of why we chose this profession. What, in these last 30 days, are we able to provide these students? Don’t settle for the slide; raise your level of expectations to meet your original desire to inspire!
Principalcoach
Monday, May 4, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Who are we?
I began writing for an outlet. I had thought about writing many times, but was so insecure because of my lack of confidence in my own ability. Once I began, my posts suddenly became all about work and not much about myself. Seems my blog has, quickly, become much like work rather than an outlet. However, what we need to realize is that we are our work.
I have been raised by two loving and caring individuals. My mother a nurse and my father, well, someone who early on found a path and realized it wasn’t for him. He chose another path, which he fell in love with, and became to understand the responsibilities which came along with it.
The difficult aspect to understand, thus far in my career, is how to balance life with work. In education the two can become blurred within each other.
I don’t want all of my posts to be specifically related to education. We are all more than what we do for a living. However, education is different than many occupations. Like health care professionals, educators show a deep understanding, support and caring for their “product.” (for the lack of a better universal term) Yet, separation, on some level must take place.
I often reflect on my father. Remembering how many times he would come home and smile when he saw me and my sister. What I remember more, however, were the small conversations I overheard between he and my mother about work. I heard the small things they (his work) were trying to do to him because of his age or even because of his success. As he progressed within the company, how his salary was increasing in a society of downsizing; How the company continued to try and push him out of the job, but all he was able to do was to think of his family. Yet, his focus remained on his responsibility to care for those he loved.
I am not fortunate enough, as of yet, to have a family of my own. However, as educators we are all given the responsibility of overseeing the development of those around us, specifically the students in front of us.
Regardless of how positive the day may be, or how much struggle things become, I often look back on my father’s strength as a professional. He focused on his family. He became a man who put himself second and his family first. But, most importantly, in work and at home, he cared for those around him.
Regardless what occupation we may have, or who we are as an individual, we have those around us who are looking up to us for inspiration, direction, and respect. Don't take the responsibility lightly.
I have been raised by two loving and caring individuals. My mother a nurse and my father, well, someone who early on found a path and realized it wasn’t for him. He chose another path, which he fell in love with, and became to understand the responsibilities which came along with it.
The difficult aspect to understand, thus far in my career, is how to balance life with work. In education the two can become blurred within each other.
I don’t want all of my posts to be specifically related to education. We are all more than what we do for a living. However, education is different than many occupations. Like health care professionals, educators show a deep understanding, support and caring for their “product.” (for the lack of a better universal term) Yet, separation, on some level must take place.
I often reflect on my father. Remembering how many times he would come home and smile when he saw me and my sister. What I remember more, however, were the small conversations I overheard between he and my mother about work. I heard the small things they (his work) were trying to do to him because of his age or even because of his success. As he progressed within the company, how his salary was increasing in a society of downsizing; How the company continued to try and push him out of the job, but all he was able to do was to think of his family. Yet, his focus remained on his responsibility to care for those he loved.
I am not fortunate enough, as of yet, to have a family of my own. However, as educators we are all given the responsibility of overseeing the development of those around us, specifically the students in front of us.
Regardless of how positive the day may be, or how much struggle things become, I often look back on my father’s strength as a professional. He focused on his family. He became a man who put himself second and his family first. But, most importantly, in work and at home, he cared for those around him.
Regardless what occupation we may have, or who we are as an individual, we have those around us who are looking up to us for inspiration, direction, and respect. Don't take the responsibility lightly.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Education 2.0
It seems as though everyone, in education, is on the technology kick. The world of Ed is abuzz with web 2.0 tools; social mediums, engagement, collaboration, and diversification. The greatest advantage in education, in regards to implementation, is that our students are already there!! They eat, breath, and sleep technology! We’re off to a tremendous start!! Pheww, that’s one hurdle we don’t need to cross!
Yet, the most difficult stumbling block is...US. Yes, those of us in leadership positions; and by leadership position I mean, anyone who stands in front of students, to engage them in a content area. We are hesitant, scared, and uncomfortable with the notion of engaging ourselves in this world of, that awful “T” word…Technology.
While writing this, I must admit…I have many tremendous teachers who use technology, effectively within their classroom. But, what about those of us who are hesitant to implement or even use technology? We talk about engaging our students in the “D” quadrant. How can we effectively engage ourselves and each other in the “D” quadrant? (Daggett's Rigor/Relevance Framework)
Our own higher-ed system must catch up to properly educate the future educators. How is it then, are we able to properly introduce, and yet even better, spark a fire in all of us to grow and learn about the benefits of technology? How can we properly educate our teachers to use these tremendous resources to reach our students?
Yet, the most difficult stumbling block is...US. Yes, those of us in leadership positions; and by leadership position I mean, anyone who stands in front of students, to engage them in a content area. We are hesitant, scared, and uncomfortable with the notion of engaging ourselves in this world of, that awful “T” word…Technology.While writing this, I must admit…I have many tremendous teachers who use technology, effectively within their classroom. But, what about those of us who are hesitant to implement or even use technology? We talk about engaging our students in the “D” quadrant. How can we effectively engage ourselves and each other in the “D” quadrant? (Daggett's Rigor/Relevance Framework)
Our own higher-ed system must catch up to properly educate the future educators. How is it then, are we able to properly introduce, and yet even better, spark a fire in all of us to grow and learn about the benefits of technology? How can we properly educate our teachers to use these tremendous resources to reach our students?
Myself and a few others from my district have been placed in charge of a technology professional development day for the fall. I'm looking forward to sparking the interest of other educators! Yet, I'm always looking to improve! What types of engagement have you found in effective technology workshops?
We have been given a tremendous responsibility. Let’s go out and change our world!
We have been given a tremendous responsibility. Let’s go out and change our world!
Principal
Sunday, March 8, 2009
When are We?
This has been a stressful week. Losing a co-worker and more importantly a friend has been difficult. It always happens, we tend to think about how precious life is when another moves on.
It is reflecting on this past week's events that the question of "When are We?" jumped into my head. See, I'm a huge fan of the show "Lost." This season, although I still can't follow it completely, the characters are faced with this same question. The island is moving through time. Each time, following a white flash of light, the questions they know they must find the answer to is, "When are we?" not "Where are we?" They know where they are, relatively speaking, but have little idea about where in time they have been moved to.
It is with this, flash of light, and the passing of a friend that I think about this question. Our lives are so busy...involved with family, friends, relationships, community, conflict, resolution, etc..that do we really stop to figure out where we are?
It takes someone walking into a flash of light for us to slow down and realize where we are, reassess where we are going, and see how we've been.
The bigger question then becomes, "How do we change?" How do we become people who don't take those around us for granted? People who realize the potential of their mind; Individuals who understand the positive force they are on the world? At what point do we stop doing the same thing expecting different results, and actually change the initial stages of the process?
When Monday breaks, "When are We?"
Principal
Friday, March 6, 2009
What was your last "Tweet?"
So, I just finished a professional in-service with some of my faculty members. The session focused around Internet Resources for the classroom, to make the teachers more efficient and to expand their collaborative efforts.
Following the in-service the topic around the lunch table was Twitter. (www.twitter.com or http://twitter.com) For those of you unfamiliar with the "Real-Time Conversation Network," think Facebook status and nothing else. The common question was, "Well, what do you use it for?" "Why do you use it?" and "Why should I waste my time?"
You know what, really good questions! I was introduced to Twitter in October, through a Powerful Learning Practice (PLP) cohort, via my school system. I had the same exact questions as above. I didn't understand it, couldn't get why I should waste my time, and let it go off to the side.
However, about a month ago, for whatever reason, I wanted to investigate Twitter again. (I won't say I have the answer to how you will use it, but here is how I do.) Twitter has proven to be great to get updated on what is going on in the world. CNN, Barack Obama, the local news channels and newspaper all send out "Tweets," or updates. The following is an example of a "Tweet" from a local news channel: 3 overcome by carbon monoxide: A missing flue pipe is the suspected cause after three people were overcome with .. http://snipurl.com/d9drx The "Tweet" provides a brief snippet of information with a link of where you can find the whole story.
I am able to get instant, updated info when it happens. How else do I use it? This morning, about an hour prior to the in-service, I updated my status much like on Facebook. My status simply read, "preparing for an in-service. going to present Twitter for the first time, a little nervous about it." Within in 10 minutes, one of my "followers" (think friend on facebook) sent me info on how to present Twitter to those who don't know. While it was a bit late to go through the videos he had for me, it's a great resource for future presentation.
The other plus about Twitter...the updates are limited to 140 characters. They are short blasts of information. Not a full story. You search for people or organization you want to follow (or become "friends" with). You can respond to find out more info or send info to a question or problem.
In a short period of time I've found Twitter to be a great professional resource. One stat that I'll use...(While I have not seen the specific years.) "Last year," I believe 2007, in the U.S. there were 600,000 ppl using Twitter. "This Year," I believe 2008, 6,000,000 ppl are using Twitter. Hmm a bit of a jump!!!
So, what was your last "Tweet?"
Principalcoach
Following the in-service the topic around the lunch table was Twitter. (www.twitter.com or http://twitter.com) For those of you unfamiliar with the "Real-Time Conversation Network," think Facebook status and nothing else. The common question was, "Well, what do you use it for?" "Why do you use it?" and "Why should I waste my time?"
You know what, really good questions! I was introduced to Twitter in October, through a Powerful Learning Practice (PLP) cohort, via my school system. I had the same exact questions as above. I didn't understand it, couldn't get why I should waste my time, and let it go off to the side.
However, about a month ago, for whatever reason, I wanted to investigate Twitter again. (I won't say I have the answer to how you will use it, but here is how I do.) Twitter has proven to be great to get updated on what is going on in the world. CNN, Barack Obama, the local news channels and newspaper all send out "Tweets," or updates. The following is an example of a "Tweet" from a local news channel: 3 overcome by carbon monoxide: A missing flue pipe is the suspected cause after three people were overcome with .. http://snipurl.com/d9drx The "Tweet" provides a brief snippet of information with a link of where you can find the whole story.
I am able to get instant, updated info when it happens. How else do I use it? This morning, about an hour prior to the in-service, I updated my status much like on Facebook. My status simply read, "preparing for an in-service. going to present Twitter for the first time, a little nervous about it." Within in 10 minutes, one of my "followers" (think friend on facebook) sent me info on how to present Twitter to those who don't know. While it was a bit late to go through the videos he had for me, it's a great resource for future presentation.
The other plus about Twitter...the updates are limited to 140 characters. They are short blasts of information. Not a full story. You search for people or organization you want to follow (or become "friends" with). You can respond to find out more info or send info to a question or problem.
In a short period of time I've found Twitter to be a great professional resource. One stat that I'll use...(While I have not seen the specific years.) "Last year," I believe 2007, in the U.S. there were 600,000 ppl using Twitter. "This Year," I believe 2008, 6,000,000 ppl are using Twitter. Hmm a bit of a jump!!!
So, what was your last "Tweet?"
Principalcoach
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Unbelievable
This is my first post. I'm very uneasy about where this may go, however, I clearly know my motivation to why I am writing.
Many of us have "one of those days." We often find ourselves, at the end of the day, looking to get home and relax; we look to put our day behind us. It seems in education, regardless however much we may love it, dealing with the large number of personalities (of both students and co-workers) we often have "one of those days." It seems as though myself and my school are having "one of those months."
We began the day with the shocking, untimely & devastating death of one of our faculty members. Preparing for the school day, "Mr. Teacher," suffered what appears to be a heart-attack. Taken too soon and leaving behind a lovely wife and young son, our community is in obvious grief.
Yet, our school community recently, feels as if we have become professional grievers. In the previous school year we lost two faculty members to cancer. Just over a month ago, a recent graduate was returning to his freshmen year at an East Coast University when he was in a horriffic car accident. Again, taken too soon, leaving behind a brother who is a sophomore in our school.
While many other districts, schools, families & communities have surely been through similar curcumstances, it begs the question, "how much is enough?"
I write this, as my first post, not looking for sympathy. I write this more as an outlet. I often minimize my position, my job and my responsibilities. I do this because I love working with my students and love working with my faculty and staff. I love to learn about learning. I love to be educated in education. I enjoy waking up...and challenging myself to become better and to learn one thing in a day.
However, during days like these, I feel tremendous pressure. As the school leader am I suppossed to show a crack in my already weak armour? Or am I to move on and realize that I must answer the questions of: When will we get a new teacher? What if the funeral is on a school day? What happened? Do we send a letter home? Do we send a voice message? Do we hold the scheduled parent meeting? While these are all tremendously valid questions, can I have 5 minutes. Can I sit at my desk, in silence, and take in what has happened. Can I comprehend that I just lost someone who I go to on "one of those days" for a quick joke or a kick in the pants to bring me back.
I have a tremendous support system with those around me; family, friends, close co-workers, etc... but when one is taken away, can I step out of that armour and just be?
This is my first post. It has probably been more for myself than the enlightenment of others. As I sit here and listen to Dave & Jack Johnson, I hope "Mr. Teacher" is able to look down upon his family and provide comfort for their pain.
Principalcoach
Many of us have "one of those days." We often find ourselves, at the end of the day, looking to get home and relax; we look to put our day behind us. It seems in education, regardless however much we may love it, dealing with the large number of personalities (of both students and co-workers) we often have "one of those days." It seems as though myself and my school are having "one of those months."
We began the day with the shocking, untimely & devastating death of one of our faculty members. Preparing for the school day, "Mr. Teacher," suffered what appears to be a heart-attack. Taken too soon and leaving behind a lovely wife and young son, our community is in obvious grief.
Yet, our school community recently, feels as if we have become professional grievers. In the previous school year we lost two faculty members to cancer. Just over a month ago, a recent graduate was returning to his freshmen year at an East Coast University when he was in a horriffic car accident. Again, taken too soon, leaving behind a brother who is a sophomore in our school.
While many other districts, schools, families & communities have surely been through similar curcumstances, it begs the question, "how much is enough?"
I write this, as my first post, not looking for sympathy. I write this more as an outlet. I often minimize my position, my job and my responsibilities. I do this because I love working with my students and love working with my faculty and staff. I love to learn about learning. I love to be educated in education. I enjoy waking up...and challenging myself to become better and to learn one thing in a day.
However, during days like these, I feel tremendous pressure. As the school leader am I suppossed to show a crack in my already weak armour? Or am I to move on and realize that I must answer the questions of: When will we get a new teacher? What if the funeral is on a school day? What happened? Do we send a letter home? Do we send a voice message? Do we hold the scheduled parent meeting? While these are all tremendously valid questions, can I have 5 minutes. Can I sit at my desk, in silence, and take in what has happened. Can I comprehend that I just lost someone who I go to on "one of those days" for a quick joke or a kick in the pants to bring me back.
I have a tremendous support system with those around me; family, friends, close co-workers, etc... but when one is taken away, can I step out of that armour and just be?
This is my first post. It has probably been more for myself than the enlightenment of others. As I sit here and listen to Dave & Jack Johnson, I hope "Mr. Teacher" is able to look down upon his family and provide comfort for their pain.
Principalcoach
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