Usually, I blog about my Learning Leadership journey – school, family, or professional learning – “safe” topics. Sticking to topics I have some degree of confidence in “knowing what I know” has worked for me. The topic of this post is different. So I ask any readers, old or new, to please extend me the…
No doubt, the experience of a global pandemic has been challenging for so many people, in unimaginable ways. While by no means have I been impacted to the degree so many we learn about every day in the news, this experience has removed certain distractions, clearing the way for deeper reflection and time to consider…
“Find it, set your eyes on it, and watch the horizon.” This message was delivered to me in a most unexpected way, and from a most unexpected source. These words have remained with me, as leadership and learning wisdom, especially through uncertain times. The first time I heard these words, I was likely somewhere between…
Schools across the globe have been forced to close their doors in a sweeping response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Many educators found this out with little to no time to prepare and it has been challenging for everyone. The school buildings are closed but the learning is continuing and it is revealing a lot…
This post is a collaboration between a group of middle school leaders from across the country. Periodically, these passionate and dedicated middle school principals share their thoughts on issues of relevance for those “in the middle”. ######################################################## Dennis Schug, Middle School Principal, Long Island, NY EVERY ACTION presents opportunities for us to demonstrate our values.…
This post is a collaboration between a group of middle school leaders from across the country. Periodically, these passionate and dedicated middle school principals share their thoughts on issues of relevance for those “in the middle”. Name one characteristic of all great middle school leaders. There are many roles leaders play in education. Undoubtedly, positions…
This post is a collaboration between a group of middle school leaders from across the country. Periodically, these passionate and dedicated middle school principals share their thoughts on issues of relevance for those “in the middle”. Working at the middle-level is uniquely challenging. Nobody can do it alone. Who is your “go to” person? Dennis…
It turns out, what an old friend and mentor told me is true: Life moves fast. And if you’re not paying attention, you’ll miss it. I guess time does actually fly, regardless of whether or not you’re having fun. The last five years have gone by in what feels like the blink of an eye.…
This post is a collaboration between a group of middle school leaders from across the country. Periodically, these passionate and dedicated middle school principals share their thoughts on issues of relevance for those “in the middle”. ******************************************************************************************* The 2019-20 school year started over the past month across the country. What are some “essentials” for middle…
In the spring, our staff worked collaboratively to identify a climate and culture goal for the 2019-20 School Improvement Plan. As part of the process, we did a compare/contrast on Pearl Cohn High School in Nashville. This school was featured in Edutopia’s School Climate section. We spent a considerable time reflecting on where we were…
