my version of transparent, collaborative leadership...with a Teamann twist

Win an autographed copy of Shake Up Learning…and EVERYone wins!

by 18 Comments

I’ve long been a fan of Kasey Bell and her laid-back approach to #allthethings google. We’ve planned together, we’re brainstormed together, and flat out learned from each other. I call her my #digitalbestie because if there is a question I’ve had in regards to PD, Google training, or regional support from her “real job”, she is always available for me! Her support of empowered learners is a staple of strong and appropriate integration.

When she told me that she was writing a book, I celebrated her wholeheartedly. She is an engaging presenter and easy to follow as a teacher. I couldn’t imagine her book being ANY different. It combines reflection with a call to action. One of my favorite lines in the whole book is “Facilitate the messy!” which can surmise a lot of educators thoughts when it comes to shaking up what they do in their classroom. As a teacher or an administrator, there is great comfort in reading along with not only her journey to be as comfortable as she is in her role now but also how to guide those alongside you, with you.

Chapters range from “a breakdown of the DNA of dynamic learning” and “how to unleash your voice and share your story”, to leadership support with “how to empower your students” and “facilitating with finesse”. It provides examples, reflection questions, next steps and more. It is an easy read and I would love to get a copy in YOUR hands!

 

Empowered educators lead to empowered learners…and that should be the goal for all of us!

Click To Tweet

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Not feeling lucky? You can purchase it here!

I can’t wait to share her greatness with you!

 

ShakeN up &

When did you last learn something totally new?

by 1 Comment

My counselor emails our staff each morning. (I know…amazing, right??) I thought hers today was particularly incredible.

This Spring Break, we went skiing in Taos. On our second day, Sam decided to learn to snowboard, but by the time we got his gear switched, the lessons were full. So, in an attempt to make his day more enjoyable (or less lonely), I decided to join him. I’ve skied quite a while, but snowboarding was brand new.

And you know what? I remembered how hard learning truly is. As an adult, I really only try and learn things that are in my field of study – things  I can master because I have prior knowledge. But this? No prior knowledge, people. And no natural ability. None.

I fell.

A lot.

Sometimes (most times), on accident. But sometimes I fell on purpose (because mama needed a break).

By the end of the day, I was tired and sore in places I didn’t know could hurt. We spent a better part of the day laughing at each other, but there was some crying, too.

Because learning is hard.

There were moments we both thought about giving up, but we didn’t, and I’m so glad because while we ended up loving it (but also kinda hating it), we were in the mess together.

 

 

May we always remember that learning can be hard and painful and exhausting. It can make us laugh till we cry and cry till we laugh. But it is worth it.

Click To Tweet

 

What are you doing to remind yourself what our students are exposed to each and every day? How can you support your team in feeling that growing pain again, and appreciate it?

 

 

 

 

When you encourage & empower….

by Leave a Comment

One of my favorite memories as a teacher is from back at the technology center. I received an email from my assistant principal titled “Dress code”.

Gulp.

It asked me to come see her at my conference time at the end of the day.

Double gulp.

Still having no clue as to why I was going down there, (I was in a tee shirt and jeans, but it was a jeans day!) I went in and blurted immediately, “Dr. Milligan, I am so sorry about this outfit…I will dress more professionally moving forward!”

She looked up at me blankly…and from behind me, I heard hysterical laughter. I leaned my head back and dadgummitt..the principal and another one of our teachers, were practically on the ground, laughing SO hard. Apparently, she had failed to log out of her computer earlier in the day and they’d had their way with it.

I explained why I was there to her, and asked, just to reassure myself, that I was dressed appropriately and she said the most powerful thing ever.

“Amber, I trust your professionalism and know you have high expectations for yourself. Your choices define your path.”

I WANT my people empowered to make strong choices. I want to arm and provide examples of what our educational world looks like when they are confident and an end goal in mind.  Instead of doubting, denying, or questioning their goals and aspirations, I want them to see that their choices define their path. 

That requires intentionality on my part. I hope to model that with #allthethings I do to be a lifelong learner, with goals and plans. But it also means allowing them to have goals and dreams as well. Sometimes you need someone else’s perspective on what you can become to actualize your own potential.  

Surround yourself with people who encourage and empower your dreams and goals. Be the person who encourages and empowers your people. If you don’t have that in your circle, you’re in the wrong circle.

 

If you’re the person who shuts the doors…don’t be alarmed when your go-getters find a window. 

Click To Tweet

 

 

Door opener &

 

Motivating staff in the winter doldrums! #FabFridays for 2018!

by Leave a Comment

We’re all feeling the blahness here in Texas…multiple weeks of cold weather…we just can’t handle it!

Spring break is HOW  many weeks away??

HOW many assessments do we have coming up?

We like to joke that October and February are like the armpits of the school year. Not a lot to look forward to, but LOTS to make us all tired and sweaty!

 

Brighten your campus with some FUN FRIDAYS to look forward too! Fab Fridays in February have become something I look forward to each year, instead of dreading this long month of cold days. Check out what we’ve done in previous years as well! (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017). Some are cheaper and easier than others…it just depends on who you have around to help you , or if you have any budget money available.

 

My PIC Melinda Miller and I have Facebook group completely dedicated to administrators and staff appreciation/motivation ideas. If you’re an administrator (at any level!) join the fun and share what you do to keep your climate & culture healthy and happy!

The only thing we talk about are ways to celebrate and lift up your hard-working teachers and coworkers. From counselors week to staff appreciation gifts, there are a lot of people doing awesome things and we’re sharing that we can! It’s already 1100 admin strong, so come join the party!

 

 

What will YOU be doing for Fab Fridays in February?  Even just one or two fun activities to look forward to will make a difference!

 

 

 

 

PS: If you can’t get this pulled together for February? Try Marvelous Mondays in March!

a Principal’s Bucket List…great ideas from other principals! #bucketlist #2018

by 6 Comments

I came across a teachers bucket list on IG by @PrestoPlans and knew I wanted to do one! Several of the ideas would have translated into my admin shoes…but then I decided to make an ADMIN version! Of course, as I sat staring at the page…I realized I wanted MORE! (Please see the previous blog! ha!)

Thankfully, I am surrounded by greatness on FB and IG, and voila! Look at all of these awesome ideas!! Free, easy, and admin accomplishable!! Listed at the bottom are all the amazing educators who contributed! There were so many great ideas I couldn’t even add the cutesy clipart, just so I could fit it all in! Thank you SO much to those who commented!

Will you tackle this bucket list?? I think these ideas are GREAT…some are new to me (send welcome cards to new families, monthly! LOVE!) and some I’ve heard of and have yet to tackle (#noofficeday, darn it!!)

This makes me SO EXCITED about this semester!! Anyone want to race me, in completing this list?? #gameon!

Download the PDF here!


@PrestoPlans says she is also working on an admin version, keep an eye out for hers as well! #allthethings