One of the benefits of being able to attend #empower17, ASCD’s conference is kinda getting a feel for powerhouse speakers. Ones that you know are going to be dynamic, knowledgeable, and have a proven track record for awesome. Robyn Jackson for me is one of those people. She is calm, she is clear…and she never […]
The recipe for fail proof feedback, #empower17 Read More »
For this week’s partner blog, I had the opportunity to work with the genius that is Matt Arend. Matt is a principal in a neighboring district and is accomplishing incredible things. While we don’t always agree on everything, we’ve both got a pretty good idea of how to respond to those who are critics on this innovative
Silencing the Critics as an Innovator #immooc Read More »
Life. Life, ya’ll. You never know what each week will bring. It’s easy to have a couple of days that can shake all that you’re doing or wanting to do in life. It reminds me this week of a stanza from a “Hamilton” song.. [HAMILTON] Hey What are you waiting for? What do you stall
Hamilton and the #IMMOOC…what are you waiting for? Read More »
I am a relational leader. I am casual to a fault. I can’t help but build connections, which leads to relationships, which leads to a MUCH BETTER LIFE FOR ME. I have the benefit of having the VERY best parents in my Whitt Wolf world. One of them Mrs. Stacie Smith is not only a
While walking around the week before spring break, I had the opportunity to visit a 3rd grade teacher’s classroom. As I watched her model and talk through the writing of an expository composition with our Wolves, and saw the energy in which her students attacked it, I had to stop and ask what the secret
Sometimes leading means…get out of the way. #IMMOOC Read More »
I listen to sports radio on the way to work each morning. It is my happy place. Luckily, mixed in all the Cowboys news and such there is a lil’segment they do that highlights different musings. I thought it quite ironic that yesterday’s referenced a study out of Harvard, about happiness. Happiness comes from choosing
The best way to be happy? Focus on relationships. #IMMOOC #IMMOOBC1 Read More »
It’s that time of year…the time of postings and of opportunities. I love when people reach out and ask for my perspective on how to handle certain job interviews or whether or not take a risk in a new position. Branching out can be a scary thing but it can also lead to some of the
The importance of a mentor as an educator, regardless of what year you’re in… Read More »
Reality check: Through your evolution as an educator, you will find yourself at different stages of growth. Recognizing and owning that your needs and strengths are going to evolve is critical to maintaining not only your sanity, 🙂 but also your trajectory as a professional. An easy example… Early on as a teacher, I couldn’t
My growth is in a different place: self efficacy as a leader #IMMOOC Read More »
Have you ever been pulled over? This may surprise you, cough cough, but my driving style is a lot like the way I talk…and write. Fast and furious, always trying to get somewhere. Last weekend, with an unexpected afternoon of sunshine, I was out running errands, and inadvertently didn’t pay enough attention to a new
Expecting vs extending grace as a leader… Read More »
Teacher burnout…it’s a real thing. This stretch in the winter/spring is a LONG chunk of instructional intensity. You’ve got middle of the year data, you have testing awareness creeping up on you, and spring break is just outta reach. The genius of Melinda Miller introduced me to Fab Fridays in February several years ago and
Help curb teacher burnout with Fab Fridays in February! Read More »