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

Blogging the unbloggable… #thefirstyear

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We all agree that the educational system may need some tweaks and adjustments, and I will always voice those concerns/ideas. Am I just wrong to think that there is more to what we do than just doing the fun stuff? As a public educator you can’t just do the fun, and ignore the rest. That’s not what is best for kids…right?

As I prepare my back to school professional development with my amazing team, I am seeing starting to clarify some of my “instructional” thoughts. Why when I am searching for data plans or an agenda to deliver the nuts and bolts for the school, am I not finding anything? Where is the #reviewingdata hashtag? I can find meme’s making fun of the required video list…but I don’t see curriculum vertical planning guides.

Where is reality?

Fact: There is more to being an administrator than just motivation and supporting innovation.

 

I think it is a disservice to also not talk about some of the realities that are (or should be) be a part of our day to day.

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  • We get to experience instruction in every teachers classroom, potentially impacting how every student earns. We have to evaluate instructional strategies and then EMPOWER our teachers…but also help make them better.
  • We have to look at trends in data; we have to assess how our students are learning. NO, I am not someone who defends or supports the pressure standardized testing. It is still a reality. We in Texas are measured on student growth in addition to baseline scores. Growing learners…that is what we do. That means the data has to be analyzed, discussed, & evaluated.
  • We make hard decisions. Sometimes unpopular decisions. Decisions that have to be made to ensure the fidelity of the system…the system that we all become a part of when we committed to becoming an educator.
  • We teach kids how to learn. Little five year olds, including mine, come to us not knowing how to read…not knowing how to add or subtract. I need her to be taught how to do that. I need her to learn. We are responsible for TEACHING them how to learn. For ensuring that happens.

Now, do I think that there should be innovation and building relationships with students? Of course, I do, and if you know me, you know how much I value both of those things. But there also needs to be conversations about data, and handbooks, and district initiatives. There needs to be analyzation of assessments, both formative & summative. And then training provided to help support your teachers to be as effective as possible. And I think we should be blogging about THOSE things too.

I’ll be blogging those unbloggables, if no other reason than to make sure some administrator who is new to the position knows those things should be talked about. I am so thankful to those admin who have been transparent and helpful in their journey, like George Couros, Curt Rees, Melinda Miller and Tony Sinanis. Voxer conversations, blog posts, & friendships have all made me a better leader/person.  My goal is to be that for someone else!

 

PD planning,

Amber

 

 

Do less better… #thefirstyear

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I can’t sleep at night. My to do list grows hourly. My pinterest boards are over-flowing.

I HAVE SO MUCH THAT I WANT TO DO!!!

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak to the Indiana Principals Leadership Institute with Tony Sinanis on what being a “digital leader” looks like. It was a great group of inspiring leaders and I was so impressed with the program. They have a grant from the state to develop and cultivate the kind of leaders we WANT to see in our schools. They bring in great speakers (cough cough, ;)), complete an action research project, provide mentors…it’s just an incredible labor of love from their directors. It makes me think wow, we could have something similar, in our district, in our regions, heck in our state. I COULD TOTALLY HELP CREATE SOMETHING LIKE THAT!

I have a voxer conversation going with my friend Angela Watson. I see organizational administrative from Stephanie McConnell on Instagram. I see Chris Kesler post his new interactive science notebook resources on facebook. I make fun stuff! I mean, I love good fonts and am creative! I COULD TOTALLY MAKE MY OWN PRODUCTS!

The new Adealphean comes in the mail, showering me with Greek life. I see a new ADPi shirt on Pinterest I completely need. I make plans to hang out with my sorority sisters, which makes me want to be more involved with our alumni group. I NEED TO RECOMMIT TO MY SISTERS!!
Do you see a pattern here? I could go on and on. There’s literally not enough time in the day to do all the things I think I want to be amazing at. On Sunday before church, I was catching up on a podcast by Erik Fisher, “Beyond the To Do List” and his episode called “Do less better” really resonated with me. The guest, John Bell,  is a retired consumer packaged goods CEO and global strategy consultant to some of the world’s most respected blue-chip organizations.

He talked about how companies that specialize tend to make more money with less product than a company who has multiple products. How “In & Out burger” with their limited menu comes comparatively close to McDonalds bottom line despite their 100 item menu, or a litigation form that has ONE focus can outshine those that take on a ton of cases..because they do that ONE thing better than anyone else.

There is something to be said for being intentional and focusing in on something specific. 

It’s not that you can’t do it all, it’s that maybe you should some things REALLY WELL.

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I want to remember that this year, this first year especially. I can’t do it all. I shouldn’t try. I should just make sure I choose to do SOME things, and do them well.

Be intentional.

 

List cutting,

Amber

 

Using Canva to communicate

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One of the first things I scheduled for August was face to face’s with three pretty important groups of people.

I used Canva to create invites to each of these “events”, which now that I am actually USING it, have decided it may be my new principal best friend. You can create flyers, facebook covers, invitations, etc. It is classy, EASY, and I can customize it in oh so many ways. I’ve already got some GREAT ideas to create graphics for my weekly staff Smore, 🙂 AND did I mention it’s free??

First, my office staff. I decided to have them all over for a “grill and chill”. Just an easy casual night of fun and fellowship where our families can meet and mingle. We’re going to grill chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, and just hang out. I want them to see me as a mom & wife, as well as their new principal. g&c GD

I used a template from Canva, added in some Scrapping Doodles clip art, and discovered a great new background removal tool to get rid of that unattractive white background on clip art.

Second, our PTA board. There is nothing better than a big’ol group of moms who WANT to be involved in our campus! I have heard so many great things about our PTA so I want to meet these women who are behind the scenes making it all happen. Knowing that I love a good “theme” I decided to have  “Teatime with Teamann“. We are going to have specially ordered cookies, mini cupcakes, and of course, tea. teatime w:teamann

This was a simple background from Canva, and I used clip art from Etsy. Such an easy download and share! Isn’t that so much more inviting than just an email??

 

Lastly, our leadership team. We have team leaders and PLC leaders that I can’t wait to get to know. Their input and perspective will be most important as we finalize our PD plans.

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I’m hoping this day will be full of conversations, insights, and action steps for our 15-16 school. I still haven’t decided on an all-encompassing “theme” but maybe it will come out of our work & learn session!

 

Do you have any new communication tools that you are using? If you need something “new”, I think Canva could be your new go to!

 

invitingly,

Amber

Be flexible… #thefirstyear

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One of my goals this year is to blog regularly about what is happening, what I’m thinking, what I am learning, and how I am growing. These won’t be long posts, but truly intended to help me reflect on where I am and be able to look back and see the growth.

 

Already I am learning what a valuable skill flexibility is as an administrator.

Being flexible can be what lets you have a good day, or a completely stressful day…and knowing that it is YOUR choice in how you handle it is even more important.

  • Staffing is an ever-moving target. When you think you are done, you just might not be. I’ve saved an email response to the emails I get when we are, for the time being, staffed to be able to respond to every person who emails me. I remember what it felt like to be seeking a “forever” spot, and always to encourage those who take the risk to email me personally about a possible position. Plus, again with the flexibility, I might need to contact them again soon!
  • You are the person. You are the one who has to get it all done. Surround yourself with a team who can handle delegation. Be ok with delegating.
    • BUT make sure you have also clearly communicated what your expectations are! I am going to consistently say, “Our goal here is…” or “I’m hoping this accomplishes…”.
  • Flexibility makes every one easier to get along with.
    If you are rigid and unwavering, you are going to be hard pressed to find those who want to deal with you.

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     And we’re in the people business!

  • It’s ok to be quiet. I’m the new girl, I want to sit back, observe, get a feel for the personalities, strengths, and potential elephants in the room. Not knowing the history of conversations or attitudes can be dangerous grounds to jump in on and offer a hot sports opinion. It’s ok to sit back and get a feel for things.5b347dd27ccec3fdda3b0cfd4f543394

 

shhhhhhh’ing,

Amber

 

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What leadership lessons are you taking away?

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credit: Brian Tracy

credit: Brian Tracy

I have worked under some amazing principals. In my five years as an AP, I worked under three very different, very lauded administrators, in three completely different environments. Looking back now, I am SO thankful for how different they all were, because I know I am even more prepared than your average bear, er, I mean, principal.

I’m a big note taker…so I have kept a list of the traits I felt made them so successful and hope to emulate this year. My top traits to focus on in year 1?

  • servant leader- the boss who puts everyone else’s’ needs before their own, who is willing to do what it takes to make others feel successful
  • big pictureR- one who sees the vision, who knows what they want the educational experience to be for their students
  • willing- willing to dance, willing to be Batman, willing to let teachers try
  • teacher friendly- someone who cares how decisions and changes affect teachers, not in the sense that they don’t make changes or tough decisions, but in that they care
  • tradition minded- recognizes what it looks like to build a legacy and maintains traditions that matter to students, parents, & staff
  • fun- from funny announcements, to jokes and stories in staff meetings, to running jokes with teachers from years ago
  • confident- able to step in and handle all different situations, with purpose, with heart, with decisiveness
They were more than just my boss, they were people who inspired me, who taught me, and who modeled what being a leader looks like.

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I hope to be that person too!

 

starting a new list,

Amber