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

Not just another student…that’s my baby…

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This week my  sweet lil’TsT had her kindergarten roundup. As in..she will be FIVE soon…and attending kindergarten next year. To put the myriad of emotions I am feeling into words is next to impossible. She’s already IN a pre-school, so it isn’t as if she has never been away from me. She’s also, um, not the first child of MINE to start school. So yes, the fact that I should be completely ok with this hasn’t escaped me, but I still well up with tears thinking about her beginning. Time always flies but to think her big sister will be in 8th grade this year (gulp!!) is a testament to how fast it TRULY flies once they start the seasons of school.

Couple that with the fact that I do this for a living and you’ll probably be even more confused at my emotions.  

I pull screaming kinders away from their parents each year and smilingly send them away

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, reassuring them that this will be FINE, that their baby will be GREAT, and they need to just let us take them.

(Oh dear…do we even want to THINK about someone trying to wretch my sweet girl outta my arms?!?)

The mom in me thinks, “She’s so tiny. There’s so much she can’t do yet!”

The admin in me thinks, “Here we go, another one to build an academic future!”

The mom in me thinks, “Please be gentle with her, she’s not ready for playground politics yet!”

The admin in me thinks “Just you wait, she’ll be running the show soon.”

The mom in me thinks “You have no idea…this baby makes me SO insanely happy every day…”

The admin in me thinks “Every new kinder baby is someone’s whole world, nothing new to see here…”

The mom in me thinks “I will be THAT mom for my kid…I will! Please keep her in mind when making decisions!”

The admin in me thinks “We have to think about what is best for ALL kids, momma!”

 

The dichotomy of these rival roles playing out in my mind is like its own greek tragedy.

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 Thank goodness I am in an incredible school where I truly KNOW and love each and every one of our kinder teachers. I see how hard they work, I know how much they love what they do, and am lucky enough to be there when my girl begins her schooling adventure. Couldn’t have asked for a better team to surround my sweet girl.

I just hope they can handle this dichotomy better than I can!

TsT

Kinder counting down,

Amber

Personalizing your own Professional Development & DC

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I’ve spoken before on how important it is to take charge of your own PD. At the Greater Clark Ed Conference I spoke to a room full of administrators on using their power for good, their admin power. This year this was a new opportunity. The Alliance for Education partnered with the National Teaching & Learning Conference to present a “Digital Learning Day Live” over Spring Break.

I first received a casual text asking if I would be interested in presenting at this event last October. It was an almost comical request. Hey Amber…Do you think you’d want to…come to DC & present on how to personalize your own personal development & growth…

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You can access my session presentation here.

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Watch Daisy Dyer Duerr be recognized for her tireless efforts in her rural school.

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Stand where Martin Luther King Jr. stood.

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Meet Governor Bob Wise, president of the Alliance.

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Visit the Department of Education. (The ACTUAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.)

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Have a fascinating discussion with Arnie Duncan’s staff. Have this discussion in Arnie Duncan’s conference room.

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Finally meet two people who I literally talk to EVERYSINGLEDAY for the first time.

Visit the big Abraham.

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Visit Arlington National Cemetery.

GO ON A TOUR OF THE WHITE HOUSE.

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Meh. I guess I could do that…

(I jest. This trip was one of the most incredible opportunities I’ve experienced. Add in the amazing people that I have the blessing of calling friends…& it may not get much better than that.)
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PLN humbled,

Amber

Do you offer feedback or feed forward? #ASCD15

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feedbackI had the opportunity t to talk to the assistant principal and two teachers from Magnolia Elementary today, winners of the ASCD Whole Child Vision and Action award today. There were several take-aways that stood out.

  • When asked about walk-throughs and how the administration provided guidance, one teacher mentioned that as a campus they focus on giving “feed-forward” information, asking questions that allow self discovery. It works for kids and they said it really works for them!
  • Mental health cohort- The team of specialists on their campus meet regularly to discuss students and their needs. The speech therapist, school psychologist, the counselor, and others..all with a vested interest in some of the high flyers on the campus…they decided if a mentor is needed or if further support is needed.
  • These teachers mentioned empowerment several times. One of the ways that this was evident was that for their PD, each grade decides what they need in order to grow, and work with campus specialists to get the training they need. Students struggling in interventions? Great, let’s bring in the Title I specialist. Want to add some movement in your lessons for student wiggles? Awesome, let’s ask the PE teacher if she can meet with us. They utilize their on campus experts.
  • Administrator support- open door policy, all the way. The staff knows that they can come with any ideas, suggestions, or questions and receive the opportunity to talk and be heard. 
    This should be every administrators goal. Be steady and supportive.

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I was very impressed with the positivity that emanated from this group, and know that they are all in for the right reason…their students! With the population they are working with, it cant be easy, but I guarantee its worth it!

 

Sharingly,

Amber

Conferencing at #ASCD15? Here’s why you better be!

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ac15_banner_image_01ASCD is having its annual this conference in Houston this weekend. I am a member of several organizations, and attend several national conferences, in addition to local region/state events, and this by FAR is my favorite. Attending ASCD provides a chance to grow, as well as make connections with other educators from around the nation.

While, yes, I may be biased because of their outstanding communications team, there is so much that this organization and conference offers.

  • Keynote speakers: This year offers Sarah Lewis, who will talk about the concept of grit and play, both national hot topics. Nicholas Negroponte, the first ever TED talker, will talk about how its the EFFORT that should excite and teach us, not just the end result.
  • Content: This conference offers sessions that are literature rich, research based, and RELEVANT. While technology will be embedded in different sessions there isn’t a device focused buzz, or any “silver bullet” discussions that would require a “tool”. Best practices here revolve around people, ideas, and most importantly, students.
  • Author mixer: Steven Anderson (@web20classroom), Reggie Routman (@regieroutman) Todd Whitaker (@toddwhitaker), and my instructional coach crush Robyn Jackson, (@Robyn_Mindsteps) have all recently written books for ASCD and I’ll have an opportunity to talk with each of them, gleam any gems of greatness that I can , and will share out!
  • The 2015-ness: From the app to the official hashtag (#ascd15) ASCD naturally has taken the “connected” pieces and integrated them into their conference. Wifi, blog lounges, and a hearty twitter stream will all be in the background, available as needed.

 

I am REALLY excited about this weekend! Throw in that it is in TEXAS again this year, which means I can drive and am guaranteed to see some Texas faces, and I am counting down!

The awesome Joe Mazza (@joe_mazza) has also created an #ASCD15 Voxer group, if you’re a Voxer.

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 Join in!

If you are not able to make it this year, follow the twitter stream, there is sure to be a lot shared! 

Take charge of your PD, make ASCD one of your growth commitments!

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ASCD ready,

Amber