When DeAnna Miller became assistant principal in 2019, she could never have anticipated the challenges pandemic schooling would bring. Looking back now, she identifies her most important lesson learned: “Real leadership is recognizing that we must serve the people we lead.”
What promises do we need to make (and keep) so that our students will truly believe they belong in our classrooms and will be safe and cared for there? Middle grades leaders Laurie Barron and Patti Kinney break down the 25 promises they feel have the most impact.
If you find yourself in a school situation where a parent or community member is unkind, unreasonable, or downright mean, principal and NBCT Rita Platt has tips to move beyond the hurt. Here’s what she does to make sure toxic remarks roll right off her back. Like a duck!
Articles / New Teacher Advice / Teacher Self-care
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/23/2020 · Last modified 06/28/2020
How do we ‘not take things personally’? We take feedback seriously but not to a point of diminishing our value. Teacher educator Victoria Lentfer, author of Keep Calm and Teach, shares ways to prepare for the stress and anxiety novices may encounter in the school environment.
It's Not Easy Being Tween / Pandemic Teaching
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 05/11/2020 · Last modified 08/12/2022
Amid global fear and incredible teaching and learning challenges generated by the pandemic, Cheryl Mizerny has decided to take Mr. Rogers’ advice and look for the helpers. Here’s her list of six ‘silver linings’ she’s discovered as her school supports “virtual” students.
Jimmy Casas’ book Culturize shows how educators can positively impact their school culture and climate by making student needs the top priority. We can all help, writes teacher and aspiring school leader Reid Heller, by putting the book’s principles to work.
Making the usual New Year resolutions to “do better” can bring out her “inner Scrooge” says veteran middle grades teacher Mary Tarashuk. After reflecting on nearly two decades of classroom wonder and success, she decides to opt for her “inner Frosty” instead.
Reclaiming the Principalship develops six innovative ideas – including unifying the school community and professional networking – that a school leader can use and reflect upon throughout their career. Assistant principal Laura Colbert highly recommends the book.
Students at Kevin Hodgson’s K-6 school recite the PeaceBuilder pledge each morning. But do they take it to heart? He describes an engrossing literacy project, dubbed the Imaginary Lands Brochure, that helps kids uncover the meaning behind their pledge.
