10 easy ways to make the world a better place

1). At the end of the day, send a short thank you or complimentary email to someone who helped you or did something great that day. For teachers, send a quick email or make a short phone call to a parent about their child. Bonus, do a hand-written personalized note and hand deliver it...

2). Find some information or resources for someone who you know is either looking for assistance or struggling with a particular situation. This may include finding someone else who excels in this particular area and asking them to reach out to this person to help them through this process.

3). Surprise a colleague and do something that is typically on their job responsibility list. This is only effective when the intent and purpose are to help. Don't use this as an opportunity to outshine or one-up, or you risk turning a positive gesture into a negative.

4). Stand up for someone who you know is right and struggling to make progress against the masses. This could be as simple as saying something publicly in a meeting or sending an email and including others on that email. The key here is to show your support and help to validate the points that are being shunned. Bonus, by doing this you may empower and embolden others who feel their voice is not being heard...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ginnerobot/

5). Commit to doing something in the future that will help someone to do something in the present. There are countless times when others need a little support and encouragement to get them over the hump of trying to do something or change something. Your gesture of commitment in the future is just what they need to get the ball rolling in the present.

6). Find something funny and share it with others. You can't ignore the power of laughter and when presented at just the right time, a good laugh is the difference between an average day and a great day.

7). Finish the task you said you would finish. You would be surprised at how often we say we will do something to only finish half of the promised task. Be the difference and go the distance by finishing what you said you would finish... this means a lot to people.

8). Present someone a challenge you think they can handle and would be excellent at overcoming. Present this challenge in a way that highlights the strengths of others, and remind them that you believe their skill set is perfectly aligned to tackling this challenge. The key here is to empower and send a boost of confidence to someone who may be lacking of late.

9). Start saying 'yes' and 'why not' more than 'no' and 'that's not possible.' Be careful with this, because if you always say 'yes' then you will become overwhelmed and over-committed. In the same breath, don't always say 'no' because you will become the person who nobody approaches with new ideas or possible changes. Help someone by embracing their creativity and innovation by giving them a green light.

10). Be yourself and don't try to be someone you aren't. Far too often we try to be who we think others think we should be, and in the end we ultimately disappoint both them and ourselves. Be yourself and others will be greatly appreciative.

8 things every student deserves...

One of the things I miss most about my job is the connection and relationship with students. For me to speak and work with students, I really have to go out of my way and to make it happen. Unfortunately this doesn't happen nearly as often as I would like, but my recognition of that is incentive enough to make it a priority; a renewed priority this school year...

What's clear to me is that our students deserve and need a lot from us:

1). Every student deserves to have someone who won't give up on them; someone who will encourage them, support them, and reassure them that there are those who believe in them. #youmatter

2). Every student deserves to have the appropriate tools and resources available to them that will allow them to find success. We are rightfully obligated to provide the necessary tools for our students, and this must be a part of the bigger picture when it comes to available resources and personnel.

3). Every student deserves to have similar and equal opportunities that others may have; the opportunity gap we have in education is broadening the gap between the 'educated' and the 'non-educated.' We can't continue to allow this to happen when we are talking about access to learning.

4). Every student deserves the benefit of the doubt. Far too often we assume students are doing something wrong and not doing what they are supposed to be doing. When we assume, we tend to be incorrect.

5). Every student deserves a teacher who believes that what's been done in the past is NOT the only factor when determining what to do in the present and what to do in the future. The choices we make affect our students... we can't hold them back because we are scared to do something we aren't comfortable with.

6). Every student deserves the opportunity to design, create, and explore. We must create a safe environment for our students to feel comfortable with doing things they have never done before. This level of comfort and trust makes everything else possible.

7). Every student deserves to have the best teacher. Far too often we put our newest and least experienced teachers with our most challenging and most at-risk students. Shouldn't we have the best teachers and most experienced teachers working with our students who can most benefit from their skills?

8). Every student deserves a teacher who is willing to take a risk and take a chance. Sometimes it's appropriate to play it safe, while other times it's necessary to take a chance and step outside the box. Students all need someone who is willing to be different and someone who is willing to travel this journey with them...

10 ways to finish the school year strong

1). Make the word 'intentional' your new favorite word. Be precise and be focused on how you use this time. There are a lot of things happening at school during the last few weeks, so keep the focus on doing a few things really well rather than trying to simply 'cover' a lot of things to finish out the year.

2). Try something new you've never done before. Your evaluation is most likely done and you probably have a job for next year. Your kids have also seen all the plays you have to offer in your playbook. So, now is the perfect time to take a risk and do something you've never done before. Perhaps it's something you've read about... heard about... or simply thought about... now is the time!

3). Focus on maximizing this time and amplifying the learning opportunities your students have engaged in so far this school year. You've by now built a solid learning and experience foundation with your students the last 7 or 8 months. Now is the time to take something and build upon it and take it to the next level. Perhaps you simply didn't get to go as far or as deep as you originally wanted, so take advantage of this time and take that 'good' to 'great.'

4). Allow your students to really take the lead and take charge of their learning. You've most likely been the conductor of many of the learning experiences so far this school year. Take a seat in the caboose and allow your students to take the lead and allow them to explore, discover, expand upon, or simply build upon something they are interested in learning more about. Allow their natural curiosity to be the intrinsic motivator they need to finish the year strong.

5). Spend a little extra time to get to know those students with whom you just haven't been able to connect. You've got a lot of students, and just like all our relationships, sometimes some grow more quickly than others. Specifically target and engage a few students with whom you haven't been able to develop a strong rapport. Learn more about these students and focus on asking good questions and listening to what they have to say. It's these most recent interactions that could make all the difference.

6). Connect your classroom or an activity you are doing to the global world that surrounds us all. The world continues to get smaller and more connected. Use these last few weeks to help your students understand and appreciate the connectedness we all share. Whether it is doing a Google Hangout or Skype session with an expert in the field or another group of students, now is the perfect time to show that we may be thousands of miles apart, but what happens in one part of the world affects and impacts what happens in other parts of the world.

7). Start getting excited for next year by searching out your 'next big' thing. Sure, this year isn't over yet, therefore don't shut that door just yet. But, there's nothing wrong with looking ahead toward the future. Think about that new approach or that new activity you want to do next year. Start building up that excitement and anticipation for how it might look or the resources you might need. Keep one eye on the present and one eye toward the future.

8). Fresh air and physical activity benefit us all... figure out a way to include them in your classroom activities. Go outside since the weather is most likely more accommodating and while you're out there get your students moving. There is a ton of research that supports movement and different landscapes/learning environments. This time of the year is perfect for both... bonus, figure out a way to use the outside as a learning precursor to something else to make the learning more connected and relevant.

9). Disengage to stay engaged... taking care of yourself. This time of year it's especially important to take time to take care of yourself. Don't be afraid to take an evening off and/or enjoy the weekend without thinking about or doing any school related work. Take the necessary time to enjoy your family and make an effort to disengage your brain from work. It's this personal disengagement that will keep you fresh to keep what happens in the classroom completely engaged.

10). Keep it together... remember, we can expect to get what we expect. Don't take off the last few weeks of school. Don't turn on cruise control and coast your way through the end of the year. There will be plenty of temptation (both students AND your colleagues), but don't take the bait. Keep your expectations both high and realistic, and recognize that finishing strong is just as important as starting strong.

What other suggestions would you add as a way to finish the school year strong?

It really just might be that simple...

Every morning when you head off to school, make a commitment to...

And remember...

And always keep in mind that...

10 things all educators should commit to...

Will you commit to creating experiences kids will remember forever?

Will you commit to focusing on the now & not some unknown distant world?

Will you commit to helping kids own their learning?

Will you commit to using grades as a tool toward learning & not as punishment & motivation?

Will you commit to not standardizing how a kid demonstrates his/her mastery of learning?

Will you commit to valuing & appreciating the time kids spend outside of school?

Will you commit to focusing on solutions rather than problems & things you can't control?

Will you commit to a partnership with your students & not a dictatorship?

Will you commit to being there for your students & supporting them when they struggle?

Will you commit to taking risks & even failing and then trying again?

You have to hit 'em in their 'passion!'

So, I've been thinking a lot lately about change.

Not just the type of change that comes and goes and fuels the 'this too shall pass' epidemic, but the type of change that endures.

The type of change that is self-sustaining and the type of change that permeates throughout all levels of an organization.

The type of change that hits you deep down in your bones.

The type of change that forces people to make a choice... a choice to either get on the bus, or find an entirely new bus...

We all know about the 'low-hanging' fruit type of change.

This easy change is typically what folks go for because they believe that it takes these little small battles before one is prepared for the war.

It's these small changes that build confidence and credibility which in turn will increase the chances of success when it comes to larger more systemic and far-reaching change.

That is the typical approach and theory anyway...

I'd like to push back some on that approach and theory.

It's not that I don't think it will work, but rather I think it's short-lived and superficial more times than not.

These small changes are easy because people aren't really invested either way. There may be a few folks who are invested, but a majority don't really care which is what makes the change easy.

I'd like to challenge you to push for the big change.

I'd like to challenge you to go for the hail marry grand slam version of change.

When you have a conversation with your colleagues, find the topic that gets people most heated. Find the topic that gets people fired up and showing their 'passion.'

When you find that topic that hits people in their area of passion, you've found your opportunity.

You've found what people care most about and you've found something that goes to their heart. It's this type of change that builds long-lasting, enduring and sustainable cultural shifts because they touch almost everyone. The roots of this type of change go deep and are hard to break once established.

Make no mistake, this isn't the easiest path.

This won't be the quickest path.

But it may just be the path that gets you where you want to go...

Our kids only have one chance...

For many of us, another school year is underway or will be very soon.

Perhaps we are teaching the same content or grade level or are in the same role as the prior year.

Perhaps we are planning to try some new things or approach a few things differently, but for the most part we are looking forward to tackling another year.

But for many of us, another school year is just that, another school year.

But here's the thing, it's not just another year for our students.

Our students may not recognize it or realize at the time, but us adults know better. We've seen it happen and we know the possible implications.

Young people experience so much growth in such a short time frame, so the time we spend with our students is of the utmost importance.

Though it might seem irrelevant in the big scheme of things, each and every day we have the opportunity to work with our students is a chance to positively impact their lives.

Each and every interaction we have with our students is an opportunity to influence another's life. The neat thing about influencing a life is that it creates a ripple effect that goes far beyond what any one individual can imagine.

Our kids are hoping we try something new that will create a more relevant and purposeful learning experience.

Our kids are hoping they get the opportunity to be a part of something that will positively impact the world.

Our kids only have one chance with this part of their lives and they are looking to us to make it magical and worthy of remembering.

If that's not power and influence then I don't know what is...

Our kids only have one chance... let's not let them down.

An open letter to educators

I write this post for all those who call themselves educators.

I write this post for superintendents and the schools boards for whom they work.

I write this post for both central office and building level administrators.

And finally and perhaps most importantly, I write this post for teachers of all grade levels and all content areas.

There is a vicious epidemic that has been spreading and continues to spread unchecked across the globe. The achievement gap that is so often spoken of is merely a cover for what is really happening.

We don't have an achievement gap, we have an opportunity gap...

We have schools that are providing life-changing opportunities and experiences that others can't even fathom. We have kids who are doing work in their classes that is both impacting and affecting the world in which they live while other kids are doing worksheets from outdated textbooks about material and content they can't relate to.

There are kids who are being positioned to be game-changers in their respective parts of the world while others are being comfortably placed among the ranks of industry that is disappearing with skills that haven't been in demand in a decade.

The opportunity gap is widening at an accelerated pace during a time when technology and global connectedness are soaring.

Sure, it's easy to say that kids and their families have a choice as to which schools they attend. Families can move to different communities or choose to attend private or parochial schools that provide some of these wonderful before-mentioned opportunities.

But there's a reality that most know but seem to ignore.

Most families and students don't really have a choice as to where they reside and where they attend school. Communities are built around schools and more frequently than not, those schools who offer vast opportunities exist in communities that most can't afford. The 'haves' and 'have nots' legacy is deeply entrenched in education.

For educators, there are many variables that we can't control and as a result we must learn to work with and accept what we are presented.

This challenge can look very similar to an excuse and justification for why we can't or aren't able to do something.

I refuse to let what we can't control dictate what we can or can't do... and so should you.

When you go to school, fight for what our kids don't have. Fight for the opportunities that our kids can only dream of. Fight for the opportunities that our kids can't yet dream of. Fight to put an end to the opportunity gap and whatever you do, don't use it as an excuse.

Remember, the next time you hear about some school or district doing something amazing with their kids, keep in mind that the only thing preventing you from doing the same or preventing you from doing something better, is you...

What makes you so special?

Too often we hear that we are just normal people doing normal things. Too often we hear that our impact is limited and indirect at best. Too often we hear that the little things we do won’t ever add up to make a difference.

Too often we don’t give ourselves the credit we deserve…

So, what makes you so special?

You know people that other people do not.

You’ve met and made connections with people who have a particular skill-set and expertise.

You’ve experienced things in life that most haven’t.

The things you’ve experienced are unique to you and the impact they’ve had on you are specific to you.

You’ve played an integral role in shaping the lives of those around you.

The lives of those with whom you spend time are forever and will always be influenced by you.

You have an intrinsic motivation that only you know and only you understand.

You see beauty when beauty’s not easily visible by others.

Your words reach far beyond just those who hear them.

Your actions send a continuous ripple across the globe.

You’ve made people smile & you’ve made people frown.

The world wouldn’t be the same without you.

So, the next time you hear someone say or you think to yourself, ‘what makes you so special,’ think of this list and be confident in your role and know that it is you that makes you special.

What does 'real-world' education look like?

So often we talk about making education relevant. We talk about making 'connections' to the real-world and events that are occurring all around the world.

We are challenged to find ways for students to see value and relevance to what they are doing in school. We are charged with creating a learning environment that is both challenging and applicable to the very lives we and our students are living.

So, then why do we spend so much time thinking up fake and made-up problems and designing situations for our students to solve and work on?

The truth is, the world definitely doesn't have a shortage of problems that are worthy of our attention and time. In fact, if education became more connected to the world and solving its problems, we just might be onto something...

English: The ability to read and write... the ability to communicate comes second nature to many, but what about those who lack these seemingly 'basic' skills? Roughly 11% (775 million people) of the world's population is illiterate. What if we could change this? What if we could empower these 775 million people?

Social studies: Whether it be the issues occurring in Ukraine, the drama and riots unfolding in the midst of the World Cup, or the ever escalating concerns in Iraq and the Middle East, our students are living in a world of increasing uncertainty, and it's this uncertainty that needs both our attention and awareness. What if our students focused on ways to prevent these types of disputes to make the world a safer place?

Science: The impact on the environment is very real, and it's future generations who will feel the brunt of the negative effects. Let's put more minds to work on this issue and let's bring it to the forefront for students and their future. Sometimes it's the mind of a child that can best see the truth and cut through all the 'gray.'

Math/engineering: Bridges, roads and major infrastructure deficiencies exist across the globe, and perhaps if our math/engineering students were allowed to tackle these real-world problems, some viable and worthwhile long-term solutions could be discovered.

Foreign language: The world is getting smaller and smaller and as global connectedness becomes more and more a common reality, the need for cultural tolerance and global understanding are becoming increasingly important.

Foods/nutrition: There is a global food epidemic and starvation is still a very real problem in our world. Imagine if our students were working toward more food sustainability, more nutritional food and a better means of getting this food to those who are most in need.

PE/health: Obesity rates are rising and overall health seems to be in decline for the masses. We've reached a point when life expectancy is starting to stagnate. Let's allow and work with our students to figure out ways to get that number going higher again. Let's take a step forward in raising students who are health and fitness conscious and are committed to living a long and healthy life.

In closing, let's stop thinking of problems for our students to solve, and let's start working on the problems that are right in front of us...

Accountability & finger pointing...

A phrase I've been hearing a lot lately in education is making sure we are 'being held accountable.' This phrase in itself is pretty innocent, however the context in which it's used can make a world of difference. In the same vein, it's becoming easier and easier for folks to point fingers with all the emphasis and focus on 'accountability.'

For example, if you are a student, the teacher has the responsibility of making sure you are learning what you are supposed to learn. The teacher is entrusted to hold each student accountable for doing their work and completing all assigned tasks as requested by the teacher.

If you are a teacher, you are being held accountable by your building level administration. Teachers are charged with ensuring each student learns the board approved curriculum, all professional paperwork is completed and turned in on time, and lastly, that they uphold the professional image of the school district.

For building administrators, you are being held accountable by the district level administration. Building administrators are asked to lead their respective buildings. They do this by making sure the teachers they are holding accountable are holding their students accountable.

The superintendent and other central office administrators are held accountable by the Board of Education. The BoE works closely with the superintendent to ensure the school district operates smoothly and efficiently. The BoE is able to do this by holding the superintendent and other central office administrators accountable for initiating and monitoring the implementation of the district vision and goals.

Lastly, the Board of Education is entrusted by the community to maintain a safe learning environment for the children and parents within the community. The BoE is held accountable by the community by a democratic process that takes place every April, when new BoE members are elected or re-elected.

With all of these levels of accountability, we have to ensure we don't lose sight of what our main purpose as educators is; preparing students to be autonomous and independent thinkers who know full well they will live in an unknown future that is constantly changing and evolving.

So, at the end of the day, let's all assume accountability and let's stop pointing fingers, and let's get to work because I think we all know there's a lot that needs to be done...

It's that time of the year again...

The weather is getting warmer...

There is more and more to do outside...

The always exciting standardized testing is either coming to a close or is in full swing...

You're tired and your patience is wearing thin...

Summer is getting close...

http://goo.gl/b8SffU

At this juncture you have to make a choice about how you wish to end the year.

This goes the same for teachers and administrators who are equally feeling the tension of the end of the year push.

Are you going to do as you've always done and play it safe?

Are you going to cut a few corners and take the easy route because you know there are only a few days left so what's the big deal?

Are you going to lower your expectations for not just yourself, but also for those around you?

Are you going to end this year quietly and uneventfully...?

We all have a choice to make.

We all have these last few days to make a bigger or more positive impact.

We all have a choice to make that will determine how our students remember us...

Remember teachers, if you don't want your students to check out early and coast through the end of the year, then you better not get caught doing just that.

This also goes for administrators... don't get caught checking out early if you expect your teachers to push strong through the end of the year.

10 little things that make a huge difference...

Start saying 'please' and 'thank you' even when it's for seemingly small and trivial events/transactions. Nobody has ever been shunned for being too polite and kind...

Go the extra mile and make that one last phone call, send that one last email, or finish that one last conversation. Those little things that most put off for another day (and tend to forget) make a huge difference to those around you...

Give support and encouragement to someone who you know is pushing themselves and trying something new. Added bonus... check in on them from time-to-time and offer assistance as needed and requested.

Share something that positively affected you with someone else. When we share what we value, we share a piece of who we are, and that is how trust and relationships are formed.

Make humility a top priority when working with and interacting with others. Nobody wants to be around the person who 'knows it all' and the person who is 'never wrong.' Be the person who wants to find out and the person who is human and makes mistakes...

Don't ever be caught talking poorly about someone. Remember, when someone hears you talking poorly about someone else, it's natural to think about how that person talks about you behind your back. Keep it simple and stay positive.

Stay calm and keep a level head. When people start to get 'crazy' it tends to put everyone in a state of frantic. Be the one who remains calm and brings everything back under control.

Make it personal... Yes, of course we all have jobs and deadlines that need to be addressed. But, there is always time to get to know folks and know them on a personal level that goes beyond just the professional level. No, you don't need to know their favorite color or their favorite type of ice cream, but knowing the basics of their life can mean a lot...

Put yourself in their shoes and show some empathy. This has nothing to do with being 'easy' on people... it has everything to do with knowing that we are all battling our own set of challenges. Remember, what comes around goes around, and your empathy will be repaid in full when you need it most.

Smile and be friendly...   :)

10 small ways to make a huge difference in someone's life...

1). At the end of the day, send a short thank you or complimentary email to someone who helped you or did something great that day. For teachers, send a quick email or make a short phone call to a parent about their child. Bonus, do a hand-written personalized note and hand deliver it...

2). Find some information or resources for someone who you know is either looking for assistance or struggling with a particular situation. This may include finding someone else who excels in this particular area and asking them to reach out to this person to help them through this process.

3). Surprise a colleague and do something that is typically on their job responsibility list. This is only effective when the intent and purpose are to help. Don't use this as an opportunity to outshine or one-up, or you risk turning a positive gesture into a negative.

4). Stand up for someone who you know is right and struggling to make progress against the masses. This could be as simple as saying something publicly in a meeting or sending an email and including others on that email. The key here is to show your support and help to validate the points that are being shunned. Bonus, by doing this you may empower and embolden others who feel their voice is not being heard...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ginnerobot/

5). Commit to doing something in the future that will help someone to do something in the present. There are countless times when others need a little support and encouragement to get them over the hump of trying to do something or change something. Your gesture of commitment in the future is just what they need to get the ball rolling in the present.

6). Find something funny and share it with others. You can't ignore the power of laughter and when presented at just the right time, a good laugh is the difference between an average day and a great day.

7). Finish the task you said you would finish. You would be surprised at how often we say we will do something to only finish half of the promised task. Be the difference and go the distance by finishing what you said you would finish... this means a lot to people.

8). Present someone a challenge you think they can handle and would be excellent at overcoming. Present this challenge in a way that highlights the strengths of others, and remind them that you believe their skill set is perfectly aligned to tackling this challenge. The key here is to empower and send a boost of confidence to someone who may be lacking of late.

9). Start saying 'yes' and 'why not' more than 'no' and 'that's not possible.' Be careful with this, because if you always say 'yes' then you will become overwhelmed and over-committed. In the same breath, don't always say 'no' because you will become the person who nobody approaches with new ideas or possible changes. Help someone by embracing their creativity and innovation by giving them a green light.

10). Be yourself and don't try to be someone you aren't. Far too often we try to be who we think others think we should be, and in the end we ultimately disappoint both them and ourselves. Be yourself and others will be greatly appreciative.

It's that time of the year again...

Every year it happens...

Every educator knows what it feels like...

Every student knows what it feels like...

Sometimes it's really hard to avoid...

It's so easy to do...

But as we all know, what's easy usually isn't what's best...

Summer is fast approaching and you can feel it as soon as you walk into any school across the globe. Educators have given it all they got and are ready for a much needed breathier and recharge. Students have pushed themselves academically and have grown more than they will ever know, but they too are ready and in need of a summer recharge. Summer is fast approaching...

It's simple if you ask me, and by simple I mean extremely difficult. But, in the face of difficulty we have the choice to persevere, or the choice to be overcome. The weather is turning warmer and the days are growing longer, and as it becomes more and more difficult to concentrate and stay focused, we are faced with our biggest challenge yet... the last few weeks before school lets out for summer.

It's this time of the year when great things are possible in classrooms all across the world. Most standardized testing is over, and now we have time to take risks and try new things in our classrooms that we have wanted to try all year but just never hard time to fit in. We now have the time to go more in depth with a topic we are really passionate about. More importantly, we now have just a short amount of time left to work with students most of us will never see again. The window of opportunity is closing quickly, and if you are not careful, that window will close before you know it.

Challenge...

I challenge you to dig deep and find the remaining fortitude and determination to push on and finish this year stronger than you started. I challenge you to make a connection with a student you have been unable to connect with all year long. I challenge you to try something new in your class or experiment with a different approach in an effort to learn and grow. I challenge you to do what so many struggle to do, and that's to end the year with higher expectations for both yourself and your students.

Remember, you only have a few weeks left, and it's during these next few weeks you will solidify what your students think of you as an educator. It is during the last few weeks of school that the great educators separate themselves from the good educators...