Teachers Candidates enter the Building

Today we had a lunch meeting: myself, 10 Teacher Candidates and their staff advisor. It was great to hear their enthusiasm for teaching. They come from many differing backgrounds and experiences. We planned our PD for the next five weeks. Next week we will learn from a Spec. Ed. teacher about supporting students with learning difficulties.

The future is bright. These Teacher Candidates are entering a profession that is ever changing and trying to keep up with technology. These Teacher Candidates are eager and willing to experiment with new lessons and technology!

Coaching vs. Mentoring

I believe a coach can provide effective feedback about my leadership skills, management style, work-life balance, and emotional intelligence. As a high school Vice Principal, I would love a coach to watch me throughout my day and provide meaningful feedback to improve my craft.

Seeking a mentor-mentee relationship would be very different. Dialogue with a mentor is very reflective, helping to identify areas of growth but it is one step removed from where the real work happens.

What are your thoughts, beliefs and/or opinions?

Rick Mercer for President of Canada

I recently listened to Rick speak in London, Ontario. I was impressed with how he expressed his pride for Canada and its people. Yes, he is funny and entertaining but more importantly he obviously cares about Canadians.

In the past he has poked fun at politicians, Americans, and the crazy things we Canadians do during the winter months but his comedy makes you think about important issues and how you might be a better citizen.

Rick's rants are becoming legendary. His passion and vision for a better Canada is evident in each one. I wonder if he has ever consider public office. It would be comforting to see a federal politician with a clear vision for Canada and its people. At the least, question and answer period ratings would sky-rocket!

One vote for Rick Mercer, the President of Canada.

Defining Success in a Data Driven World

What is your definition of success? In today’s data driven world, professional learning networks (teams) work to reach pre-arranged goals. Many educators believe success is defined by achieving these pre-arranged goals. Hitting target goals, such as; raising literacy scores by 2% or increasing the graduation rate by 1%, is how some educators define their success. I have some concerns with this concept.

First, let me explain my definition of success. Success is knowing you and your team did the very best possible. A team is successful when its best effort is delivered, no matter the final result.

Pre-determined goals should be treated as road signs that guide our best efforts instead of benchmarks that judge our performance. Student outputs whether they surpass pre-determined goals, or not, are really just by-products of the more important goal; the formation and evolution of an effective team that works to their highest potential to improve student learning.

I believe a team that does not achieve their “pre-determined student output” can still feel success. There are so many uncontrollable factors in the greyness of education. How can we be responsible for achieving goals when so many factors are out of our control? This belief is not an excuse to not try. On the contrary, I believe teams are formed so positive work can be accomplished that improves student learning thus creating a learning culture for everyone within a school district. 

I believe a team should not be deemed unsuccessful if they fall short of their intended goal(s). When a team collaborates with the intent to learn and improve student learning and they do so to the best of their abilities they have achieved great success. 

Success is measured by the quality of the journey not by final destination.

How do you define success in your professional life?