Herding Sheep

Educational leadership is like herding sheep. 

Within a herd, there are fast and slow sheep. As a leader you are constantly moving between the front and the rear of the herd; meeting the needs of the fast and slow sheep.

You probably want the herd to move faster but understand that the most important thing is your ability to set the herd's direction while constantly navigating challenges.

3 Thing we Can do to Support the Mental Health of Students

Recently, Andrea Nair gave a guest lecture to the teachers of a our secondary school. As a Psychotherapist and Parenting Educator, she talked with us about student mental health.

Her talk made me challenge my beliefs and actions. Many teachers listened, not just as a teacher, but also a parent. I believe they all want students to reach their highest potential. I hope this post helps us reflect upon our teaching practice and improve our support for all students.

 Here are three beliefs that Andrea made me consider with her talk.

1) I believe students need to feel safe in a classroom before they can reach their full potential.

It is important to organize and provide a physically and mentally safe environment for all students. Teachers can take time to greet all students at the door, interact with each student during class and let each student be "seen, heard, understood and made to feel important." These actions help build a positive trusting relationship that is the basis for learning. One of Andrea's comments was "attach first, then give instruction."

2) I believe educators have the ability to support students and be attuned to their needs.

Teachers know their students and can tell when a student is having a bad day, or week. When a teacher is able to find a quiet, confidential way of expressing this observation students learn there are caring adults in their life. More importantly, students feel important!

3) I believe everyone can grow/change their brain and better use their cerebral cortex.

The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher order thinking. It is constantly used to make decisions, plan, control emotions and body functions, empathize and self-reflect. People can be taught, supported and coached to use this part of the brain more often and effectively deal with life's challenges. A role model or a critical friend can address harsh words and/or actions and encourage a student to use their frontal lobe. Simply providing alternatives for a student can help them to use a different part of their brain.

Our school is currently organizing a future visit with Andrea. We plan to host a parent night and provide parents the opportunity to listen and learn from Andrea. I believe students deserve our best.

I'd love to hear your thoughts or comments.

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?