The class of 2030
Great look at what is necessary to support our learners entering school today. Again, the McKinsey report never fails to help education tell its truth.
PJ Caposey
My thoughts on my 37th trip around the sun
I am a couple of days late on my birthday gift to myself (a long former email, now social media post) that at least some of you seem to read and enjoy based on the several, delicate reminders I received reminding me it was late this year. New rule for myself this year . . . each musing is limited to at most a general topic and no more than three sentences or three bullet points to support my thought.… Read More »My thoughts on my 37th trip around the sun
Politically Speaking . . .
As a school superintendent, politics are a scary subject. At least they are for me. I am very measured in how I speak about anything political that does not involve my school or students directly. I advocate with my local legislators on behalf of my district and I openly support them because they have been wonderful to my district – but that is as far as it goes. I simply fear alienating a decent percentage of my stakeholders regardless of… Read More »Politically Speaking . . .
Do we really want self-advocacy?
I had a meeting with a teacher and a union representative earlier this week over a scheduling issue. The issue was relatively complex in that by the letter of the contract we had probably not done anything wrong, but we had in my opinion we had unwittingly violated the spirit of the agreement. This was not intentional or malicious – but it was an issue or at minimum an oversight. And it was the fault of administration. I explained this… Read More »Do we really want self-advocacy?
Counseling Conundrum
Counseling Conundrum Some of the most valuable hours I spent in my entire collegiate experience was sitting and talking to a counselor. A member of our fraternity had attempted to harm himself and we were given a “recommendation” that everyone should debrief with one of the mental health counselors on campus. I was skeptical to say the least, but attempting to lead by example as I knew I had several Brothers that were struggling I made an appointment. As I… Read More »Counseling Conundrum
Not ready for summer to end?
Are you #FullyCharged? For educators, the summer is a lot of things. It is a time to grow, reflect, and learn. It is also, more importantly, a time to relax, re-connect with family and friends, get fit, and enjoy some down time. One of the things I have learned recently is back-to-school time is not for everyone. I mean this sincerely. Just because I already have excited butterflies in my stomach and it is not August 1st yet makes me no… Read More »Not ready for summer to end?
The Increasing Need of Social Emotional Supports in Schools and the Changing Face of Therapy
I recently wrote a book with Julie Adams and Rosa Isiah titled #FullyCharged. This book explored the connection between Maslow needs and Bloom demands and how we typically approach these in schools. Writing this book was an incredible experience for me. It helped me to put science to my intuition through the research portion and help to extend me as a professional as I had the unique opportunity to process through my ideas next to two absolutely rock-star educators… Read More »The Increasing Need of Social Emotional Supports in Schools and the Changing Face of Therapy
My Advice for New Superintendents
About three months ago a few aspiring superintendents asked me what pieces of advice I would give a first year superintendent. I am sure it was an assignment for grad school – I am not that cool to be randomly approached. I rattled off a few things – that I deeply believe in – but I did not give it a ton of thought at the time. As I approach the end of my fourth year as a superintendent I… Read More »My Advice for New Superintendents
PSA for dads: Play Fortnite
This is written as a PSA for dads as I am one, but I assume everything said here would work for moms as well. My oldest son was five on the hardest day of my career. As a high school principal we had a student suddenly pass. I remember leading the building through a very difficult week and while I was emotional, I had not cracked. On Friday, the superintendent, my assistant principal, and I did the heart-wrenching work of… Read More »PSA for dads: Play Fortnite
This is getting serious . . .
I Love Public Education I love public education . . . and I am having a hard time sleeping at night. Here is why . . . About a week ago I was doing my due diligence as a school superintendent and engaging in a conversation with a state-level legislator. As my colleagues and I were discussing the growing teacher shortage in our area I felt as though the elected official was putting the impetus back on districts to do… Read More »This is getting serious . . .