Education

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.

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

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 . . .

#IAedchat Podcast

I was incredibly fortunate to hang out with the #IAedchat crew (1.28.18) and have a very REAL conversation about the state of teacher evaluation in our schools and what we can do to improve it. Check it out. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/iaedchat/episodes/2018-01-28T19_34_10-08_00

Top 10 Educational #GameChangers of 2017

As we draw to the end of the calendar year, I thought it an appropriate time to highlight the educators that are truly moving things forward in our profession. The true #gamechangers. The new-year is the time for hope and renewal. For many educators, this renewal is about focus and professional growth. So, this list is to highlight the best and brightest (in my opinion) in the world of education in hopes others follow their work and follow their lead… Read More »Top 10 Educational #GameChangers of 2017

Let’s Change the Conversation Surrounding Evaluation

In the past few weeks I have been honored and privileged to be interviewed by Justin Baeder, Jason Leahy, and Randy Ziegenfuss to discuss Making Evaluation Meaningful. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my views and philosophies regarding evaluation and to (of course) promote my book. What I found amazing is that every time I am able to engage in deep conversation regarding this topic – one that I just spent months of my life writing about – I still… Read More »Let’s Change the Conversation Surrounding Evaluation

Divergence

Rhee Vs. Ravitch – Why not Both? I wrote the following blog four years ago – so assuredly the data on Twitter followers has since changed. However, the premise still exists. I saw a ‘news’ headline that noted Katy Perry (Democratic supporter in the past) follows Ivanka Trump on Twitter as if this were noteworthy. Not only is it not news – but it illustrates the exact point I was trying to make several years ago. We are far too… Read More »Divergence