MCUSDSUPE

It is all about relationships

POST ORIGINATED in EdWeek Teacher http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/classroom_qa_with_larry_ferlazzo/2019/09/classroom_management_is_all_about_relationships.html This may be unpopular. Heavens knows it was unpopular when I would say it at the opening faculty meeting of every year as a principal, but I believe this statement in the depths of my soul.  “The minute I am required to assist you in discipline, classroom management, by default, has failed.” I would clarify that it did not mean that they had failed, but as an administrator, the instant I am involved it is no… Read More »It is all about relationships

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?

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

It’s Time We Had a Talk

It’s Time We Had a Talk This year, the past year of your professional life, was the easiest year you will have the rest of your life. Yes, last year. Yes, the year when a new initiative was created by someone above you that you only half-heartedly agreed with. Yes, the year when the ‘tough’ class came through your classroom or building. That year. That year was easiest year of the rest of your career. Think that is impossible. Look… Read More »It’s Time We Had a Talk

10 Tips for District Leaders During Hiring/Firing Season

I am writing this as an open letter to my colleagues as superintendents and to the Boards of Education they serve. This is hiring and firing season – actually, in reverse order. This is the time of year where evaluations and finances lead to uncomfortable recommendations to end a person’s or persons’ employment within the district. These are incredibly challenging times. They are easily the most difficult Board meetings of the year and at no time is a Board’s trust… Read More »10 Tips for District Leaders During Hiring/Firing Season

Learning from Failure

The beginning of the year is wonderful. The world is very much defined by renewed enthusiasm and conviction to lead a better life in the new calendar year than the one led in the past. Twitter is a great place to see these proclamations of new focus and energy. The one word movement started by Jon Gordon has reached an enormous number of people and is profoundly important and revered in the educational community – where I spend the lion’s… Read More »Learning from Failure

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

California League of Schools – Fall Conference 17

I have had an incredible experience in San Diego thus far and I am sure it is going to continue to improve. What a great list of speakers and colleagues to connect. The #CLSFall17 conference has an incredible lineup of speakers and I am fortunate to be one of them. So glad I will be able to hear Julie Adams, Rosa Perez-Isiah, and Lavonna Roth (all on the same day). Click here to see the link to my presentation.