Updates
The Bigger Win
Sam stood nervously behind the podium. It was his turn next. Think! Think! What had Miss Maggie and he practiced for the past two weeks? Stand up straight. Shoulders back. Approach the microphone, lean in. NO JOKES! NO JOKES! No inappropriate comments. He desperately... read more
SPARK U Announces Dates For Summer 2019
Ignite The Passion, Spread The Word, SPARK U Works! It’s time to mark your calendars for the SPARK U 2019 Summer Schedule. Reserve your seat now.
read moreFinding the Stars
I sat in an office listening to a recent SPARK U graduate telling me that as soon as the principal could find a replacement, she was done. She was so discouraged and disillusioned that she felt her only way out was quitting. Her hopes and dreams were crushed and she... read more
SPARK U Announces Summer Dates For 2018!
Announcing Summer 2017 dates for SPARK University. Complete our Registration Form now to secure your seat for your location!
read moreThe Day After
“I pledge allegiance to the flag, of the UNITED States of America…” This was the way I began my day after the election. Standing in sync with 11 ELL (English Language Learners) that represented 6 different countries, pledging allegiance to their... read moreReflection and Change
Wow! SPARK U completed 5 weeks in three states! I met and worked with some incredible teachers that were dedicated to improving their craft, loving their students and spreading a “spark” to those around them. Every place I went, I met teachers who were... read more
Imagine a School
We spent two days observing classrooms, coaching the teachers and offering a workshop on positive discipline during our visit to Emvembili Central Primary School in Swaziland, Africa
read moreA Success Story
When I was at SPARK U this summer, I set some goals that have been taped to the top of my desk ever since: 1) High Expectations 2) Clear Objectives 3) Check for understanding before moving on to the next step 4) Effective practice more often. Basically, I... read moreCase Study: Mineral County School District
In 2012, Chris Schulz, Superintendent of Mineral County School District, knew he had serious and complex issues. The following is a forthright description of how he tackled and ultimately solved problems that many districts face. A District in Distress When I came... read moreRead moreRemember, “It is not the experience we learn from, but the reflection back on that experience that true growth occurs.”