You Know How to Teach
This past week, I was privileged to meet with over 50 educators virtually, in SPARK University 1.0. They came one at a time, signed into zoom, hesitantly, not knowing what to expect.One by one, I greeted them at the virtual threshold of my classroom. Some had trouble...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...Finding 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...The 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...Reflection 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...
Imagine a School
Imagine a school where children smiled big, white toothy smiles — where every day the entire school gathered to sing. Imagine a school where every hand goes up eager to answer a question — where teachers are respected, care about their students and are eager to refine...A 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...Case 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 moreRemember, “It is not the experience we learn from, but the reflection back on that experience that true growth occurs.”