ALT Quote attributed to educator Melody Hawkins: "My advice for new leaders: 1) Always do what’s best for kids. 2) Treat teachers like the professionals they are. 3) Families are your allies. 4) Remember that you don’t have to know everything about everything. Just make sure you know who to ask when you don’t know."
Principal Project 🤝 Edutopia
Big news! Principal Project is joining @edutopia. The goal for this next chapter is simple: provide you with even more useful, timely, and relevant resources. Sign up to stay in the loop: edut.to/4ls3Ikn
ALT Graphic with a header reading "Principal Project (handshake emoji) Edutopia." Text below reads: Here’s some of what you can expect:
• A personalized newsletter focused on the need-to-know leadership insights of the moment
• Ask Us Anything events featuring experts, researchers, and fellow leaders
• Direct feedback channels so you can shape what we cover—and when
Saying "no" to one thing means you can say "yes" to the things you care about most.
(Inspiration via leader @_mrcwilliams)
ALT "I've really embraced the concept of essentialism and have dedicated my time and energy to the things that are essential to the work that I am doing. This helps me sustain focus and energy, especially at the end of the school year. Saying 'no' can be liberating and allows you to clear the clutter. Give it a try and see what happens!" —Leader Charles Williams
How might an "ANCHOR Conversations" fit into your coaching this week?
(Inspiration via "Lead Like a Pirate" by leaders @burgess_shelley and @BethHouf, illustration by educator @specialtechie)
ALT Infographic describing "Anchor Conversations," a coaching tool that follows this structure: Appreciation, Notice the impact, Collaborative Conversations, Captain-directed conversations, Honor voice & choice, Offer support and Reflection.
Caring for yourself = caring for your school community ❤️
(Reminder via leader @DrP_Principal)
ALT Self-care isn’t selfish – it’s survival. For those in education who pour their hearts into others every day, rest isn’t a reward – it’s a requirement. You can’t light the way for your students if your own flame has burned out. Prioritize yourself with the same compassion you give so freely to others." —Leader Bryan Pearlman
What role do you see at the heart of your leadership? ❤️
(Inspiration via Principal Rodney Moore & @CenterBlackEd)
ALT "I think about myself as a principal. I see many of 'me' every day. It’s my job to make sure I focus on the students who don’t normally have access. When I think about my journey, I had a community who thought I was special. If we left it up to the school in general, I would have fell through the cracks. Many times, it’s going to take us focusing on our students and what they need." —Principal Rodney Moore via Center for Black Educator Development
Effective PLCs can be the catalyst for real change – and this guide from @TNTP gives teams the tools you need to succeed.
tntp.org/tool/lesson-prepara…
ALT Screenshot of the linked resource, PLC Lesson Planning: In Action
By carefully attending to the habits of generous conversationalists, leaders can build skills for collaboration.
Find out how, via leader @AllysonApsey:
allysonapsey.com/2023/12/05/…
ALT Generous conversations: Inspiring hope, collaboration and action in every interaction Via Leader Allyson Apsey
ALT "When you need to reset a relationship with a student, ask the students what it would take. Kids understand repair and healing but often need to do it on their terms. Sometimes just saying: I believe this is hard. I believe your experience is real. I care about what you think. I am going to stick with you. Simple phrases are often all it takes. Everyone, including students, wants to feel worth the effort.” —Leader Sarah Sirgo
What can APs do to prepare for a principal role?
What can first-year Ps do to make the most of the new position?
Principal Ahmed Adelekan shares his thoughts. principalproject.org/6-tips-…
"Change without justification is a leap into the dark. Illuminate your path with reason to help others see the value."
🔦 Check out these ideas for guiding your team through change, via leader @E_Sheninger:
esheninger.blogspot.com/2024…
ALT Infographic from the linked article displaying six ways to justify change.
Tough day? The answer might be fresh air a few fun minutes with students.
(Inspiration via P @RachelEdohoEket)
ALT "Principals and APs, when you need a mid-day break, go outside for some fresh air and have fun with students for a few minutes!" —Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket
What indicators do you rely on when looking for powerful instruction?
Leader Alan Schoenfeld identifies 5 key focus areas:
achievethecore.org/peersandp…
ALT A table from the linked article titled, "The Five Dimensions of Powerful Classrooms."
ALT Screenshot from the seventh page in the linked document that reads "When the Fight for Equity Becomes an Ethical Dilemma," followed by three prompts to help gauge what is happening in your institution.
ALT This is the part of the school year where teachers are feeling it. Administrators, I know it's so common at this time of school year to add one more thing. Is it at all possible to take one responsibility off of teachers right now? Easier said than done, but it's needed (and appreciated) now." —Leader Serena Pariser
ALT A table from the article that lays out a system for mode and frequencies of family communication. It describes the "modes" (email newsletter, texts, parent updates, face-to-face), the types of content that fit each mode, and the planned frequency.
ALT Teachers conquering their math anxiety: How educators can build a strong math foundation for students when they build on their own confidence via Hechinger Report
📸 🧵👇 Let's get a photo thread going! Add something you've loved seeing in your school community this season!
(Inspiration via educator @Nixbteaches)
ALT Bulletin board with the title "Library" and a grid of information about library services, including how to submit Chromebook Requests and how to take the Library Canva Course.