Using student work to scaffold math learning
A good portion of my clients hire Lead to Empower services to support math teachers with implementing engaging curriculums. While we have supported with internalization of lessons and units, engaging learners, scaffolding the content, etc., one topic that has been coming up repeatedly lately is how to use student work to scaffold content. I am […]
Bridging the Gap: The Importance of Clear Expectations in Teacher Evaluations
Rating rubrics, such as the Charlotte Danielson framework, are often the standard for evaluating teacher performance. However, they can also be a source of frustration for both teachers and administrators. A common issue arises from a lack of alignment on specific descriptions within these rubrics. For instance, an administrator may have a different understanding of […]
The Power of Asking Questions in Instructional Coaching
As a former principal, I often found myself in classrooms observing subjects I had never taught. One of those was science. I remember walking into a 7th-grade science class, computer in hand, fully aware that I couldn’t explain the function of cells or articulate the difference between covalent and ionic bonds off the top of […]
Wrapping Up Right: Using Late June Reflection to Strengthen Your School Year Ahead
As the final school bells ring and the halls begin to quiet, June presents school leaders with a rare and valuable window—an opportunity to reflect deeply before the full rhythm of summer sets in. The final weeks of June, though often filled with logistical wrap-up, can be some of the most impactful for strategic thinking. […]
September Planning: When Our Souls Should be Singin’
Historically, school leaders build plans in isolation over the summer, often spending September and October teaching and monitoring those plans alone. This can be exhausting and ineffective. How could we approach this differently? This is where September planning can make a significant difference. As the school year wraps up, the months of May through July […]
The Power of Purpose: Empowering High-Performing Teams in Schools
High-performing teams are essential for a school to accomplish its goals. These team whether comprised of teachers, administrators, or support staff—are pivotal in driving student success and fostering a positive school culture. The reality is, administrators cannot be expected to get schools to reach its potential without the investment and support of the constituents of […]
Five Ineffective Ways to Use Data in K-12 Schools
Data has become a cornerstone of decision-making in K-12 education, offering insights that can help improve student outcomes and inform pedagogical best practices. However, the mere presence of data does not guarantee its effectiveness. In fact, there are several common pitfalls that can render data usage ineffective. Here are five ineffective ways to use data […]
Measuring the Impact of Professional Development
In my experience, the setting often remains the same: I find myself seated with one or more administrators, either facilitating a session or reviewing observation data. Inevitably, we arrive at the same question: What do observation reports really measure? The common response is “teacher performance.” This seems logical; administrators enter classrooms, observe teachers delivering their […]
Five Reasons K-12 Principals Should Embrace AI to Enhance Their Schools
As educational leaders, K-12 principals are always seeking innovative ways to improve student outcomes and streamline operations. One of the most promising advancements in recent years is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in schools. Here are five compelling reasons why principals should consider leveraging AI to enhance their educational environments. 1. Personalized Learning ExperiencesAI […]
How to Find the Best Second-in-Command: A Principal’s Guide
As the clock ticks down on a Friday afternoon, the school buzzes with that familiar blend of exhaustion and excitement. The leadership team gathers in the principal’s office, a weekly ritual to tie up loose ends and strategize for the week ahead. With a few assistant principals in the mix, it’s always a pleasure for […]