Category: Transformational Leadership

leadership, education

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The intrinsic sense that all people are connected to each other and to some grand opera is what some might call “spiritual.” I say this only to make this assertion: Across all generations and cultures there has been a common quest to uncover that mysterious thing within ourselves that is hard to define and yet defines us nonetheless. This thing evolves within us over time and speaks to us through an inner voice that shapes our core beliefs and our actions. We cannot deny it, even if we are not sure from where it derives. Whatever we call this connection between things, between every single thing, it has not yet been adequately explained yet by scientists. It is an equation yet unsolved. Still, scientists, philosophers,…

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student hands of hope

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It would be disingenuous to consider fresh approaches to teaching and leading in our schools if the system itself is designed to graduate young adults with only minimal skills, no continuity of learning, no sense of themselves, no understanding of the world around them, and no self-mandate to make things better. The reality of our current school model doesn’t always mesh with our lofty ambitions, though we have the expertise and wherewithal to do better. The hard work begins for each of us by admitting that our schools are not there yet and that they could be so much more if we tapped into our collective energy and expertise. Still, the progress we seek will never happen without some subtle and not-so-subtle changes to our…

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childhood memories

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It is clear that our schools play a central role in developing self-actualizing behaviors in children in keeping with our goal of preparing learners to thrive in adulthood. If we ever get it right, we will find just the right mix of curricula and lessons and collaboration designed to produce highly competent and confident young adults who are aware of their place in the world and their purpose in it. Still, no matter how well we do, these rich experiences will never happen in schools alone. Aspiring to such lofty heights for learning will require a wider reach for school systems and grander expectations around school-community partnerships.  One way to envision such a shift in the industry is to view our local communities not as…

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school-leadership; instructional leadership

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Let me reiterate what has been said countless times. Leadership matters. This is especially true in schools and school districts where so much is at stake and where nearly everyone has an opinion about how schools should be run. Let me also reiterate my continued support for the dedicated and kindred spirits who each day stare down the awesome challenges of leadership in today’s public schools. They are heroes all. Still, despite our best efforts, academic progress in our schools is slow and we must own that. Blaming our shortcomings on politicians or public policy is not bold and is not leadership. Blaming teachers is cowardly, blaming parents naïve. What did Gandhi tell us?  “We must be the change we wish to see in the…

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Educational Leadership, A tribute to principals

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Along a hillside, alone and unplugged Daniel J. Evans   So I heard that cars can drive themselves, And that a metal voice will ship groceries to my door. I sit along this hillside, and I wonder if man’s machines will one day Provide me the pinch of sun I see through the crooked clouds, Or the trill of the wind along an unspoiled path, Or the shortness of fall’s first breath upon my lungs. Among the rugged weeds I spot a patch of flowers, And I hear the unbroken song of leaping waves along the shore. I am alone and unplugged, and pleased to know that there is no such machine yet That can paint a vibrant rainbow across the blue-gray sky, Nor offer…

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Tribute to teachers, landscape

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There is a common refrain that is heard among most employees in most industries related to building strong resumes and the role they play in getting a promotion. That tune is often coupled with complaints from many of us that the great changes and innovations we seek would be possible “if only we were in charge.” While having a great resume is helpful, and while having a fancy title looks good on a business card, the world is full of great leaders who had neither of those. In fact, we have to wonder if a great resume and a fancy title are precursors to one’s success as a leader or the outcomes of it. No matter what you believe to be true, there is plenty…

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Let me reiterate what has been said countless times. Leadership matters. This is especially true in schools and school districts where so much is at stake and where nearly everyone has an opinion about how schools should be run. Let me also reiterate my continued support for the dedicated and kindred spirits who each day stare down the awesome challenges of leadership in today’s public schools. They are heroes all. Still, despite our best efforts, academic progress in our schools is slow and we must own that. Blaming our shortcomings on politicians or public policy is not bold and is not leadership. Blaming teachers is cowardly, blaming parents naïve. What did Gandhi tell us?  “We must be the change we wish to see in the…

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leadership, dream, innovate

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I hope one day to be counted among the doers. I wish the same for you. Not among the thinkers or the sayers or the maybe-one-dayers. Certainly not among the meeting-callers or the know-it-allers or the complainers or the blamers or the things-were-better-back-in-the-dayers. Though each of these quick-to-be-naysayers are not unwise in keeping the trend-setters, go-getters, and all-in-bettors from diving in so quickly as to end up all-wetters or in-over-their-headers. Still, whatever happened to the true-believers and the I’ll-follow-you-anywhere leaders? Why does it seem that we have so many in leadership positions who are don’t-rock-the-boaters or painful-to-watch-self-promoters, and so few honest-to-God-game-changers? Where in the world are the soulful-innovators? Where are the self-less initiators and the let’s-go-for-it-risk-takers? And why do they always seem to get shouted…

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Go ahead. Look deep into the eyes of young children, deep into the recesses of their souls. If you do, you will see goodness and only that. You will see purity and innocence and hope – the fragrance of spring. You will see this even in the eyes of troubled kids, the ones you may not want as your own. Look past their behaviors for a moment and you will see goodness in them as well. I know this because I’ve seen it time and time again – as a parent, teacher, and leader across many, many schools. I know this because I have spent my life encountering people, especially young people. Teachers will tell you if you ask them. For they know best. They…

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childhood memories

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Sometimes the next time never comes. I wish someone had taught me that. Instead, I had to figure it out the hard way. Like everyone who has ever lived, I have had many, many last times that I never saw coming. This has become increasingly apparent to me as my son grows older and I reminisce with long-time friends and colleagues about great times that have long since passed. That is why today is a good time to remind us that our opportunity as parents, teachers, and leaders to impact the lives of children is upon us now, in the present. Yes, I know. We convince ourselves that our best days are ahead and that we can (and will) solve this problem or that one…

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