The public's unforgiving criticism of the recent snowstorm that hit the northeast offers an exaggerated insight into the ongoing commentary about the work of educators and the politicians who they have voted into office. It is good to have open discussions.  But Monday morning quarterbacking is best only done by those who have made the decisions. For them it is called reflection. Including in that reflection those affected by the decisions is wisdom.  …

The principalship is complicated. Along with the increasing responsibilities and demand for a growing knowledge base, principals have welcomed a variety of different types of learners, an increased number of English language learners, and a growing number of children living in poverty. They have had to learn how to coach and mentor teachers who have to learn about different abilities, second language acquisition, cultural differences for those entering our country, the impact of…

Though we are New Yorkers, we try to write with relevancy for all who lead education. But, sometimes, the best examples do come from our state....well, maybe not best, perhaps a better word is striking. New York's Governor Andrew M. Cuomo was recently re-elected to a second term. He has enthusiastically claimed the  "we must improve schools" podium, stepping into his school improvement agenda including pre-k programs and teacher evaluation.…

Can we deny that there are those who have bestowed tenure on those who didn't deserve it? Can we deny that there are those who could do a better job of developing their teachers and principals?  These debates bring with them confusion, resentment, and resistance. We have also seen top notch professionals commit daily to getting better and to caring even more. Most of us want a surgeon, if we need one, to have performed an operation multiple times before we come under the laser or the…

Whether a school has a majority of its students living in poverty, or only a small percentage of students living in poverty, keeping poverty on our minds is important.  Reading about, talking about, and doing something about those students living in poverty may cause us to do something different from what is happening for those students now   Read more....

Leaders, do not mistake an introvert as one without capacity to lead. Whether a superintendent looking at a pool of candidates for other leadership positions in the district, or principals looking for teacher leaders, or teachers considering teacher leadership, all need to pay attention. Create time and spaces for introverts to contribute and increase the number of opportunities for leadership and quiet leaders to emerge.  …

Exhausted from the changes that have taken place in these last years, no one can accuse schools of not trying.  Before there is little energy left, we offer a solution that is both simple and enormous.  Stop.  Stop adding programs, changing programs, and exchanging programs. Stop responding to external pressures as they arise. Start thinking about the system as a whole. What is the central purpose? It must always begin with the children. If we begin and end with the…

The documentary "Life Itself" about the life of Roger Ebert is a multi-dimensional study of a very interesting man and his work.  He was the first film critic to receive a Pulitzer Prize (1975) for film criticism. His writing was recognized as being insightful and revelatory. As a critic, he was viewed as a true expert of the cinema. One slice of the documentary that is of particular importance to educators is when Martin Scorsese spoke about receiving reviews from Roger Ebert.…

Any current evaluation tool based upon established teaching and leading standards, no matter how they came to be, can serve as architecture. They are the "what" of the process.  Think of them as the steel beams of the process...and that is all.  What happens as the floors, ceilings, windows, HVAC systems, walls, and furnishings are put in place remains a locally controlled issue. They are the "how" of the process.  The "how" is most certainly a personal, and locally…

Developing and nurturing positive relationships with parents and community members is a key to a healthy school/community relationship. Parents who feel connected to the school and its leaders and teachers are active participants in the education of their children. They are also ambassadors to other parents in the community. Their positive and respectful attitude toward the school and education, we hope, passes to their children.  …

At this time of year, predictions accompany resolutions and often, by the time the trees bud and the crocus pop through the frozen earth, both the predictions and the resolutions are forgotten.  Now, there are predictions being made about the Common Core, eRate, high stakes standardized tests, teacher tenure and more. Resolutions are being made about behaviors that support good mental and physical health. But, we'd like to begin the New Year with a resolution that is more fundamental;…