Practitioners and researchers offer that practicing mindfulness leads to an increased ability to focus and concentrate, greater self-awareness, reduced stress, increased empathy, and improved impulse control. My personal experience with mindfulness over the past eight years affirms these claims. I have come to recognize that my mindfulness practice has helped me to more fully engage in conversations and truly listen to others, better understand the emotional state and needs of those I am…

The educator's dilemma arises within the domain of what's good enough. An "acceptable" number of students graduate, and an "acceptable" number of students go on to college or join the work force.  Where did that "acceptable" number come from and whose hand moves it when we glance away? We lead schools, institutions that exist at the core of our society; they are expected to both keep pace with change and hold true to tradition. We choose often between two right options, trying to find…

The media has exposes us to less than polite exchanges when people are disagreeing. In fact, the term "politically correct" has become a bad word for those who feel sided lined as our culture has moved away from name calling. This year's presidential race is causing us to confront the issues again as it raises the ugly head of name calling again.  Will those using the freedom of speech on a political stage influence our efforts to model and teach how to say what you think and feel…

Has all the supervision and rating made a difference in teacher performance and student achievement?  Now the suggested standards for those supervising the principals will guide the task of central office leaders.  Will that improve the principals' evaluation process or improve their performance?  Will it lead to another accountability level, which is very important, certainly, or will it lead to a coaching system rooted in personal and professional growth and…

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's recent comments about the mismatch theory have caused justifiable uproar. Many who never previously heard of mismatch theory applied to education are now in debate about its authenticity and relevancy. The theory of mismatch, although complex, and Justice Scalia's…

Excitement about the reauthorization of ESEA and the demise of No Child Left Behind is accompanied by a collective sigh of relief. Another sigh of relief came from New Yorkers this week as well. They received news of the recommendations from group of education officials, teachers, parents, and state representatives who are serving as Governor Cuomo's task force for changes to the Common Core Standards and the…

As the New Year approaches, and the first four months of this school year come to a close, a wondering arises. Has all the time committed to observation and evaluation resulted in noticeable or measurable change that has benefitted children?  If it is too soon to have that answer, what about this one....in what way(s) have the evaluations impacted the teaching faculty? Now is a good time to stop, reflect, and adjust. …

There is much more to feedback than the giving of it. When feedback stems from the outside, our willingness and ability to use it depends on our readiness for the feedback, our relationship to the feedback giver, and the conditions in which the feedback is provided. Feedback that is descriptive, anchored, timely, meaningful and respectful can increase the likelihood that the receiver can and will use it to improve upon the work.…

We question how it is possible to truly prepare students for lives beyond our walls when no one knows how rapidly the world will proceed to change. Yet, we can be pretty sure in our hearts of hearts that retaining what happens within our walls the same as the last century isn't enough...and it isn't right.  We contend that systemic change is required. Agreement on the purpose of public education and a shared vision for schools must come first. …