Staying Connected by Being Connected

I noticed the last publication of Educational Leadership was all about teacher driven professional development.  I have not had time to really dig into the ideas yet, but it seems to make good sense.  In our classrooms we are offering students choice as means of engagement, so why would we not do the same for…

Slowing It Down

I remember when my children were small and life was busy.  They would be fascinated by the smallest things in life from a caterpillar crawling along the sidewalk to a pretty dandelion bobbing around in a sea of green grass.  My usual reaction would be to say, "Oh isn't that cool, but let's go now." …

Before I Walk Out the Door

I am sitting at my desk in a very quiet school on the last day in June.  I am not sure whether to laugh or cry.  The crying part is just becomes I am ridiculously tired I think.  I was just reading some PGP reflections my teachers posted on their blogs and thinking about the…

Keeping My Finger on the Pulse

At this time of year reflection is taking up a lot of my head space.  What has gone really well and what I still need to work on.  I am at the stage of my career now, that I have to work harder to keep up and to keep myself motivated.  It has nothing to…

Seek the Possibilities. Now!

I have done a lot of thinking lately about innovation in education.  What does that really mean?  How can I model that?  What does that really look like? I am inspired this morning by the book, “Future Driven,” by David Geurin.  I have just barely started reading the book and already the same questions are…

Finding My Focus

Sometimes school breaks come at the most needed times.  Walking away from the daily expectations and allowing ourselves to just take a moment to enjoy life without the adding stress of work is rejuvenating, to say the least.  Now, don't get me wrong...I love my job! There are so many reasons why I love what…

No More Excuses

  Our school staff has reason to be grateful when it comes to available technology in our school and to our access to bandwidth. Our school division does put both as a priority for student learning. Even though we have many devices and we have the bandwidth to provide us access, a lot of what we…

Taking the Step Back

I have been doing a lot of thinking this week about teaching practices and how we often underestimate the abilities of our students when we do not allow them to have a strong voice and a lot of choices when it comes to their learning.  I spent my Saturday yesterday with a group of students…

Spreading the News!

One of the things that I have always been frustrated with is my inability to express the passion I have for innovation in education.  I can remember the first time my eyes were opened to new educational ideas while taking my Master's Degree and taking a course by Alex Couros.  I felt way beyond my…

What is Innovation Anyway?

I have learned so many things since becoming a school administrator 8 years ago.  One of the most important lessons that I have learned is to respect the reality that teachers are all at different places in developing their craft.  They are certainly at a different comfort level with using technology and with reaching out…