A few years back, I wrote about the importance of developmental relationships as defined by Search Institute—“close connections through which young people discover who they are, cultivate the abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to engage and contribute to the world around them.” Search Institute identifies these five elements that strengthen developmental […]

A recent article, “The schools where even young children change classes,” posted by the Hechinger Report had me go back and revisit a blog I wrote over 15 years ago that explored the same topic. My blog, “Platooning,” explored an article from Harvard Education Letter that described: “Platooning (or departmentalization) as nothing new. It’s what […]

As I look back over last year’s writing, podcast conversations, and coaching work, I’m struck by how often I’ve returned to the theme of listening as a core disposition of effective coaching and leadership.  I find that growth, trust, and collaboration emerge not from the brilliance of what we say, but from the quality of […]

I recently provided a virtual workshop for coaches to explore the question of making suggestions to teachers as part of the coaching process. When I am asked the question, “Should I make a suggestion, my answer is, ”It depends.” Knowing when to step in and how to approach these coaching moments can significantly impact the […]

With effective facilitation, individual PLC members come together combining each one’s unique strengths to promote optimal team performance. Without effective facilitation PLC conversations often stray without a focus and disappoint PLC members concerning the payoffs for their invested time. Angela Buckingham and Elena Sammon share strategies for building PLC leaders facilitation skills and model coaching […]

The authors of “Intentional Influence: Harnessing Cultural Mapping to Build Commitment,” share their insights that enable leaders to reflect, explore step-by-step processes, and take concrete actions to impact culture and learning across their “spheres of influence.” By employing Cultural Mapping, leaders can create a personnel map of influence and thus support hidden flow of influence, […]