Many educators know that some of the best, most relevant professional development can happen when teachers observe other teachers instructing their students. But in many schools, there’s rarely time set aside for peer observation. Erika Kersey, the principal of Greenville Elementary School in Virginia and two teachers share how they created structured, low-stakes opportunities for […]

The WOOP process (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan) looks to engage learners in goal setting by stretching their aspirations while acknowledging the messy realities of progress. In her book, “Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation,”Gabrielle Oettingen challenged the belief that merely imagining positive futures helps us succeed. She developed WOOP as an evidence-based […]

Educational leaders working with instructional coaching, mentoring, professional learning communities, and professional growth plans are increasingly needing to address the topic of a trusting culture that promotes the vulnerability necessary for educator growth. Trust is needed for educator risk-taking. My suggested starting point for leaders building this culture of trust is to, “Say what you […]