In my backwards planning model, I build backwards from desired students’ outcomes to student learning production behaviors, to teacher behaviors, to collegial supports to leadership behaviors. In many ways, leaders model the desired behaviors and actions that are needed by teachers and students. School leaders are lead learners and lead teachers. Jal Mehta’s article Possible […]

The need to clear things off teachers’ plates is a pretty common refrain showing up in articles, blogs, and podcasts aimed at school leaders. Justin Baeder from the Principal Center writes that we need to have teachers focus on what he labels as “first-order work:” teaching students (including planning, grading—all the “traditional” stuff teachers have […]

The title of this study caught my attention when it showed up in an email feed: Effect of Teachers’ Happiness on Teachers’ Health. The Mediating Role of Happiness at Work. It was one of a list of articles under the topic Well-Being of School Teachers in Their Work Environment. A quick look illustrates why teacher […]

In the past weeks, I have had several school leaders and instructional coaches share with me that the phrase, “Not One More Thing” is a common response they are hearing from teachers as they explore areas for progressing or growing from current teaching and learning practices. Whether discussing coaching sessions, peer observations, teaching strategies, or […]

The director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals’ Association, Todd Nesloney, describes the importance of school leaders building the desired school culture. How instructional coaching and peer coaching impact a school’s culture are included. Find Todd’s books and resources here. Subscribe to the Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud podcast on iTunes […]

Throughout my many years studying teaching and learning and the coaching of teachers, I have frequently looked to the performing arts and athletic fields in search of insights. I recently reviewed a paper titled The Coach-Athlete Relationship and pulled some elements for my continued pondering. Intrinsic motivation and self-determined extrinsic motivation The phrase self-determined extrinsic motivation […]