School counselor and author of Middle School Matters, Phyllis Fagell, shares important understandings and suggested mindsets for teachers to be exploring as they approach the remainder of this school year, summer programs and next fall. Her specific examples from her day to day interactions with students provide great insights. You can contact Phyllis at https://phyllisfagell.com/ […]

In this week’s episode of the Steve Barkley Ponders Out Loud podcast, Steve is joined by principal Judi Hayes, and teacher leaders Val Seamons, Stefani Khan, & Colleen Wilson from Lake Canyon Elementary School to discuss how houses within a school can strengthen the community and bring a sense of belonging to students. Learn more […]

I was recently asked to explore innovation with the staff of a new high school as they prepared to start the first year in a new building with lots of flexible space, increased flexibility of schedule for staff and students, increased technology options, and encouragement from administration to take risks and feel free to fail. […]

I had the opportunity while presenting at the Texas ASCD Conference in Austin to attend a session presented by Tom Guskey-Toward More Effective Grading Policies and Practices. (See link for his book.) I’ve always enjoyed listening to and reading Tom’s work as it engages my thinking. I was particularly interested in this topic as I […]

Recently I was providing leadership skills training for teachers who facilitate professional learning communities at their school. We examined how Questions for Life could be used to create questions that increase the productivity of PLC planning sessions. As a sample we practiced using the following questions to explore planning the opening week of school: What […]