#MASSPchat Archive
Chats will be moderated by MASSP staff, members of the MASSP Board of Directors and MASSP Members – we will also have special guest moderators on occasion.
Monday October 24, 2016
Hello. Donna Boughner ready to get wowed!
Michael Alley, Principal St Clair Middle School currently being wowed at a Board Meeting
Rockford is in the house. Let's roll!
Hello All ... Tracy Wilson, Grand Haven HS ... let's ge this party started!!
Sorry Jen, we are all done, started at 7:00
Good evening everyone! Looking forward to tonight's chat. Great topic, who else is with , ? & me?
Hello from beautiful Beaverton!
Sounds like you are trying to pull a "Marciniak" on me.
Hi all! Sheila Pilmore, Breckenridge MS/HS.
Well I can go on the web site and throw the questions up let me find them. Ben is probably putting the kids to bed!
Scott Pfeiffer, MS/HS Principal at Countryside Academy, ready for one of the best hours in my week!
Way to take charge Donna ! https://t.co/WjGJWxXLk3
Well I can go on the web site and throw the questions up let me find them. Ben is probably putting the kids to bed!
Q1 How do you find time for instructional leadership?
looks like this group doesn't even need questions to get going.
I'm sure Ben is scripting the questions right now . https://t.co/ouCQHzSkUZ
Well I can go on the web site and throw the questions up let me find them. Ben is probably putting the kids to bed!
Let's get started! Q1: How do you find time for instructional leadership?
Let's remember that we use the Q1 / A1 format (Question / Answer) and be sure to include this hashtag so everyone can see.
Schedule it and be intentional about it. It's the most important thing we do as building leaders
A1: I set this time in my calendar, let me office team that I'm busy doing THE most intentional thing I do!
Biggest change for me is using my Google calendar to greater effect this year. https://t.co/vHdqnZl0hI
A1: I set this time in my calendar, let me office team that I'm busy doing THE most intentional thing I do!
A1 Part of leadership is being visible, have to get into classrooms even when time is tight.
Making time to do what? What does instructional leadership mean to you?
A1: On a practical level, I limit my use of email during the day.
I agree that it's easy to get "lost" in the day. Being purposeful and setting aside time is essential
Great! when do you hit the email?
Observations, meaningful conversations w/ Ss & Ts, sharing of resources, modeling best practices https://t.co/kQTFi963iP
Making time to do what? What does instructional leadership mean to you?
Jason Messenger, Lakeshore Middle School Principal joining a little late - Busy Monday!
A1: As once said "if you work out of your inbox, you only focus on other people's priorities."
I'm wowed! You all are amazing. Next question coming up!
This I can better at, but eliminating Gmail notifications on my phone has led to some improvements https://t.co/sw5Hk3VP6U
A1: On a practical level, I limit my use of email during the day.
LOVE this feedback. That is an entire in itself! For me, being visible, having conversation, support sta… https://t.co/GZdyJadWyv
Making time to do what? What does instructional leadership mean to you?
Mind blown! Wow is that wise!
A1- I have to schedule in to my daily calendar. I have become very purposefully in planning out my day.
Q2: What is the single most powerful strategy you use that helps teachers grow in their teaching practice?
I check early, then work through my inbox around lunch and in the late afternoon. Check once in the evening.
A1). A big part of Instructional leadership to me means being open to new ideas, sharing ideas through networking with our peers
A2: Having teachers, myself, or others model innovative practices they do in the classroom at staff meetings / PD - then feedback
Thanks for the pick up.. coming soon with Q2
A2: The best strategy I know to help teachers grow is to ask about their practice and deeply listen to what they say.
I have started the same practice. Email can consume your day if you let it. https://t.co/bsSS2RT48W
I check early, then work through my inbox around lunch and in the late afternoon. Check once in the evening.
This is critical modeling for staff and students.
I agree it starts with relationships with me. https://t.co/Vo0qedfCHs
A1). A big part of Instructional leadership to me means being open to new ideas, sharing ideas through networking with our peers
A2: SHOW UP ... be present!
https://t.co/bMuJrAZvYa
Q2: What is the single most powerful strategy you use that helps teachers grow in their teaching practice?
A2: I like showing teachers ways of engaging students within their lesson.
Q2 listening and letting them tell you what they need then getting it for them. https://t.co/j40Tnp7wL1
Q2: What is the single most powerful strategy you use that helps teachers grow in their teaching practice?
Thanks for getting things rolling..!
we do this now. I love it! https://t.co/1Hfh4ZtpqR
A2: Having teachers, myself, or others model innovative practices they do in the classroom at staff meetings / PD - then feedback
BAM! This is tough and you have to keep time management a focus if you are going to do this well! https://t.co/IRugHiZ3j5
A2: not one strategy I guess, but a rich inquiry cycle around classroom observations has been a culture-changer for… https://t.co/MsZ0ar4RZP
Q2: What is the single most powerful strategy you use that helps teachers grow in their teaching practice?
"Then getting it for them." Follow through is critical.
A2) Making sure that my staff knows that I value their opinion and encourage trying new innovated ideas. They are the "experts"
BAM. I have to watch that myself!
This can be really powerful… awesome leadership strategy! https://t.co/vAqrjKJp9X
A2: I like showing teachers ways of engaging students within their lesson.
A2: Giving quick feedback after an observation while it is fresh for both. I need to be better at this.
A2: Be willing to listen, encourage new ideas, allow trial by fire & failure ... only way to grow. https://t.co/bMuJrAZvYa
Q2: What is the single most powerful strategy you use that helps teachers grow in their teaching practice?
I'm in Year 3 of 5D and I just finally feel like I'm getting decent at this. It takes time! https://t.co/UJiAHTYOQg
A2: Giving quick feedback after an observation while it is fresh for both. I need to be better at this.
A2- Encourage teachers to try new things. Be brave. Everyone is here to learn.
Q3 coming shortly and deals with delegation, something we must be able to effectively do as leaders.
Q3: How do you effectively delegate to people on your team?
I didn't get how to do it quickly till the end of yr 3! I was looking for too much. https://t.co/ZleJPPYqpv
I'm in Year 3 of 5D and I just finally feel like I'm getting decent at this. It takes time! https://t.co/UJiAHTYOQg
A2: Giving quick feedback after an observation while it is fresh for both. I need to be better at this.
Find their strengths and their passion then get the heck out of their way! https://t.co/qGudqqjVgy
Q3: How do you effectively delegate to people on your team?
A2: timely observation feedback
A3: Keep the tasks that are your non-negotiables and hand off things you are willing to bend on.
A3- Delegation is an area I continue to grow in. Working on building teacher leaders on our SI Team and other committee.
A3: Sometimes we delegate to an able warm body… we must ensure the person’s skill set is properly matched to the task and
A3: I don't know if I do it effectively - starting to do weekly "heat check" mtgs w team to find out what needs to be
That is a great way for input and then you can determine what can be delegated! https://t.co/BSQjrErXzJ
A3: I don't know if I do it effectively - starting to do weekly "heat check" mtgs w team to find out what needs to be
A3: Give them support before, during, and after. Make them feel comfortable with the tough things so they are willing for more.
It was a reference to having self discipline.
A3 I have become selective and ask the teachers who will do the best job.
A3:Many principals struggle with delegation because they have a “can do” attitude and are the people left doing what others won’t
A3: Give people opportunities to grow - delegate, but don't abdicate. Your role is to support, encourage, and check in
BAM! Find the best person for the job at hand! https://t.co/uIEIKBogvt
A3 I have become selective and ask the teachers who will do the best job.
True, but, that approach makes it awfully tough to help people grow. Leaders build leaders.
Very well said… we still own the work that is delegated, but we must learn how to engage our teams. https://t.co/TfdtV0GBMR
A3: Give people opportunities to grow - delegate, but don't abdicate. Your role is to support, encourage, and check in
Appreciate the compliment - "delegate, don't abdicate," is from one of the all time greats, .
Build relational capacity to know the strengths of those you lead. You must trust&empower them. Delegate & don't micromanage.
Q4: What types of supports would help you be more efficient or effective at leading for instructional improvement?
A4 Someone to do the paperwork that seems to grow each year. Hoping for some relief with the new St. Sup!
Q4: Another lens I would like to get on this is what could Superintendents or CO do to support you in this role even further?
A4: Professional development to increase instructional vocabulary - give the skills to talk, specifically about instruction.
BAM! This is so huge… a “rethinking” of the job. If we are going to be effective, we must prioritize https://t.co/uykZEccMoK
A4: Truly feel that school boards & central offices need to re-evaluate what they want principals doing w/ their ti… https://t.co/4FF9B8E4cQ
A4: Time to actually focus on this by finding ways to take other items off the plates of principals. https://t.co/bNHG8t0OmB
Q4: What types of supports would help you be more efficient or effective at leading for instructional improvement?
Interesting, say more here - what do you want to get rid of?
Q4. We need uninterrupted "time" to be effective instructional leaders. My CO helps with varying start times for mtgs.
A4-More opportunities to see HQ instruction in action for me and my Ts.Both in/out of my building Instructional rounds possibly.
Great! I know helps support your work in the buildings from CO, that is so critical. https://t.co/7ZvLUALupy
Q4. We need uninterrupted "time" to be effective instructional leaders. My CO helps with varying start times for mtgs.
A conversation all Sups should be prepared for as they establish their vision for a district. https://t.co/3K6lLjfKch
Just had this conversation with my superintendent last week. What do we believe is the role of principals today?… https://t.co/mTp5HJR3Mj
Not many tasks can be gotten rid of. Management tasks require primacy. Need more help--but that requires $$
Content specialists from your district are a big help. I learned a lot about helping teachers grow from .
Q4. CO is supportive of our professional learning = enhances our craft. Prof. learning is sustainable whereas PD can be one&done.
Q5 is on its way and really summarizes this topic to close us out…
Q5: Explain how you are intentional with your time during the day.
A5 goes back to A1- I schedule everything in my daily calendar now. Keeps my on track and somewhat focused.
Q5. Schedule mtgs outside of the school day. Schedule building walks &classroom visits to ensure you get out of your office.
A5: I put tasks into my calendar rather than on a to-do list. Small shift, big results. https://t.co/MG8oSMyO2v
Q5: Explain how you are intentional with your time during the day.
Q5: Use google cal for appointments and inform staff/Parents of priority during school hours is to be with teachers and students
Same for me… Calendar drives my work and priorities. https://t.co/xX1CLTN7b4
A5: I put tasks into my calendar rather than on a to-do list. Small shift, big results. https://t.co/MG8oSMyO2v
Q5: Explain how you are intentional with your time during the day.
A5: i've asked my secretary to monitor meeting times and not be afraid to interrupt & keep me on task
BAM! Compartmentalize and work on being present with the people you are with! https://t.co/lP8YRILdYP
A5: Some days are better than other and we need to give ourselves permission to 'catch up' so we can separate work/… https://t.co/JX8ld2LEMd
Awesome… have your secretaries hold you accountable is a great idea! https://t.co/g2F25pPYMK
A5: i've asked my secretary to monitor meeting times and not be afraid to interrupt & keep me on task
Q5. When you get to your car at the end of day- ask yourself what was the % of your day that you spent w/ students, staff?
BAM! A great guiding question for our work! https://t.co/ONxBkVjCFU
Q5. When you get to your car at the end of day- ask yourself what was the % of your day that you spent w/ students, staff?
A5- Also spend time this summer learning about the "Secret Weapon" using Evernote as a task manager. Thanks
Thank you all so much for joining in this lively discussion tonight… I hope you picked a few things up and collaborated!
Thank you and for getting us going!
Thanks for another great chat!
Please update your PLN and thank you for participating tonight! You are a great group and I always love learning from you.
Thanks Great chat tonight!
Like always ... GREAT collaboration! Appreciate the ideas by everyone. There is always so much to take away from this quick hour!
ROCKED the house! I just RANG the phone!
A5: schedule mtgs for before/after hrs so I can spend the school day in classrooms/hallways with students/educators
