Our chat will focus on the idea that we can lead and make positive change from any position in our school systems. Leadership is not about a title, it is a way of thinking and acting.
Hey Everyone, Ryan from IL, business and tech teacher. first twitter chat in 2 weeks. Most unusual thing I put on a turkey sandwich was some run off pudding from a piece once. #leadlap
Well good morning #LeadLAP! Todd, elem principal in CA. Super pumped to have two of my favorite groups join forces for an EPIC chat! #PrincipalsinAction
Good morning, #LeadLAP crew! Jay, humbled to moderate with @PrincipalFrench and @sheehyrw this morning. I'm a principal in Merton, WI and I love adding cranberry sauce to my turkey sandwich.
My name is Mel and I am tweeting from chilly winnipeg, manitoba in Canada. I would hold the turkey and add some peanut butter for my sandwich. #LeadLAP
Good Morning #LeadLAP crew! Kristina from Alberta, Canada. I am not a turkey fan - so my sandwiches are pretty tame! I do like to put stuffing on it though!
Good morning #LeadLAP I’m Eli, currently tweeting from the tarmac in Austin. Hope to be able to join in for a bit before take off. I don’t think it’s that unusual but mustard
Good morning #leadlap! Robert, proud principal of Los Lunas High here, resting up before a state football quarterfinal and a state championship volleyball match. No turkey sandwich is complete without some good green chile!
Hello #LeadLAP! Tika, an aspiring future admin currently teaching 2nd grade and teacher mentor from Las Vegas. I like adding chips and Cranberry Sauce to my sandwich. #LeadLAP
I have missed the #LeadLAP crew!!! Alicia from NC - Lead Dig Learning & Media Innovation Facilitator at an epic STEM magnet middle school. Fresh off a 7-night Disney Cruise!
Good morning #LeadLAP Mike, Elementary Principal from Brookdville Florida. Always gotta throw some stuffing on the turkey sandwich 🤙 #PrincipalsinAction
Good morning #LeadLAP! Sam here--tweeting from PA where we recently had the first snow of the season! Some may find it unusual, but I prefer miracle whip to mayo on a turkey sandwich.
Good morning, #LeadLAP family! I will not be joining you all today, but look forward to reading the thread! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving on Thursday! I appreciate this #PLN so much!
Howdy #leadlap from Barbara in TX. Grateful to be with you all today; happy Thanks and Giving!
Not a big fan of turkey, but I love doing the Turkey Tango with my kiddos!
https://t.co/MB78jVqq33
Courtney from the Bay Area. Hoping for rain soon to help with the air quality and fires. Happy for Turkey day sometimes with sausage added in my sandwich. #LeadLAP
A1 YES! It's the only way to really get to know the students, support the students, see the staff in action, and know what's going on in your school. #LeadLAP#principalsinaction
Just got a new toy. I got a green screen for my office chair so my video's and newletters won't be as boring as in the past! Lots of fun for sure! @DoInkTweets is the way to go! #LeadLAP#tlap
A1. You bet! I started each day walking from classroom to classroom asking each educator, "Is there anything I can do for you today?" Positive way to begin the day and greet students. #LeadLAP
Day 1 done! Tomorrow I tackle the HALF!
5k stats for the Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon, 5k and Final Mile:
TARA KIDWELL crossed the Finish at 08:56
Course time: 00:48:14
Pace: 15:32 min/mi
Powered by Norfolk Airport
#runlap#LeadLAP#ididit
Good morning & Happy Saturday! Sherri from @ThirstyBeesNY on a beautiful snow-covered morning in the Catskills. My turkey sandwiches have turkey, mayo, & salt & pepper. Occasionally, tomato. Anything else is taboo! #leadlap
Good morning #LeadLAP crew! I’m Greg, an elementary principal from Northern California. Today, I’m Tweeting from Tahoe. On a turkey sandwich, I want avocado. Is that unusual? I don’t know. But it sure is tasty!
A1: Yes! In front of the school at arrival greeting kids, in hallways, cafeteria, playground, classrooms during the day, & high fiving (& reminding them to put on their coats) on the way out the door! I need to live this a little more right now! Thanks for the reminder! #LeadLAP
A1: Students need to see you, families need to see you & teachers want to see you too! Being visible helps build relationships & culture! Informal conversations can be so powerful! #LeadLAP
A1. Getting out of the office give you perspective on what is happening in your building. Plus that is where all the fun is happening and allows you to interact with kids. #leadlap
A1: When I was a tech director/administrator. It was very important to be out of my office. I needed to move around, interact with Ss and Ts and be a leader and not be the guy in an tower who pokes his head and goes: "Go away, I'm busy!" #LeadLAP
Visibility and building relationships w/Ts and S is the most important leadership tool I have to effectuate change in pedagogy and school culture! #leadlap
A1. Most definitely- leaders must get out of their office to truly know how to support teachers and kids! My goal is to spend only 1 hr from 7:40-2:50 (school day) in my office. Rest of time should be with kids! #LeadLAP
A1: No question about it. My admins often let others use their offices for crisis meetings etc while they are out amongst the students or visiting classrooms! #leadLAP
A1) Absolutely! It's important to be greeting out at arrival, in the cafeteria, on the playground, in classrooms, in hallways, at community events; you need to be visible and present. #LeadLAP
A1 If you're in your office, you're just waiting for the trouble to come to you. Get out of your office and find the awesomeness! #LeadLAP#principalsinaction
A1-It's disappointing that my admin don't get to see my Ss work more often. She was i my room this week because a parent wanted a tour--and she got to see them interact w/Merchant of Venice & I was so excited #LeadLAP
A1. As teacher, out of my office would be away from desk.... which is 100% of the time. Always with kids. Next Level is away from document camera. It’s super important, but harder to do. Maybe 75/25 away to stuck. #LeadLAP
A1) I’m a T so my office is my classroom. But I’ve noticed this a lot more lately the need to take a break and get outside when my Ss have break too. Usually helps me step out of stress on some days. #LeadLAP
A1) Absolutely. Visibility is key. Plus I always make it a point to let students, educators, and parents know that I care about what is happening in their rooms. The real #Magic happens in classrooms, not my office. #LeadLAP
A1: Does a doctor diagnose without talking to the patient first? Does an architect make drawings without visiting the site?
You can't develop a positive culture unless you literally walk your campus!
#LeadLAP
A1 Yes! It lets you connect with the people in the school, know what’s going on, and gives everyone the sense that they are supported. Who would want to sit in their office all day anyway?? #LeadLAP
A1: Yes, for sure. Aside from feeling the vibes and meeting the people, other great advice I received, "define what purpose your office holds" and write it down (I had it on a whiteboard) Try not use office unless for these purposes. #LeadLAP
A1 Administrators need to get out of their offices & lead the learning in their schools. Only 1 admin ever took the chalk from me & it was a superintendent who thanked me for the opportunity. Our Walk Through - Learning Walks and Observations page https://t.co/7whu1a4E8S#LeadLAP
A1 It's imperative to be out of your office. Instruction isn't happening in the office, observation of instruction isn't in the office, getting to know the curriculum in action isn't in the office, getting to know kids can't happen in the office! #LeadLAP#PrincipalsinAction
A1: Absolutely!! Actions speak louder than words, and being visible speaks volumes. First and foremost, being with kids outside of the office provides you with the opportunity to make connections and see the awesome things happening in your school. #LeadLAP
A1 We love how our admin. is always out of their offices. They are in the lunchroom, in the hall, in the classrooms, on the bus line, etc. They walk the talk. #rolemodels#LeadLap
A1. Whether it was being the person to welcome students in from out of the cold (they would arrive at school before 7:20), being the 'valet' person to walk them across a busy parking lot at drop off time or talking while they ate breakfast - just do it! #LeadLAP
A1 - From a teaching perspective, if admin doesn’t leave their office, it’s like being guided from the ivory tower... You need your finger on the pulse. As an educator, we also need to leave our rooms and engage with our entire community cross-divisionally/subject wise. #LeadLAP
A1: Absolutely! It's important to be visible, engaged, & connected with your students and staff. You can't model positive things if they never see you. #leadlap
Principals have no excuse not to be visible, present and available to our students today! A principal who’s not mobile -out and about is a absent principal! #LeadLAP
A1 Administrators need to get out of their offices & lead the learning in their schools. Only 1 admin ever took the chalk from me & it was a superintendent who thanked me for the opportunity. Our Walk Through - Learning Walks and Observations page https://t.co/7whu1a4E8S#LeadLAP
A lot of times I’ll ask my staff; which side do you lean on? Too much involvement or presence erodes trust, not enough communicates a lack of caring, where is the balance for you as a T? The line is different for each T #leadLAP
The year before I started at my school, the principal never left his office and the staff absolutely knew it. Since I have been there, the principal very rarely is IN her office...and the staff and students know THAT too! #leadlap
A1 YES! It's important to get into classrooms and see what teachers are teaching and what kids are learning. Great relationship building happens when you are on the move! #LeadLAP
A1: In my opinion being out of the office and visible to the students teachers and families is one of the most important things we need to focus on. Sure we have a ton of work to do but we MUST prioritize getting out!! #LeadLAP#PrincipalsInAction
A1) How can you know what is really happening or create a high level of transparency and honest discord that moves the culture forward if you never leave your office🤔🤔🤔#LeadLAP
So true! I strive to start my days with what I call my morning mile! I have a couple of loops that I walk to welcome students and chat with fellow staff! #LeadLAP
A1. As teacher, out of my office would be away from desk.... which is 100% of the time. Always with kids. Next Level is away from document camera. It’s super important, but harder to do. Maybe 75/25 away to stuck. #LeadLAP
A1: it’s important to get out of office for me to keep developing relationships. Really enjoy classroom visits. The 4K rooms have especially been fun getting to know the newest students who will be in be in building 7 years #LeadLAP
A2: Back in my administration days, it was my command center. If something went wrong, I could fix it from there. If I was learning something new, it was my lab. On stressful day, it was my Fortress of Solitude. #LeadLAP
A1: Office? What office? I had actually given my office up for this year, to our reading specialist, b/c my office WAS the hallway. Make yourself visible and spread your passion to everyone who wants/need your inspiration. Hide it under a bushel, NO! #leadlap
A2 The occasional meeting keeps me in my office, but I try to keep those to a minimum during school hours. Otherwise I have a no office policy like @principalboots! #LeadLAP
A2: Working with students who are struggling or working through issues with parents. There isn't much that keeps me there unless I feel it's more important than kids in the building. #LeadLAP
A2. The only thing that keeps me in the office are conversations with teachers or parents that can not happen in front of others. Those conversations are needed too to help move building forward. #LeadLAP
A2. Paper work and deadlines always lure into my office. I try to fight it and grab my computer and go sit in a class to get work done. No reason that our office can't be the blacktop, a classroom, or the lunch room. #leadlap
A2: Being able to meet collectively and collaborate with the team at our school sometimes keeps me there - but I feel it's for the benefit of kids. #LeadLAP
A2: Honestly... what keeps me in my office is me. I need to be intentional about focusing the majority of my time where it matters most. Paperwork and email can't dictate my time. #LeadLAP
A2) Honestly, the less prepared I am, the more I stick to my room like a comfort blanket. Fear and pressure to perform stops me from branching out of the classroom. #LeadLAP
A2: Meetings with parents and staff. Lots and lots of meetings. 😳😳😳 Fortunately, my kids aren’t afraid to come try to find me in the office if need be. #leadlap
A2: I don't feel like I am in my office a whole lot but when I am it is usually working with struggling students or meeting w/ parents & teachers to help kids or plan the next big thing happening at school. I definitely am not in classrooms as much as I want though! #LeadLAP
I know sometimes people say not to have email on your phone, but I feel this allows me to answer as I walk the halls. Tough to balance sometimes though! #LeadLAP
A2 Meetings and critical, confidential conversations as needed. And every once in a while, taking a bit of a break to breathe and reset. Then I'm back at it! #LeadLAP
Q2: My favorite thing that keeps me in office is lunch with students. It’s an incentive for our behavior system. Otherwise it’s phone calls and emails #LeadLAP
Wow!! This is incredible. I love the initiative you took to pull this off and we are honored (for you, i will even say "honoured" 😀) by your support of our authors and their messages. #tlap#LeadLAP
In reply to
@AnnickRauch, @burgess_shelley, @dbc_inc, @TaraMartinEDU, @AllysonApsey, @JCasaTodd, @katiemartinedu, @mraspinall, @aaron_hogan, @PaigeCouros
Ok #LeadLAP friends. I see MCO from our shuttle so I’ve got to head out & get my game face on. I’m such a country girl in the city right now. Can’t wait to check back in later to see what @posickj brings! 🤩☠️😍
A2. Paper work and deadlines always lure into my office. I try to fight it and grab my computer and go sit in a class to get work done. No reason that our office can't be the blacktop, a classroom, or the lunch room. #leadlap
A2 I don’t envy administrative teams and the workload they carry in terms of what appears to be bureaucratic paperwork, not to mention the volume of social-emotional needs that must be addressed from all partners of the education community. #LeadLAP
A2: Honestly... what keeps me in my office is me. I need to be intentional about focusing the majority of my time where it matters most. Paperwork and email can't dictate my time. #LeadLAP
A2: Teacher needs, parents needs, district office needs, and a whole host of other issues. If you stay in your office, your are guaranteed to be bombarded all day. These are important but often times can wait till later. #LeadLap
A2: Honestly... what keeps me in my office is me. I need to be intentional about focusing the majority of my time where it matters most. Paperwork and email can't dictate my time. #LeadLAP
A2 Discipline discussions and teacher meetings have a place in the admin office in order to keep and promote school vision, collaboration, and positive culture. #LeadLAP
A2: What keeps me in my office? Me. Honestly, I’m the only one to blame when I get stuck there. Sometimes I get too focused on a report or writing emails. So sometimes I ask our secretaries to come in and kick me out. #LeadLAP
A2: I have a large part of my office set up for students who need a break. I work with them on calming strategies and problem solving...so it’s students who pull me in to my office #LeadLAP
A2. Paper work and deadlines always lure into my office. I try to fight it and grab my computer and go sit in a class to get work done. No reason that our office can't be the blacktop, a classroom, or the lunch room. #leadlap
A2. Paper work and deadlines always lure into my office. I try to fight it and grab my computer and go sit in a class to get work done. No reason that our office can't be the blacktop, a classroom, or the lunch room. #leadlap
A2: Honestly... what keeps me in my office is me. I need to be intentional about focusing the majority of my time where it matters most. Paperwork and email can't dictate my time. #LeadLAP
A2. The only thing that keeps me in the office are conversations with teachers or parents that can not happen in front of others. Those conversations are needed too to help move building forward. #LeadLAP
A2: sounds cliche but my door is always open. I’m out and about so much that when Ts catch me in there they take the opportunity to come in to chat about concerns. Many times, this leads to a revolving door of great convos! #LeadLAP#PrincipalsInAction
A2. Withkids around... at doc cam when I feel nervous about letting them “go” with the learning. After kids leave.... in class for peace and quiet, but out to connect with PLC (as teachers and as humans) #LeadLAP
It can be a struggle, so we have to be really diligent in taking control of our time as opposed to letting it control us. Everyone else's emergency does not need to be your emergency. Put systems in place to help you. #LeadLAP
A2: Paperwork can sometimes call my name. Phone calls with parents or student meetings that require privacy keep me there too. These conversations are meaningful and an important part of my role. It is all about intentionally planning the timing of these. #LeadLAP
A3: by being intentional about it! By setting time to get up from my desk and take that walk, wade through that crowd of students, and know that whatever I have on my desk can wait 15 minutes! #LeadLAP
A3 Put it on your calendar and it's going to get done. Get support from the office staff so they remind you that your purpose is to serve the students and staff, not your emails or paperwork. #LeadLAP#principalsinaction
A Supt once shared with me that I could spend my entire day putting out fires or work toward the goals that had been collaboratively decided upon. #LeadLAP
A3: by being intentional about it! By setting time to get up from my desk and take that walk, wade through that crowd of students, and know that whatever I have on my desk can wait 15 minutes! #LeadLAP
To my #PLN - tap follow on @MrFoxAP - this guy is legit. Be a part of his journey as assistant principal in St. Paul, MN. Spread the word. #MNlead#LeadLAP#REALedu
I have turned my office space into a collaborative, innovative space for learning, creativity, renewal, reflection, fun - with authentic, relevant experiences for all stakeholders! If we are in there you bet your tail that’s happening! #LeadLAP
A3: By planning the time into the day. Putting the walkie down and going for some uninterrupted time. Supporting kids in the classroom instead of in my office. Planning parent meetings for non-school hours. Just being more mindful of how I am spending my time! #LeadLAP
A3 - Perhaps I have no right to answer, but as a classroom creature who often stays on her island, I remember the need to connect. It feeds my SE soul and reminds me that the world is bigger than I am and that it’s the people that matter most. #LeadLAP
A3. I try to intentionally put times on my calendar for students lunches, classroom walkthroughs, and PLC mtgs. I admit that I feel bad sometimes because I spend so much time in classrooms that I am not interacting with office staff. #LeadLAP
A3: Schedule it and stick to it, save for emergencies. And communicate that intention to your staff (Need to get better on the second half of this). #LeadLAP
A3: My is more of getting out of my classroom to show my students more of the world outside of the classroom. We flew our drone last month and I'm planning an #Entrepreneurship on entomology this spring. #LeadLAP
A3: When principal, I ❤️'d weekly 15 min stand up meetings with student services peeps. Typically 1-3 ppl on the hall corner, outside, overlooking gym, etc. Topic always “what is the most important thing we should talk about today?” and mostly led to removing barriers. #leadlap
A2 Emails, meetings, phone calls, restorative conversations with students, teacher questions, paperwork. But some of these things can be done on the go or before everyone arrives at school. #LeadLAP
I need to schedule it on my calendar and commit to it. I also need to adopt a “this can wait” attitude about some things. I like the get things checked off the list, but being IN classrooms is a priority! #leadlap
Thanks, Dave! There’s no doubt in my mind that all teachers in that school will find something for them in that beautiful cart full of inspiration and insight! #tlap#LeadLAP
In reply to
@burgessdave, @burgess_shelley, @dbc_inc, @TaraMartinEDU, @AllysonApsey, @JCasaTodd, @katiemartinedu, @mraspinall, @aaron_hogan, @PaigeCouros
A3. Grab a critical friend who stands at the door and thoughtful reminds you to drop what "appears" to be the most pressing issue of the day and go visit every classroom. #LeadLAP
A2: I also used to think I needed “all the things” that were in my office. I went mobile with a portable desk then went backpack. It’s made a huge difference! #leadlap
A3 My principal and I do what we call floor time and office time. We schedule time to be in the classrooms and that person is not to be disturbed. The person with office time is on call. It’s working great! #LeadLAP
A3: I schedule myself for duties- Lunch, pick up, etc. so I am intentional about getting out of my office. I work hard to get to every classroom daily even if for 2 or 3 minutes. I don't always get it but it's a work in progress. I need to break up with my office! #LeadLAP
A3: Another trick @burgess_shelley will teach you: If it’s not scheduled, it doesn’t happen. Block time out daily when you will be in classrooms. Keep it sacred. #leadlap
A3: Make a point to visit someone new or take a walk-about! Set a timer, put a placeholder in your calendar, do what you need to do to make visibility a priority. It’s a great way to keep a pulse on the culture of your students and staff! #leadlap
A3: Intentionality & better scheduling and time management. I usually try to save paperwork stuff for after school, and schedule daytime meetings and phone call only when needed. The rest relies on being flexible. #leadlap
A3. By starting each day with reflection and creating goals for the day. Using the those goals create a plan for the day. Knowing that things happen, but those can usually be addressed outside of the office. #leadlap
A2: Truly, it’s when I’m not intentional about getting out of there. I had a corner of a classroom as an office for 2 years due to construction. There were challenges to that but it was a great motivator for being away from my desk. #LeadLAP
A:3 I just have to remember the most enjoyable times that I have at school is in the classrooms observing great teaching and interacting with the students. #LeadLap
Yes, absolutely, without a doubt... our job is to be with your staff and kids supporting the work they do... nothing more gratifying than being in the game...
A3 I have learned from my mentors to be flexible, focus on the kids while the kids are there. They need to see you being present. My Ss ❤️seeing admin. everywhere they are 😊 #LeadLap
A3: You have to be intentional about it. I let my amazing front office know I’m out and about the campus (on my Mobile Desk) for X amount of time and they respect that time and only call for me when truly needed. #LeadLAP#PrincipalsInAction@RMaiorini
A3 I find coming in early and staying a bit later allows me to get some of the other jobs done so that when the bell goes I am ready to get out there. #LeadLAP
A3. Speaking from a sub perspective i have more respect for the admin who’ll go out of there way to stop by, introduce themselves, & ask how the day is going. 9 out 10 don’t do this #LeadLAP
A3-As a Sped Ts, I need my conference pd for IEPs & paperwork, as a content leader, I need to get into classrooms--I have to mark it on my calendar and PLAN to get out-#leadlap
A3. By starting each day with reflection and creating goals for the day. Using the those goals create a plan for the day. Knowing that things happen, but those can usually be addressed outside of the office. #leadlap
A3: I started a daily list of things I want to do. It’s starts with getting in to at least 5 classrooms and ends with writing one hand written thank you note - with lots in between. If I don’t do something, I make it a priority for the next day. #LeadLAP
Yes. I tell people often "you could show up to work every day with nothing on your to do list and just react to everyone else's emergencies or you can choose to spend the majority of your time on what matters most" #LeadLAP
A3 I just made a mobile office out of a rolling standing desk yesterday. I've been dealing with sciatica and did it because my back has been aching, but realized that now I can go anywhere with it! I've got room for my Surface, my coffee, my phone, even thank you notes! #LeadLAP
A2: A mentor of mine once called it, “managing by walking around.” That stuck with me. Simple, but helps me to remember to get out. Good things happen while walking around. #LeadLAP
A3) I need to be purposeful about getting out of my classroom. Reasons might be:
• connect with a certain S
• give my mind a break
• Listen and notice S interests and conversations
• connect and support another teacher
• get class ideas 💡
#LeadLAP
#leadlap my name is nicole pagoada from columbia Mo. I love putting the whole Thanksgiving feast on my Turkey sandwich. Mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing!
A3: To get out more, I believe we need to Intentionally plan time to get out and about until it becomes a habit. I strive to start each day with what I like to call my #morningmile! I walk several different loops welcoming students and chatting with fellow staff. #LeadLAP
Yes!! That’s the hope! Something for everyone in there! Plus, there are a few titles I haven’t yet read... so I’ll be dipping into this lending library myself, too! 💥 #tlap#leadlap
In reply to
@tamaraletter, @burgessdave, @burgess_shelley, @dbc_inc, @TaraMartinEDU, @AllysonApsey, @JCasaTodd, @katiemartinedu, @mraspinall, @aaron_hogan, @PaigeCouros
I was just telling a coworker about that last week... how important it is for us to reach out to others and chat about topics that matter. Our conversation blessed me as well, Mike! You bring me joy! #leadlap
A Supt once shared with me that I could spend my entire day putting out fires or work toward the goals that had been collaboratively decided upon. #LeadLAP
Yes. I tell people often "you could show up to work every day with nothing on your to do list and just react to everyone else's emergencies or you can choose to spend the majority of your time on what matters most" #LeadLAP
#leadlap its essential to be out of the office. I think 'being visible' is one of the best ways to support teachers, students, and families. You also know so much more about what's going on in the building.
Hope we can talk again sometime this winter, just to touch base on things that are going on in our professional lives. I wish you a blessed holiday season Tamara! #LeadLAP
#LeadLAP A3 My office has accidentally turned in to “our” office. At any time, there may be a PLC, IEP, counseling session, parent meeting, or a cool down space. I still have privacy when needed. Love it that way. My Surface is easy to carry and I am out and about.
A4: it was always welcomed at my previous schools. They loved see me visit, but on other days it was: "Fix our tech' type of days. I felt like Hourman at times. One minute you are saving the day, the next you want some quality time with the classroom. #LeadLAP
A4: Everyone is different - some stop the lesson & some just ignore me (which I like best)! But every single person is welcoming! Hopefully cause they are so used to it! #LeadLAP
I try to do this, even though I'm not an admin. I always tell subs, "Thanks for being here today." #LeadLAP FYI I subbed for 6 yrs before getting a full time position. I still know many teachers at all the schools.
Q2. Two of the biggest struggles in our building are unscheduled parent visits with important issues to discuss with admin. Also, kids in crisis, who cant wait for us to make available time. They need us now! #leadlap
A4: Most staff love having us in there, seeing what they are doing. At the end of last year they expressed that they wanted to see Admin in classrooms more which has been a goal of ours. We have definitely increased visibility but not to the level I would like! #LeadLAP
I scheduled several 1 hour blocks of time that teachers can sign up for. I then ask them if they want me to teach a certain lesson or something I want to do. If the lesson is tech based they sometimes will stay to learn from me. #leadlap
A4. At first it was uneasy for staff as I was disrupting the status quo-now they are open to it and it has become the norm. Must admit that changing this was difficult and still work to be done . #LeadLAP
A4 I think must of them appreciate it. Especially when you brag on them and the great stuff they are doing. Others also enjoy and appreciate feedback #LeadLAP
A4: Teachers are used to having me or our coach in rooms. Being in classrooms allows me to watch teachers/staff rocking their craft & connect w/kids. I like to send a email or drop a note in their mailbox to thank them for what I am seeing in their work with kids. #LeadLAP
A4 When I started as principal 12 years ago, it was not met with smiles and hugs. Now if I don't stop in during the day they wonder why. We must visit classrooms often and let the teachers know it's not a "gotcha". It's for support and celebration, most of the time. #LeadLAP
A4. When I first started at my school, teachers weren't sure why I was in there. Over time, I have seen things shift to a place where nothing changes when I walk in. It is nice to be able to walk in and get a real picture of what is happening. #leadlap
A4: We’re in rooms often enough that, most times, everything continues like we’re not there. The sweet spot, though, is the anchor of appreciation that we leave behind. That small gesture has more meaning than we know. #leadlap
Over my 26 years as a principal of six different schools, the size of the school makes a huge difference in what responsibilities pull at us during a day. #LeadLAP
Q3: Staff and students see me in classes all the time so they are comfortable with it (Although I did have a Kindergarten ask me “Why are you always in here?” :) #LeadLAP
A4: How your staff feels about you visiting classrooms is entirely dependent on the culture you have created around it. Are you "checking up" or "checking in"? Are your visits "gotchas" or "I've got you's" #LeadLAP
A4: As a technology integrator, I am always collaborating w/teachers in every lesson I lead. Because of this, I have strengthened trust with Ts so when I walk in their room to visit a class, it’s a welcomed experience. I always learn something new by observing others! #leadlap
A3: I make it a daily goal to start the day outside doing morning car duty. Then I do our school’s quick morning meeting on the playground. Beginning the school day out of the office gives me energy and time to connect with kids and staff. #LeadLAP
A4 I hope they feel that I care enough to come see the excellent work they are doing. I've been taking photos and making an effort to share their great teaching strategies with the rest of the staff via my online weekly newsletter. #LeadLAP
A4: When I’m in rooms, I always drop anchors of appreciation. My principal of the day helped me do this yesterday as we were in rooms. #leadlap#appreciationmatters
A4 And I am called "the ghost" or "ninja" because I can sneak in, hang out, and then leave, seemingly undetected. But sometimes I'm the fun uncle, too. #LeadLAP#principalsinaction
A4 Our staff knows our admin. is not afraid to jump in to teach a class, support a student, participate in a game, mentor a teacher, dance at a house party. We ❤️them being out their offices. #highexpectations#relationships#LeadLap
#LeadLAP A4 A few teachers say they will always be a little nervous. Some are quick to ask what I thought. Most just keep doing what they do best. Leaving a note is always appreciated.
A4: Some are nervous - these are ones who are nervous all the time (but I'm working on them😉). Most, though, really appreciate it - especially when I can give immediate feedback. #leadlap
Q4. The more you are 'present' and visit classrooms, the less fear people have of your visits. They begin to see you as an ally, and trust you to know what really happens in classrooms. 2 visits a year only allows for a superficial glimpse of a classroom culture. #leadlap
A4 - Truthfully it depends on your engagement. When you are open and interactive we feel a surge of energy that feeds us and our Ss... When you are the silent observer, well that does more harm than good... Perhaps the Tower is calling you to come home... #LeadLAP
I’m not always sure! I did get a “thank you” email from a teacher after I participated in a game with his class, and a science teacher invited me to see some projects her kids made! Things like that make me think staff value our presence! #leadlap
A1. I greet kids in the morning, work lunch duty, roam the hallways and say good bye to all at the end of the day. It’s about building relationships with the kids where they are. #Leadlap
I view my step count as an indication of how effective I am each day at being out and about in the building. Some of my favorite days are when I hit 15,000 steps. That means I was away from my desk doing what I am meant to do. #LeadLAP
At this point they continue their instruction which is exactly what I hope for... my job is to take in the well planned instruction, enjoy the beauty of learning by our kids leave a post it or two and if I’m lucky... add a bit to the lesson! #LeadLAP
A4. This is a cultural shift that happens as trust is built - perhaps the previous principal was visiting for a "gotcha" and educators are accustom to this. Shifting this perception can take time but extremely helpful. #LeadLAP
A4: I hope staff feel valued and supported. I hope they know I’m out of my office so I can see all the good. I tell teachers that I’m on a treasure hunt. I hope they realize that they’re the treasure. #LeadLAP
A3) Scheduling is one good idea but impromptu moments are great as well. I walked a class to @MusicalMrsWirth music class and they asked could I listen to one of the songs they are preparing for our #BetterTogether#WinterConcert being in my office would not allow this. #LeadLAP
"The Ninja!"
I love it!
Sometimes, on rough days, I go into primary classrooms JUST BECAUSE I get hugs and fist bumps when I walk in the door!
#leadLAP
A4 And I am called "the ghost" or "ninja" because I can sneak in, hang out, and then leave, seemingly undetected. But sometimes I'm the fun uncle, too. #LeadLAP#principalsinaction
A4) One of the fun moments of visiting other classes is building friendly competition. The 2nd grade class and my HS class now have a baseball rivalry. It’s fun to stop in and have all the Ss yelling baseball chants. 😂 #LeadLAP
A1: YES! Not only because it’s important to be visible but it grounds me when I’m in the classroom, halls, lunch room, etc. The students are my Why? Not my Office. #LeadLAP
A4 Visits are now the norm, and most teachers and students just keep on going. My goal is feedback by end of day, and that is beginning to lead to rich convos about learning. #LeadLAP
So true! My @fitbit allows me to reflect back on my steps per week too. The first week of school is still one of my highest step counts. Striving to get back to those numbers! #LeadLAP
My sense is that because we are left along to do our jobs so much, it is unusual when an admin just comes in without notice. Makes sense that we would wonder what they were doing there. #LeadLAP
A3: I never participate in these but have always enjoyed reading answers. We have developed staff led leadership teams so the admin virtually never meet to 'solve' a problem. We are not hired to be the smartest people in the building so we empower those in the classrooms.
A5: This is where positive notes are worth their weight in gold...something as simple as a post-it with an affirmation goes a very long way to establishing your purpose for classroom visits!
#leadLAP
A4: It’s important to know which staff members may have more anxiety with observations. Taking time to know each person and treat them individually matters. One size doesn’t always fit all when building rapport and relationships. #leadlap
A4: There is a lot of research around what successful principals do... one of the findings is that they make 20-60 spontaneous classroom visits per week! Check out this #LeadLAP blog post...
https://t.co/M1H12SUdJi
A5. Create a culture of “we are in it together” and you are there to see what kids are doing and support them. Always comes back to relationships and building trust. #LeadLAP
A5. Start the year explaining this to staff during a meeting to reduce their trepidation. They will only somewhat believe you as it takes time to build that necessary trust. #LeadLAP
A5 If you are always in classrooms, making it a habit, the staff will become more comfortable. But it is a process. It also is vital to have conversations with teachers and provide feedback so that they know you are there for support. #LeadLAP#principalsinaction
A5: Don't just barge in. It can be a problem when you are in the middle of something from lesson to classroom management. When you just walk in it can be very disruptive. #LeadLAP
A5: I am trying to make it the norm in our building. Ts visiting Ts, Admin in classrooms, etc. We are all Pineappleing this year and the conversations have been great! It is catching on! #LeadLAP
A5: I just think the more you are in the classrooms the more comfortable they will become. And being positive in your visits, not always telling them something you think they need to improve on. #LeadLap
A4: Great reflection @karenblankenbe3! As a classroom teacher, the frequency definitely impacted my reception of visits. It is all about building relationships with staff and letting them know you have their back! #LeadLAP
The reality is that there are some schools in our own communities where the principal could walk in to a classroom and the kids would ask, "Who's that?" I NEVER wanted to be that kind of principal. I get to be one of the faces and voices of our school. How awesome?! #LeadLAP
A5 Get right in there and co-teach! Thank them for the great work you see them doing. Point out the strengths in their lessons and give specific feedback on positives you observed while you were in their class. Share their strengths with the rest of the staff! #LeadLAP
Q5. Frequent, low-stakes observations are essential, but it's also important to build relationships with teachers outside of instruction time. Visit their lunches, get to know their families, and big life events, plan staff community building. #leadlap
A5 I believe it is going into classrooms more often. When admin or visiting teachers come , my Ss think it is a normal occurrence and so do I😊. It is the norm. #LeadLAP
A5: I let them know that when I’m in there I am looking for the great things going on. If there is something I see that is concerning then we will have a conversation about it and how our Leadership Team or I can support them. #LeadLAP
A4: The staff appreciates admin visits and conversations about what is happening in those classrooms! As a parent, I REALLY appreciate the admin having a presence in the classrooms and knowing my child #leadlap
A4: There is a lot of research around what successful principals do... one of the findings is that they make 20-60 spontaneous classroom visits per week! Check out this #LeadLAP blog post...
https://t.co/M1H12SUdJi
A5: It takes a bit of a culture change. Once they see that you’re there to provide support and feedback, and not trying to be a gotcha, they get used to it and even ask where you’ve been if you don’t get by. #leadlap
A5: Leave your clipboard in your office (or at least outside the door)
Make sure you are coming in with a smile (teachers read your face the moment you walk in!)
#leadLAP
We like it when you visit...the kiddos always want you to see what they are learning or creating...and they genuinely enjoy that their principal wants to visit and chat with them
In reply to
@BES_Admin, @robinbishop62, @amyjoy1973, @altman_liz, @cmassey1011, @kelly_priede, @MrsBSchuler, @momentum79, @MsKatieBeth, @MeganTupinamba, @CyndiWilson72
A5: It's all in your approach. Are you excited to learn WITH your teachers? Creating a strong culture of learning where we all learn from each other is key. You aren't the only expert on your campus. #LeadLAP
A5: This is where positive notes are worth their weight in gold...something as simple as a post-it with an affirmation goes a very long way to establishing your purpose for classroom visits!
#leadLAP
A5 - Engage, smile, interact. Don’t come as the ‘Sage On The Stage’. Make the purpose of your visit to connect with your community. Foster relationships with all, at all levels. Creates value, connection, respect and trust... To name a few! #LeadLAP
By appreciating them after their class that they are doing very good and it will improve their results .Sometimes I admire them in staff meetings mentioning some particular visit of their class #LeadLAP
A5: Visit often, and then meet to talk about the visits. Don't make them all "Formal" observations - so teachers don't feel like they are being evaluated all the time. Focus on the positive stuff. #leadlap
A2: This year I made a goal to call all my assigned students to the office for a quick get to know you Chat. Some of these students have never been in a principals office. Now they know who I am & one place they can find me! I remind them to say hi in the halls & lunch! #LeadLAP
A5 If you are always in classrooms, making it a habit, the staff will become more comfortable. But it is a process. It also is vital to have conversations with teachers and provide feedback so that they know you are there for support. #LeadLAP#principalsinaction
A5 With feedback, I always try to remember to "Celebrate what I want to see more." I'm starting to see more of those things that I'm celebrating! #LeadLap
A5: It's about building trust and relationships. We are a team and need to work together to help ALL OUR STUDENTS. When you are present all the time the students expect you there too. #leadlap
I just came back from @Starbucks bought the guy behind me his morning coffee because he was trying to help me with my app that froze and was holding the line up today! Love it that a stranger was trying to help! #KindnessMatters#LeadLAP
A5: We also need to ditch the judgment! Too often our feedback is "fix it" feedback. People want to learn and grow, but they do not want to be "fixed". #LeadLAP
A5: Say the 7 most powerful words that T’s love to hear, “What can I do to help you?”, ask S’s about their learning, make your visit about celebrating learning. 🎉 #LeadLAP
A5. By being consistent in our classroom visitations and jump into the learning as much as possible. Showing Ts that the classroom is a safe place and we are there to participate in the learning. Be intentional with your conversations around visits and share why we do it #leadlap
A5: For me it’s building relationships and having them trust in me. Knowing I’m helping not judging. Also I try not to send observation notes out if I can’t meet in person same day. #LeadLAP
A5: Visit classrooms so much that teachers just keep teaching when I come in! One of my favorite principals visited my room all the time, so it was easy to see that that teaching and learning were priorities for him! I want teachers and students to see that from me! #leadlap
A5: Just be there. Often. Don't make every visit evaluative. We build or break our culture by our actions. If my presence raises someone's anxiety, that's probably a me problem and not a them problem. #LeadLAP
Q5: Seems that if a school admin recommends teachers make sunshine calls to parents to build relationship (which are totally great!), it would make sense to make those same sunshine moments with teachers to build up that emotional bank account early too. #LeadLAP
This is part of my growth plan this year. I am good at the visits & connections, but I really need to work on the share the things I observed part! How do you do it? Right then or email after? #help#LeadLAP
I appreciate that you used the word ‘purpose’ bc ultimately that is exactly what one wonders as an admin enters their room, unless this is standard/regular practice, which by that time the purpose has already been defined... To be an active part of the school community. #LeadLAP
A5: As new Admin I shared that I would be in classes a lot: At first to build relationships and now I am meeting with teachers to ask what they want me to be looking for so I can support them with their professional growth #LeadLAP
#LeadLAP Q5 There was a teacher who was very stressed when I came in based on hard conversations we had to have at one point. I offered to have someone else do part of the visits to use a different set of eyes. She chose to keep things as we had them. Better feel now.
So True.. Our body language says it all. Stay positive and share with your teachers the positive things they are doing! Too often they don't hear the great things. #LeadLAP
A5: Leave your clipboard in your office (or at least outside the door)
Make sure you are coming in with a smile (teachers read your face the moment you walk in!)
#leadLAP
A3: Sometimes I just walk away because I need to be “where the people are”! I walk into classrooms, listen to students collaborate and watch teachers do their thing. The highlight of everyday! #LeadLAP
A2 #leadlap Most often it was the “chores” required for compliance to the status quo that kept me in my office. It’s tough form relationships or inspire innovation from there.
A5. We have morning huddles to discuss upcoming events. I take these opportunities to 'give shout-outs' and appreciate staff who welcomed me in their classroom. There is always a positive to highlight! #leadlap
A4: It’s the norm to visit classrooms so there is not usually a reaction. A5: Sending a positive note, having a quick informal convo about the learning, joining the lesson when the timing is right for that, or working with an individual kid make a visit feel less formal. #LeadLAP
A5: We also need to be intentional about expressing appreciation for what we see in classrooms. Drop those ANCHORS of appreciation as often as you can. #LeadLAP
How much more rich would it be if it were more about teachers observing each other and providing feedback? Tuning their colleagues to build a highly effective school. Talk about collective efficacy! #LeadLAP
A4: It’s a positive experience and I try to make sure I leave a note, send a quick email or give them a thumbs up on my way out the door. Smiles also go along way in validating their work! #LeadLAP
A6: One of my former students, she was in her mother's classroom and not only fixed an issue with a presentation, but showed how to interactive GIFs with it. Her classroom was in Awe. She said: "Mr. Read taught me that." #LeadLAP
We do have both of these things!! I do retweet staff things & show pictures of the classes on the tv - but should feedback be in person to the teacher? #LeadLAP
A6 I have a new friend I play football with at recess almost every day. More kids have joined us every week, which has helped him gain more friends. You can't get that from the office. #LeadLAP#principalsinaction
A6. When I first began at a new school unfortunately, it was common place for teachers to place disruptive students out into the hallway (cultural shift needed to take place) and walking hallways showed me the need for this change to take place. #LeadLAP
A6. Tell me a time where you made a connection with a student by sitting in your office? Everything happens outside the 4 walls of your office. Get out there and build relationships. #leadlap
Absolutely in that case. It should not be rare, and there should be a common set of goals that everyone is working towards so everyone knows the focus of the observations and conversations afterwards. #LeadLAP
Q6. I try to visit and 'catch' struggling students doing something positive. I do this early, before negative behavior has occurred. Then U have them "help me" with my errands for 10-15min. They are so proud to take part in the positivity and feel pride in themselves!#leadlap
A6: I recently got to share my love of math songs from @Flocabulary with students in @linairit's classroom! Super #energizing! It is so important for students to witness your love of learning in the classroom. #LeadLAP
A6: greeting the students at the bus doors as much as I can. Able to have many interactions in a short time. Also jumping rope at recess with 3 students. Every time you out of office it’s a chance to build on relationships #LeadLAP
A2 #leadlap Most often it was the “chores” required for compliance to the status quo that kept me in my office. It’s tough to form relationships or inspire innovation from there.
A6: On Thursday went into a 3rd grade classroom and worked w/ a student who has been struggling with behavior on his writing. Such a positive interaction and has gone a long way to rebuilding a positive relationship w/ him. Hopefully a way in to work on his behavior too! #LeadLAP
A6: I can't walk down the hall without greeting kids by name and asking how they're doing and listening to their answer. We've built a culture where staff and students greet each other in the halls- hugs, hellos, high fives. Our office referrals are lowest in years. #LeadLAP
A4: #LeadLAP. My hope is that they feel comfortable with me in their rooms. I start the year by visiting every classroom every single day for the first few weeks without formal evaluation - but to check in & let them know I’m there.
A6: Getting to talk with kids about books! This is a Gr 1 student looking through a book I chose for Gr 3-5 Battle of the Books, but it started a great convo! #LeadLAP
A5) We have a tendency to always want to provide a stretch goal every time we provide feedback. Sometimes a high five and a good job will suffice and make educators feel appreciated. #LeadLAP
A6 Being new at this school I am reading a book to every classroom wearing a special costume and becoming that character. Before I start each S tells me their name. #LeadLAP
A6 The past 2 weeks at drop off I've been asking one student how his new chickens are doing. This week I bought his first 10-pack of eggs. He's so proud and I've learned so much about chickens! #LeadLAP
A6) The connections I make with students outside of my office are the impetus for my #GoodNewsCallOfTheDay. It's great to tell parents what I observed, heard and experienced with their child. #LeadLAP
A6: I can’t even count the number of hugs I get per day! I didn’t know what to expect going into a primary building after 9 years teaching middle, but those hugs and relationships are THE BEST! #leadlap
A6: Got this from #LeadLAP book but it is important to try to elevate the impact of those times like during lunch and break when it is easy to just go through the motions. Elevate the impact of those times to build relationships and connect with students.
A5: Before anything else get to know your teachers! If you have a good relationship, a drop in will be good. If you have a great relationship they will be even better! #LeadLAP
A6: I was away one day last week and the next day a student hugged me at the front door and asked where I had been. Students know if they don’t see me at the door as they arrive, or in classrooms, then I am away #LeadLAP
A6: Don't be afraid to be silly. I know this is not for all, but some mornings I would have a megaphone in the hallway and say, "Good MORNING, Mrs. Rich, Emily, Marcus, " etc. The kids would laugh and smile. #LeadLAP
A6 pt 1- One of my strengths as a teacher is that I will often use my non-instructional time to connect with Ss from other classes. Recently I had lunch with a Grade 6 Ss. The laughter was so flamboyant that other staff were checking in & wanted to join us! #SoulFood#LeadLAP
A6 pt 2 - Or I’ll spend time working through challenges, goal setting and being a safe place. This is perhaps one of the greatests gifts given to us as educators. To truly listen, love and create positive change and opportunities #LeadLAP
A6: In one large classroom I visited, I noticed one student appeared to be struggling. I sat next to her and worked one-on-one with her during the lesson - which helped. Afterward, she would often seek me out just to "hang out" with me, talk about life, etc. #leadlap
A6: Getting a big hug from kids around the school in different rooms used to scare me (I used to teach HS) but now I know they are comfortable & I have made an impact! #LeadLAP
A2: #LeadLAP. Like everyone else, if I’m not careful, administrative duties can pull me to my office. But I always feel so much more productive and successful when I grab my desk of wheels and head out for the day.
Call to Action! Get out of your office the next 2 weeks and create a visual of all that you see. Share it on #LeadLAP and #principalsinaction on November 30th!
Yes! Thank you Mark for the inspiration to implement this! I must admit I have not done one every day but most days that I do, they are the highlight of mine and the kids' day! #LeadLAP
Awesome Dorothy! Silly fosters and feeds! It is a natural endorphin release and a necessity for all in our buildings! In the words of @mrmatera ‘Finding the Joy’ in each day/education! #LeadLAP
Going from teaching MS/HS, I have now spent 6 years as an elementary principal and getting hugs was something I had to adjust to quickly. I am used to it now and I realized quickly "This kid needs a hug, I am going to give them a hug." #LeadLAP
We had a panel on new curriculum that included 2 grade 12 students. I made sure I spoke to them before, making sure they weren’t too nervous and telling them how great they were going to be! And... they were awesome! #LeadLAP
A1: #LeadLAP. Of course! The teachers and kids are not in your office. What would your best teachers want? They want you to be in their classrooms and they deserve our attention. Totally stole that from @ToddWhitaker
A1 It's imperative to be out of your office. Instruction isn't happening in the office, observation of instruction isn't in the office, getting to know the curriculum in action isn't in the office, getting to know kids can't happen in the office! #LeadLAP#PrincipalsinAction
This is awesome! I capture it daily on Twitter! Then I can look back & remember the great parts of the day, instead of focusing on the "tough" parts! #LeadLAP
Call to Action! Get out of your office the next 2 weeks and create a visual of all that you see. Share it on #LeadLAP and #principalsinaction on November 30th!
#LeadLAP So many. Quiet child flying under the radar, child when something just seems unusual, the child without a friend to play with, the one who always needs seconds in the cafeteria. We are another set of eyes. Too, the birthdays, first tooth lost, happy faces.
Those that move to central office, GO BACK in those classrooms. Build a district culture of collaboration and trust. @burgess_shelley knows this is important! #LeadLAP
Call to Action! Get out of your office the next 2 weeks and create a visual of all that you see. Share it on #LeadLAP and #principalsinaction on November 30th!
Great POV. Like kids, it needs to be a sincere connection or we know/feel it. Sometimes we thing we ‘don’t have time’ and without this foundation, we don’t have much! #LeadLAP
A6: My students are always ready for selfies with the Principal. Every time we are out together the office is a time to build relationships with our amazing students!! #leadlap
What an amazing chat today! I have to jet out to a fundraiser but have loved learning with you! A big thank you to the #PrincipalsInAction crew for hosting! Have an amazing week! #LeadLAP
Plan: we’re starting “Look for the Good” in our school. Will be sure to have iPad whenever out throughout the day to capture moments. Gratitude Snaps! @TaraMartinEDU#LeadLAP
A3- As a superintendent I book 30 half day formal instructional visits. They are in my calendar and keeps me in schools. These visits don’t include my other impromptuvisits to schools. #LeadLAP
A6: Connections w/Ss. are especially important for the “invisible student”. I have a lunch buddy that I like to check in with. If they aren’t at lunch I’m following up to make sure they are well. If I don’t show up, they check on me to make sure I’m well. It matters. #LeadLAP
I “surf” teenagers, looking for opportunities to congratulate, to uplift, to engage. From eye contact and a head nod (with smile, of course), to a high five, fist bump, or a hug, you meet kids where they are and give them what the need. #LeadLap#BePositivity
I NEEDED this chat today! Thank you for the great questions and feedback! Always inspiring to hang out with the #LeadLAP crew. I WILL be out of my office more!
A6) This week two scholars in Mrs. @kimmiefergs and @Barbieb94 taught me how to multiply using play-doh. They said Mr. Griffin never give up. We used to think this was hard too!!! #LeadLAP
A6: Getting to take a team of staff members to an event this week to recognize a student for overcoming great obstacles was the best reminder of why the connections we make with our kids are at the heart of what we do. #LeadLAP
Just as teachers like to see the admin team, I like to see our central office staff too! I love when @gregluterbach gets to join our school for events or just pops in! #LeadLAP
In reply to
@ifireup, @burgess_shelley, @gregluterbach
A6: Yesterday I spent as much time as possible during class change and lunch asking Ss their holiday plans—I can’t wait to follow up with them after Thanksgiving! Great empathy and rapport begins with personalized “noticing” and knowing! #leadlap
Call to Action! Get out of your office the next 2 weeks and create a visual of all that you see. Share it on #LeadLAP and #principalsinaction on November 30th!
A6: Do them as often as possible, unofficially. Make it part of the culture- it fades into the background. Doesn’t become “dog and pony”. Send immediate communication via picture, @voxer , email, note. Share the goodness found with all staff. #leadlap
