Good evening everyone and welcome to #MEMSPAchat. Everybody grab a snack, introduce yourselves, tell us where you are from, and give us a chance to get to know everyone.
Good evening everyone and welcome to #MEMSPAchat Everybody grab a snack, introduce yourselves, tell us where you are from, and give us a chance to get to know everyone.
Oh YES! An amazing author in our midst. Allyson, doesn't it seem like May 3rd was just a "blink" ago? Thrilled to learn with you during this chat. #MEMSPAchat
A1: visionary leaders walk and talk the same message in different ways like a broken record. It’s your checks and balance system too - process all decisions through your vision lens. #MEMSPAchat
A1: Being honest and encouraging is the key! I meet with those leading our leadership teams to share my building-wide observations about the implementation of our building blocks toward shared goals and together we craft the "next best step" for our school. #MEMSPAchat
I try to model the same expectations I would like to see in staff. If I can't do them how can I expect them to. We also try to incorporate strategies that you can use w/ Ss into our staff pd whenever possible! #makeitreal#memspachat
A1: visionary leaders walk and talk the same message in different ways like a broken record. It’s your checks and balance system too - process all decisions through your vision lens. #MEMSPAchat
A1: Shared leadership is so important, esp w/ vision. I made the mistake over & over early in my principal career of not having teachers at the decision-making table. Shared vision is the best vision, and then we convey the message together. #MEMSPAchat#Path2Serendipity
I try to model the same expectations I would like to see in staff. If I can't do them how can I expect them to. We also try to incorporate strategies that you can use w/ Ss into our staff pd whenever possible! #makeitreal#memspachat
A1. Many times I realized a vision from reading a professional learning book and discussing it with a team of lead learners. The vision shifted slightly from school to school depending on the greatest needs of the students. #MEMSPAchat
A1: To truly get your vision into your school and further into classrooms you have model it, share it (a lot) and be transparent about your shared vision for Staff and Ss! #MEMSPAchat
A1: My Vision is that everyone in the school is a joyful learner who continually seeks to improve. I want each classroom to be unique in its methods, but have the same high outcomes! #MEMSPAchat
Oh my gosh Meredith, it so does!! And...there is a BIG announcement coming about the next step for The #Path2Serendipity. Many of my close #MEMSPAchat friends know what is coming...and it is another dream come true!! Stay tuned, more details in the next couple weeks.
Oh YES! An amazing author in our midst. Allyson, doesn't it seem like May 3rd was just a "blink" ago? Thrilled to learn with you during this chat. #MEMSPAchat
I certainly can identify with your thoughts. I did the same as decades ago the principal was viewed more as a dictator who was to hold the answers. Sure glad we have shifted away from that! #MEMSPAchat
A1: Shared leadership is so important, esp w/ vision. I made the mistake over & over early in my principal career of not having teachers at the decision-making table. Shared vision is the best vision, and then we convey the message together. #MEMSPAchat#Path2Serendipity
A1: As an AP, my job is to support the vision of the principal. However, I still feel I show my vision by acting with honesty & integrity, offering meaningful feedback, & modeling the relationships I’d like to see among staff & students. #MEMSPAchat
A1: Looking at the changing needs of our staff and kids and making sure they have the necessary supports. “This is what we’ve always done” does work anymore. #MEMSPAchat
A1: My vision is more books, more students, more reading. Spent a big part of our budget on leveled text with great variety of genres. Working with Ts to bring accessible and interesting text to the hands of their Ss. #reading#readers#memspachat
A1: Looking at the changing needs of our staff and kids and making sure they have the necessary supports. “This is what we’ve always done” does work anymore. #MEMSPAchat
A2.
By listening!
How about scheduling two to five minute conversations with ALL staff members and ask them, "if you were the principal, what would you change?" #MEMSPAchat
A2: My expectations are modeled for my Ts. If I ask them to utilize data to drive their instruction, then I model what this looks like. If I’m looking to deal with behaviors, I model in front of them what I expect them to do. #MEMSPAchat
A2; Great leaders have an “I am third” mentality. Students first, staff second and administration third. This mentality allows a leader to to look at situations from the eyes of others and address those needs b4 their own. #TeamTeammateSelf#MEMSPAchat
A1: Hopefully with age comes wisdom, so I have had to come to realize my vision has to blend with the collective vision. Ego has to take a backseat. #MEMSPAchat
A2.
By listening!
How about scheduling two to five minute conversations with ALL staff members and ask them, "if you were the principal, what would you change?" #MEMSPAchat
A1: I have quiet conversations with different staff members to get their insights on decisions that I make. I will ask them what outcomes they want to see. #MEMSPAchat
A2; Great leaders have an “I am third” mentality. Students first, staff second and administration third. This mentality allows a leader to to look at situations from the eyes of others and address those needs b4 their own. #TeamTeammateSelf#MEMSPAchat
A2: I am constantly talking to staff and asking how they interpret what we are doing. I join their learning and watch what they do in action. #MEMSPAchat
A2: Innovation can be deliberate new movements toward a vision of excellence - one should expects principals to support and challenge growth and risk taking. Caution - stay grounded in the WHY. #MEMSPAchat
A1: By trying new things and not being afraid to fail. Then sharing and collaborating with staff to have a shared vision so that it becomes everyone's vision. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I am always telling my consultants to keep one step in the classroom. You need to work in the same environment to understand the impact of what you are trying to accomplish #MEMSPAchat
A2: Innovation can be deliberate new movements toward a vision of excellence - one should expects principals to support and challenge growth and risk taking. Caution - stay grounded in the WHY. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I make sure I am available any time they need me. I listen and ask more questions and I try to say yes often to new ideas so that people will try things and feel supported in their professional growth. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I find it easy to empathize with teachers who have a similar style as mine. The trick is to put yourself in the shoes of people who may have very different styles than you. It takes effort, but worth it! #MEMSPAchat
A2: I just had this conversation! Hang on to my teacher perspective - what would I need from my leader? Last week it is subbing in so common planning time can be held sacred - providing or facilitating in to support effort toward our common goals #memspachat
A2: Leaders have to ask more questions before finding innovative solutions. Putting ourselves in the teacher's shoes helps us see problems as opportunities for solutions. #MEMSPAchat
A2: By having conversations, and listening to their needs/wants/desires. I try to talk with staff before the decision or plan/path has been set to get their input! I want them to feel an invested in the action! #MEMSPAchat
A2: I just had this conversation! Hang on to my teacher perspective - what would I need from my leader? Last week it is subbing in so common planning time can be held sacred - providing or facilitating in to support effort toward our common goals #memspachat
This is so important and often misused. To innovate staff & make innovative decisions you must operate as one cohesive team. Using words like "us and we" ensure we are team. Talk w/ them not at them! #memspachat#mortonchat
A1: sharing your vision is about understanding the who and what & then telling the story in a way that your staff buy into the vision & adopt it as their own & add to it to make it better. Key = Understand how the vision looks from every staff person's vantage point #memspachat
A2: Listen, listen, listen! With some changes in structure this year, I’m always visiting classrooms to see and hear how everything is going. #MEMSPAchat
A2: Truly embracing the "it's okay to be where you are at, it's just not okay to stay there" philosophy by honoring those around you while planting seeds to grow them. #MEMSPAchat Change is like a garden - it's the fertile environment that causes germination!
Kate from @WWCSD here A2) I’m in a new role this year in CO and try to have all the work I do ultimately make life easier for principals and teaching staff so they can spend their time focusing on students #MEMSPAchat
A3. New ideas come in several different forms of professional learning. Working together as a team we work toward initiating new concepts together. #MEMSPAchat
Diversity is a strength. Respecting diverse styles requires checking my ego, focusing on results, & approaching those instructional styles as a learner. How can I grow by observation & offering feedback to teachers who are different than I am? #MEMSPAchat
A2: I find it easy to empathize with teachers who have a similar style as mine. The trick is to put yourself in the shoes of people who may have very different styles than you. It takes effort, but worth it! #MEMSPAchat
A3: Face to Face interaction, shared @YouTube videos, front loading as best as we can. New learning takes time, but only happens when we take the dive.. DIVE IN HEAD FIRST! #MEMSPAchat
Always asking the curious questions and modeling how technology can help us be more efficient in our work so that we can focus on what’s most important...teaching kids! #MEMSPAchat
A3: I try to lead by doing. If teachers want it to happen I want to get in there and do it with them. See it, experience it, learn with them and the students. Tell them I do not know, but that I am willing to read more and learn more to support them! #MEMSPAchat
A2: ❤️ these questions Gribb!
I don't believe that we can put ourselves in others' shoes, we can never feel what they feel in the same way they do. We can listen & and ask how we can help. Open hearts and open minds can solve so many problems.
#memspachat#Path2Serendipity
A3: I'm inspired lately by staff excitement in sharing strategies for encouraging growth mindset and other mindful practices - both with students and staff (add in group workouts!) #memspachat
A3: By being inquisitive and reflective by nature. I'm always collecting information about our reality and thinking deeply about what it means to inform our next step. Listen, look, listen, look, ponder, act - repeat! #MEMSPAchat
A3: I'm going to use a ? to answer one... MODEL! Seeing is believing and this has been so powerful for our building. I have amazing teachers who our life long learners. We all model what we learn and share/collaborate daily! I'm lucky! #memspachat#mortonchat
A3. Grabbing a copy of @jbormann3 's book #ProDriven or jumping into his weekly chat would be a terrific initial step to learn more about the four steps involved in being professionally driven. #MEMSPAchat
A3: while I may plan our staff meetings, that are designed to be leading side by side with staff. Also book clubs through the school year ..... and for fun in the summer. #memspachat
A3: One way I model new learning is by admitting and being vulnerable about what I don’t know & then pursuing new understanding. Admins are leaned on heavily to have all the answers but collective wisdom is so much more powerful than my own. #MEMSPAchat
A2: Innovative decision making, visionary leadership, etc. all need to be based on a relationship of mutual trust, respect, effective communication between all stakeholders and caring. #MEMSPAchat
A3: Constantly trying to things, modeling learning through failure, and celebrating risk-taking are keys to being an innovative leader. #memspachat#Path2Serendipity
A3: I just tell T's what I'm learning about. My email: "The purpose of my classroom visit is to grow my capacity as an instructional leader. My focus: What do students need to know before the lesson? How much are students sharing in the ownership of the lesson?" #MEMSPAchat
A3: I still do trainings. I don't have to but I do to keep up with the best practices in facilitation. We also host lunch and learns! Learning from each other and sharing our strengths at the same time. #MEMSPAchat
A2: Like teachers with formative assessments,surveying staff is key to see what support they need.And, what does the data & research tell us?This helps in determining what's best for student learning and growth!Finally collaborate w/staff,so many innovative teachers!#MEMSPAchat
Daddy duty #MEMSPAchat
Bride has late conferences tonight and I get to do daddy (2 kids and a dog) duty...loving every minute of it!!
Have a great chat and an awesome weekend everyone!
A3: Any new learning from a conference, workshop, or wherever, I share to staff during individual conversations as well as in staff meetings. Being open about trying something new and it might not work allows for others to take risks too. #MEMSPAchat
A3: I just tell T's what I'm learning about. My email: "The purpose of my classroom visit is to grow my capacity as an instructional leader. My focus: What do students need to know before the lesson? How much are students sharing in the ownership of the lesson?" #MEMSPAchat
A4. I spent my career taking risks and working toward improving education for students. If I wasn't taking a risk I would become bored and seek out our team for next steps in initiatives. #MEMSPAchat
A4: Modeling lessons in a classroom and asking T, coach, and others to give me feedback on how I can improve. Get rusty (and out of touch) standing behind my desk at District Office. #memspachat
Q3: I try to stay active on Twitter learning from all of you! I share with Ts “I read about that on Twitter”; what I’m reading, inspirational quotes; and relevant articles in my weekly news. I cover classrms when needed so I can always be a teacher at ❤️. #MEMSPAchat
A3: I am very transparent and honest in the fact that I don't have all the answer, but I'll work tirelessly to help find them. I want Ts to know I'm not leading from the front, I'm leading WITH them... #MEMSPAchat
A4: I have been creating weekly announcements for Quincy Elementary, along with Ss and staff. It is a big commitment but has been instrumental in moving our SEL goals along. Check this episode out (2min): https://t.co/S03kDoYI1B#Path2Serendipity#MEMSPAchat
A3: I am very transparent and honest in the fact that I don't have all the answer, but I'll work tirelessly to help find them. I want Ts to know I'm not leading from the front, I'm leading WITH them... #MEMSPAchat
A4: Inviting parents, kids, and colleagues into real conversations about race, ethnicity, equity, and responsiveness in our schools. #arewedoingenough#MEMSPAchat
A4: Inviting parents, kids, and colleagues into real conversations about race, ethnicity, equity, and responsiveness in our schools. #arewedoingenough#MEMSPAchat
A4: a couple areas of focus this year is 1) growing the leadership capacity of my staff and 2) restorative and reflective work with challenging students. Neither feel like a risk - just new learning and the right work. #MEMSPAchat
A4. In our Twitter chat we have moved to educators selecting the future focus books that will be reviewed each week. Educator choice and voice! #MEMSPAchat
A4: It’s all about that first step and showing the team that they can think outside the box, monitor themselves, and I’ll be there to support and coach them along the way. #MEMSPAchat
A4: Risk-Taking, one of my skill sets....Stepping out of my comfort zone. My department leads and I will be starting a podcast shortly. New for all of us so we are jumping in together. Always easier with a team #MEMSPAchat
A4: Risk-Taking, one of my skill sets....Stepping out of my comfort zone. My department leads and I will be starting a podcast shortly. New for all of us so we are jumping in together. Always easier with a team #MEMSPAchat
A4: Took a risk and redesigned our staff meetings this year (based on T feedback). Only have the whole crew together once each month, but all other meetings are giving Ts time to collaborate and share within their teams. #MEMSPAchat
A5. Two very similar ES had SIGs and we were working toward similar goals. The educators from these two schools would meet together once monthly and support each other in the challenging work/prof learning. #MEMSPAchat
A4: Took a risk and redesigned our staff meetings this year (based on T feedback). Only have the whole crew together once each month, but all other meetings are giving Ts time to collaborate and share within their teams. #MEMSPAchat
A5: Not one of my skill sets...small talk - awkward!!! Played a game once at a conference. How many business cards can you collect. exhausting. #MEMSPAchat
A5; @1stEdResources is an incredible group of colleagues and the best PLN anyone could every ask for. Constantly inspired to learn more, do more, and explore more ways to help all students succeed! #memspachat
A5: #PrincipalsInAction is a great group to connect with! The #CompelledTribe is an awesome group of Ed Bloggers! #tlap is a way of life & a way of thinking! So many great groups to connect with! #MEMSPAchat
A5: Voxer is a great way to connect with others. I am a part of the principals in action group. Amazing people. I listen more than I talk, so I need to grow here. I encourage staff to tweet and connect with colleagues. Share blogs and podcasts! #MEMSPAchat
A5: old fashioned conversations...by providing time to network outside of the agenda items and having our agendas allow for focused networking so they are always getting ideas from each other #MEMSPAchat
A5b: In all honesty, I encourage my team to serve not only the locals, but on regional and state committees and actively participate in their organizations. I do the same. #MEMSPAchat
A4: A risk I am taking is working on rolling out the Pineapple Chart. Galileo teacher leaders have been encouraged to begin the process by inviting other staff members into their room. #MEMSPAchat
A5. I encourage networking by working toward increasing the number of educators involved in chats, sharing their amazing photos each day by retweeting and listening when they need a special resource. #MEMSPAchat
A5: Realizing using MEMSPA website isn't too far off #MEMSPAchat so . . . also connecting through the @berrienresa w/other learning leaders for me and encouraging staff to get connected outside their team. Encouraging professionals to seek learner-centered prof organizations
A5: We got some involved through a twitter challenge last year. We developed a school hashtag. It still needs to grow. In a book club we connected with the author and chatted on the phone because of Twitter. #MEMSPAchat
A5: Realizing using MEMSPA website isn't too far off #MEMSPAchat so . . . also connecting through the @berrienresa w/other learning leaders for me and encouraging staff to get connected outside their team. Encouraging professionals to seek learner-centered prof organizations
A4: I took a risk to ask my Superintendent if I could start a new teacher mentoring program as I felt we needed more support for them. He said yes & to coordinate w/Mr.Gribble & it's going great!! #MEMSPAchat
A5: I encourage my team to network with other teachers through professional development opportunities. Just today a teacher reached out to Nell Duke for information on literacy. #MEMSPAchat
I adore it when authors of books stop into #BookCampPD and answer questions from educators about the book they have written. @AllysonApsey was marvelous at doing this when we highlighted her book #Path2Serendipity#MEMSPAchat
A5: We got some involved through a twitter challenge last year. We developed a school hashtag. It still needs to grow. In a book club we connected with the author and chatted on the phone because of Twitter. #MEMSPAchat
A5: Supporting and encouraging staff to attend PD around the area and state. The geographical area of NE MI can sometimes be a barrier, but can’t be a reason for not going. Also pushing more social media resources for staff. #MEMSPAchat
A5: @KatQuain and I go to our county principals mtgs @sccresa with @btenniswood which allows us to connect for a few hours with other school leaders in the county! Great collaboration! #MEMSPAchat
A5: @KatQuain and I go to our county principals mtgs @sccresa with @btenniswood which allows us to connect for a few hours with other school leaders in the county! Great collaboration! #MEMSPAchat
#memspachat A5: In my first 25 years, I used conferences, conversations, and phone calls to to connect. However, since Leadership Matters Cohort 6, I have focused on "all things memspa" for most of my PD.
A6 Stopped by Barnes and Noble to purchase several ed related books. I already had most of them :-( So I thought to myself ... what area of leadership do I need to most growth in? I moved away from education section & grabbed 4 books written by authors outside of ed. #MEMSPAchat
A6: I LOVE our instructional Rounds which are modeled after medical rounds. It’s also fair to say school improvement and PLCs are similar quality systems in the business world.... plan - do- study- act. #MEMSPAchat
Q6; @shawnachorshared the 10/5 way in his book #BeforeHappiness. Idea is when walking through the hall & you are within 10 feet of someone coming your way, you make eye contact. Then when within 5 feet, smile! Wow how it is changing schools and increasing positivity! #MEMSPAchat
A6: Not transformational but impactful - we've looked to the business world for productivity tools and resources (ie: Hamster Revolution, Happiness Advantage, etc). Why reinvent the wheel?!
A5: This a tough one for an introvert like me, but I have forced myself to network at meetings, conferences and the Metro Bureau CAL group. #MEMSPAchat
A6. Once another principal wanted me to meet someone in the community who she thought could support my school. End result - life-long friendship with person who wrote operating system for Apple IIe and donation of five computers for each classroom!! #MEMSPAchat
A5: I participated in RESA's Aspiring Admin Academy which was an AMAZING networking experience, attend PD, & follow Schoology groups.I encourage staff to go to PD, Twitter and share my own experiences to show how much is available!#MEMSPAchat
A6: I try to find outside agencies I can connect with and bring them into my school. Not earth shattering but it does add a different element. #memspachat
I'm registered for the next cohort and can't wait to get started! @rewiredprinK2 and @debbiemcfalone are such important members of my PLN. So many of my #MEMSPAchat mentors have raved about the experience I know it's going to be GREAT!
A6) I have a lifetime membership in Girl Scouting. I try to incorporate community service. I was the facilitator of the free the children organization for a few years, we’ve caroled at the senior center and give them cards, we’ve hosted food&drive coat drives #MEMSPAchat
The Power of Moments is a book I read this summer. It talks about how businesses create moments/experiences that draw customers in (one idea) and this has been a goal of mine this year. What moments can we create that connect students, staff, families? #MEMSPAchat
A7: Easy! @JulieMytych and I have totally different personalities but we know it, use each other’s strengths and balance each other out Love ya, Julie! #MEMSPAchat
Simple tricks like EOM, using a blog to deliver our info to staff instead of tons of emails during the week, and dedicating time in the day to email instead of letting it consume the day have made a big difference! #MEMSPAchat
A7: I have sent numerous staff to social justice training and I have them look at all we do through that lens. I have my principal colleagues ask me why I do things. If I don't have a good answer it let's me know I have to relook at what I am doing. #MEMSPAchat
A7: My saying is that we don't make a move without a team. I have an amazing team of experts that I surround myself with. Without them, my department would not be where it is at today. #MEMSPAchat
A7. Oh my goodness! I ADORE this question. My critical friend was a game changer for me as a principal. I hope, hope, hope everyone will quickly acquire one. #MEMSPAchat
A7:I like people who challenge my thinking, force me to extend my ideas! All ideas are good ideas and the best idea sticks. I'm not the smartest person in the room. I count on my team to push us past the status quote and get outside the box sometimes. #MEMSPAchat
A7: so many different personalities on our admin team, we seem to be able to comfortably challenge one another in our thinking and bring it back to focus to move forward as a team #memspachat
That is right!!! Everyone check out the amazing work that @AmyWassmann has been doing with the whole child Thursday afternoon session at the MEMSPA Conference. I am tagging along:):) #MEMSPAchat
A7: Our EPC team's strength comes from the symphony of individual artists! I strive to hear all the parts by seeking input / perspective from staff @ various grade & experience levels. I also regularly consult across our leadership teams - three very diff. lenses. #MEMSPAchat
My building is unique... personally many of us are alike but we are all very different in our professional experiences and areas of expertise. That helps w/ viewing ideas through a different lens. We also operate under all ideas are good ideas, best stays on table. #memspachat
A8: My suggestion to all leaders in my groups is to use the words "commitment" and "ownership", and avoid buy-in. Buy-in assumes that we have something to "sell" them, and that we know better. That's not the message skillful leaders want to give!
#MEMSPAchat
A8: I don't like "buy-in" either, because I'm not selling anything! I prefer the word "investment". I want staff to "invest" in the idea and have true ownership of our ideas, mission, direction etc... #MEMSPAchat
A8: Always start with WHY!!! If if doesn't help them, inspire them, or challenge them, why should they commit to it? If I'm promoting a new idea, I always start with the WHY. #MEMSPAchat
I know we are short on time. Here is the challenge question. Keep posting your answers and scrolling through the responses. Have a great night and thanks for joining. #MEMSPAchat
Ah yes! Your statement is so very wise!
I fear there are many educators who cooperate but would love to take it to the level of collaboration. #MEMSPAchat
