2019 One Word: Inspire

For the last several years, as I have really contemplated my WHY in education: why I teach and why I lead. The verb "to inspire" always comes to my mind. Whether teaching or leading, I have always been passionate about pushing not only others but myself to do our best. I am a firm believer that learning, like life, has an outcome of the input. We get out of it what we put into to it. I want the most out of learning (and life), and I want that for others as well.

It wouldn't be a new year with new goals without really thinking about who and what I want to inspire and breaking in down to fit my leadership (and life) vision.  I want to continue to inspire positivity in myself and others. I also want to inspire (and be inspired to) taking risks and trying new things in all aspects. Lastly, whether it's through mindfulness, diet/exercise, professional development, or family commitments, I want to not only be the best version of myself (it's a long road), but I also want to be a part of a movement to inspire, encourage, and support others to do the same.

The positivity goal, while not easy, is the more natural one to me. Since 2015, I have been on a mission to not only focus on the positivity but also lead and help others do the same. It doesn't mean that I do not have personal and professional setbacks or trials, but my compass dial is set on the destination. I work hard to remind myself to find the positive even in times of disappointment, discouragement, and failure. I hope to do an even better job at this, this year. It's actually quite interesting that I have learned a very valuable lesson this week while ending 2018 and entering 2019.

While trying to stay positive about our family holiday vacation to the cold and snowing Vermont for a ski trip for our son, I was forced to practice what I both preach and expect from others. To give some background, this year is our first non-tropical/Disney vacation for the holidays since the kids were pretty much born. Summer is my favorite season, and I really dislike the cold. I also enjoy a December break from it. However, my husband and more importantly, our son, loves to ski, so it's to Vermont we went. While my son has been on the slopes from 9 am to 4 pm without eating almost everyday, I have been exploring different possibilities around the resort (and mountain). Due to a ton of rain before we came in, all of their cross county trails (the only skiing that I have attempted) are closed. However, I have done both hiking and snowshoeing, and I have learned that with the proper apparel and equipment the cold is not so bad, and I have had a lot of fun. This includes seeing some amazing sites and doing some activities that I would have never tried if it weren't for this trip. We just need to have the "proper equipment" and people to be the bet version of ourselves. I hope to be that person for myself and others. To really be the best version of myself, that means being well-rounded and trying new things, and more importantly pushing myself to explore my own possibilities. There might even be some downhill ski lessons in my future....maybe. 

Being the best version of ourselves can mean a lot of things. For me personally it's about my health and well being, but it's also about the roles that I play. While I will continue to work on my health and fitness, I want to really work on my relationship fitness this year. This includes my family since those members (my husband, children, parents, and sister and her children) have suffered the most while I have worked on my professional learning, career development, and work fitness. While trying to take better care of those who have been my support network, I will work to encourage others around me to do the same. We cannot be the best versions of ourselves if we are not fully focused on the relationships of those who love us the most.

I hope 2019 is a year that inspires everyone to be and do better. That's my personal vision for 2019. 

#MEMSPA18 Takeaways: Inspired to Be a Better Leader!

My mind has been nonstop! The annual MEMSPA conference with the theme of Lead Positive was a megahit and has been my favorite one so far! The MEMSPA executive office and conference planning committee delivered an outstanding 3 days of professional learning, connecting, and inspiration.

All of the keynote speakers inspired us to be champions for our students and staff: Sean Covey, Paul Liabenow, Shelia Alles, Kim Campbell, and Jimmy Casas. Sean Covey reminded me to focus on the "wildly important" and focus on the lead measures to get us there. Paul Liabenow reminds us to lead with heart, and he models just that. Kim Campbell had me laughing and reminded me of the importance to laugh with our students and to never give up on them. We need to share our stories and our lives with our staff and students. We have to lead joyfully and laugh to survive. We have to get our students moving and challenge their thinking. All of these are great messages and reminders. The last keynote, Jimmy Casas, resonated with me the most this year.

Engaged in Jimmy's words, I laughed a lot, but I cried as well. He is so right; being a school leader is a difficult job. It is so rewarding, but it is extremely taxing on us personally. It is because of the people in my life and more importantly my family, that I have even made it to where I am and to still be here standing 13 years later; however, I was reminded that I cannot do this work at their or my expense. The past is now the past. I cannot change the fact that I wish that I were a better leader, or importantly, that I wish I were a better wife or mother. My husband and children have sacrificed a lot as I have tried to become the leader I feel my students and staff deserve. They deserve my best and full self as well. This is my personal goal for 2019 and beyond: be a better family member. I know that I can do just that because of all of the wonderful professionals and staff that I have around me in Milan and the state.

Casas's keynote was a great reminder that we need to capitalize on all of the people around us to do this difficult, but amazing work together. We need to remember our purpose and our core principles. The way we create excellence is to live it. We need to build a community of excellence to help get the work done.

My four core center around my leadership vision to do the following:
1) Lead with Positivity (#LeadPositive)
2) Inspire Greatness (Inspire others to be great)
3) Love, Laugh, and Learn
4) Hold High Expectations (Never expect more than I personally give).

In addition, I learned from several amazing breakout sessions too! Derek Wheaton gave me tools and reminders to help win over and support our next generations of leaders. David Simpson demonstrated how to hack deeper learning at the middle level. Jonathon Wennstrom inspired me to leave no teacher behind with a toolbox to support a variety of types, and Allyson Apsey reaffirmed our work to make sure we are telling the positive stories of our schools.

Presenting two sessions this year was a lot of fun, and I so enjoyed teaming up with Kimberly Gillow to speak about building and supporting positive team collaboration. I also felt privileged to share the positive work we do at #PowerUpMMS.

Connecting with my Leadership Matters cohort at the reception was nice and collecting toys for the Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan's Farmington Hills and Grand Rapids locations was a rewarding way to give back. Our region enjoyed a dinner together, and it was great to catch up with friends we have made over the last 10 years. As always the leadership banquet is one of my favorite highlights from the conference; all of the region nominations and the state winner are such an inspiration. I am inspired to be a better leader--mom and wife too! Thank you MEMSPA!

Why MEMSPA?

Why MEMSPA?

Michigan Elementary Middle School Principals Association has been my number one network for sustaining my commitment to education, my staff, and most of all my students.

I first joined the association as a recommendation of one of my education leadership professors over a decade ago. Now even more than ever the liability insurance is crucial to leaders in education. However, the association has given me so much more than a peace of mind.

The answer to Why MEMSPA? might be different for everyone, but I can say without doubt that members number one answer is the support from the MEMSPA office and its members. My MEMSPA colleagues have been the most supportive group of professionals that I could ask for. The support showered over me has taken me from the island of isolation to a community of family and friends. Whatever I have need: encouragement, support, information, guidance, or even a needed fact check or reality call, I have always been able to count on this network of principals from around the state.

In addition to this network of fantastic leaders, the professional learning opportunities are by far the best. Sustained, engaging, research-based, and relational offerings, such as the annual conference, summer institute, workshops, and my favorite--a nine month leadership academy, Leadership Matters--have given me the tools, connections, examples, and accountability needed to advance my building, district, and career.

In addition to the people and the learning, MEMSPA has also given me the opportunity to give back. From involvement at the regional level, my presidency of the state level, and now my national role, I have enjoyed volunteering, presenting, writing, and mentoring others.

Why MEMSPA: to have support, to support others, and to fill my bucket! If you are a member, what's your WHY? If not, what are you looking for? I am sure you will find it with this association.

#PowerUpMMS: Week Two Update after 1:1 Chromebooks

I must say that I am pleasantly surprised at the responsibility that our students have demonstrated since our 1:1 Chromebook deployment. While I was excited for the teaching and learning components of the 1:1, I was nervous about the logistics and responsibility of the students. However, after this full week of using them, the students have surpassed my expectations.

One of the many benefits of 1:1 is supporting a more personalized and differentiated learning environment for our students. In addition, we were also thrilled to be able to enact Daniel Pink's latest research from his new book When which outlines peak performance time for analytical tasks, such as test taking. To be fair and consistent, it would be best for all of our students to be able to test in the morning--the best time (for the majority) to perform at their best on tests. We could never do this without all students having a device. I must say that I was worried about students not bringing devices, or not bringing them charged, but students have not only brought them, they have been managing having them and taking care of them all week.

We are so grateful to have this opportunity for our students. The devices have not replaced the type of learning we do at the middle school, but they are definitely supporting and transforming the learning. Since this was a week of two reduced schedules due to testing, and as an outcome, class time being lost--in some classes more than others, the devices allowed students to work on a variety of activities to stay on task or keep from getting too far behind.

I really look forward to seeing how we, our school, teachers, and students, continue to benefit from this opportunity. I also am appreciative of the patience, hard work, and responsibility of all involved. I want to give a special shout out to our technology department, media center, and office staff for handling so many of the logistics which helped with our first year of deployment.

Teaching in Milan, Michigan: It's Not Just an Art; It's a Passion

I am in awe of the amount of time, care, and passion that #PowerUpMMS educators put into their practice and students. While these examples are in no way a comprehensive list of what our educators do at Milan Middle School, they do paint a picture of these amazing soldiers of learning and character, making the world a better place one child at a time.

Milan educators are constantly thinking about what is best for students. They meet at least weekly to discuss student needs. They collaborate by teams and departments to prepare students by integrating technology, personalize learning, and create ways to engage students. They unite on ways to manage their classroom and unify expectations offering consistency and routine for students. However, they also work in student choice and voice to personalize learning.

Milan teachers deprivatize their practice by opening up their classrooms to each other to learn from and model for each other. They work monthly in departments and as a whole staff to analyze data, explore gaps in subgroups, and strategize on interventions, strategies, and activities to support students and push for growth.

Milan teachers and parapros learn about the whole child and work to understand hardships, celebrate successes, and be a champion to students who need an extra trusted adult in their lives. We greet students with smiles, teach character, show empathy, challenge their thinking, and hold students accountable.

Our Milan students are fortunate to have such amazing people in their lives. The outside perception or public opinion of education is not always kind or appreciative of what our school employees do, but the Milan Community does seem to get it, and for that, we, Milan educators, are very fortunate.

It is not easy being a champion for students. It is time consuming to care for, challenge, and teach 150-200 students a day, but together--from the transportation crew, custodial crew, food service, office staff, counseling staff, teachers, paraeducators, and admin--we strive to empower our students to be the best possible versions of themselves, and we consider ourselves fortunate to be able to do so. Here's to a great new school year at Milan, where teaching is not just an art; it's a passion.

#NAESP18 Takeaway Themes: Get Involved, Give Back, and Work Smarter...Not Harder

      I am beyond excited about this year's NAESP conference! This was my fifth year attending the national conference, and 2018 was the best yet. I am a firm believer that we get out of life what we put into it, and learning is no different. After becoming involved at the state and national regional  levels, I started to ask myself what I can do to get involved even more,  how I can give back to such an amazing organization, and how I can increase my own learning to grow as well. This year, I was able to do all three.

     As NAESP State Rep for MEMSPA, I love sharing the value of the membership and all the state and national organizations have to offer. Attending the national conference, participating in professional Twitter Chats and NAESP Webinar Wednesdays, and keeping up with the NAESP publications keeps me connected and involved. I have enjoyed meeting all of the other state representatives and principals from all of the states. This year I was also able to serve on the Professional Learning Advisory Council and present a general session on The Power of Positivity.  I was able to spend time with some great administrators not only from Michigan, but around the world. These ways are avenues to get involved but also give back.

     After three years of submitting proposals, I was finally accepted to share with others how leading through positivity has so many benefits. It was great being able to share out ideas and learn from others. Before the conference, my daughter and I participated in the 10th Annual Community Playground build at Catalina Elementary. This was such an amazing experience as we came together to provide a playground and garden for the school. This was just the start of a fantastic three days! I was fascinated with Sal Khan's story and the creation of Khan Academy which is an inspiring story about giving back and supporting others.

     The learning was amazing and hit on several topics to help us as leaders to focus on what is important and work smarter, not harder. Sean Covey opened up with this message about the importance of relationships and that we cannot expect to see change if we ourselves do not change. Covey also spoke about WIGs (wildly important goals) and keeping scoreboards for those goals, including student tracking. Daniel Pink talk about about his research and points from his latest book When. His research proves that our cognitive abilities change throughout the course of the day and while peak performance times may vary, usually the morning or beginning of the day is our best time to perform analytic tasks, while the afternoon or "trough" time is best for administrative type tasks. During our recovery (last afternoon into the evening) is best for insight. He also confirmed how beneficial breaks and synchronization (especially choral singing) are to our productivity.

    I learned about articulating my leadership vision and helping move teachers from super stressed to super stars. I was also inspired by Beth Houf to lead like a pirate: passion, immersion, rapport, ask/analyze,  transformati, and enthusiasm. We wrapped up the conference with words from Jackie Joyner-Kersee about making sure we see and support the potential in others. She also spoke about the importance of grit, work ethic, and planting seeds in our children. It's always great to make more connections, share and learn with others, and get inspired for a new year! Thank you, NAESP!

 

Why? I Am Not Sure, But Grateful I Am

I have been thinking lot about my twelve-year-old self since I did the exercise writing that little  girl a note of reassurance. I have reflected a lot on my upbringing and the person who I am today. I am somewhat baffled as I try to uncover how or why I got to where I am today. First, off it is difficult to see myself as "successful" because that would mean complimenting myself which is hard to do. I have gotten better since my path of a positive mindset and outlook, but it is a struggle to accept compliments and more so claim that I am a success. What is success anyway? I don't measure it by money or status as much a I do by happiness and service, and maybe that is why it feels more like a major accomplishment to me.

 I can't decide on one thing as much as I can on a series of events and important people, and this makes me think how we can support our students to capitalize on these things. I am fortunate to have parents who love and support me, and I think most importantly instilled the value of a strong work ethic. I used to think that maybe strong work ethic was a lost cause, but I do witness it every day in so many leaders, teachers, and even students--including my own children. I know that as I was growing up,  I was so fortunate to have parents who loved me and modeled what such amazing strong work ethic was.

My parents worked at and met a the local lamp plant. My dad eventually went into business with this brother, but worked full days to make it work, and it was hard labor that has taken its toll on him.  In addition to working at the sawmill, he farmed his property. My mom started on the line at 18 and move her way up to forman and then an HR job with the same plant.  She worked the night shift for most of my young childhood. I remember my dad getting me ready for school and helping me with homework.

We also had jobs and had to help around the house. This taught me a lot. Grades and schooling were important to my parents, which made them important to me. I struggled but worked hard and usually received good grades (A/Bs), and when I got anything lower, I was harder on myself than my parents every could be. My dad did pay me for good grades, but I never really did it for the money. I think it was his personal investment that he made into me during our study sessions that gave me the drive to do well. I have always wanted to make my parents proud. They worked so hard to give my sister and I want we needed and usually wanted. I had some good teachers, but I also had some not so great teachers. I wasn't fortunate enough to have a Rick Wormeli or a teacher focused on me learning the content as much as earning points. I also did not have a Kim Rock to support my reading or a Sue Kraske to help me in math; I was pulled out for both in grade school. However, that sense of pride and strong work ethic gave me the internal drive to constantly do my best.

There was always the expectation from my parents that I go to college, and I was so blessed that my parents were able to pay for my undergrad, and the savings that they set up for me was able to pay for my masters and some of a down payment on a house. I also worked through high school and college which continued to reinforce the value of money, and furthermore, gave me the gift of independence.

After college though, I think the adversity I experienced added fuel to my drive to make something of my life. I wonder how some people make it through life's challenges while others do not. The love and support of my parents assisted me in conquering yet another battle in my life. This makes me even more concerned for our students who do not have this love and support at home--even more important on making sure that they get it at school.

Even after thought and reflection, I am not sure what variables lead to success or ones personal definition of what success is. I only hope that my husband and I are giving our children the same foundation, and that my work as an educator and leader does the same for the children I serve. If anything, it is a team effort of love, support, and modeling strong work ethic, kindness, and overcoming adversity. While growth mindset was not intentionally or explicitly taught, my parents never made me feel like there was anything that I couldn't do, and if something was difficult, they encouraged me to keep trying.

Whatever the mix or combination, I am grateful for my parents and all of the people in my life who inspired me to never let the voice of doubt win.