How does supporting our teachers FIRST help us serve our students well? Check out this sketchnote from my recent conversation with @steelethoughts.bsky.social - now on the Teachers on Fire podcast.

— @steelethoughts.bsky.social

NEW EPISODE: Catch the edited version of my conversation with @steelethoughts.bsky.social on YouTube + wherever you listen to podcasts. youtu.be/DynbyKCv8Zg

Parenting…

— @steelethoughts.bsky.social

What teachers are looking for…

— @steelethoughts.bsky.social #SchoolLeaders #EduSky

🧡 @steelethoughts.bsky.social

For teachers about to start a new school year…

One of the best things a teacher can do in the course of the day is to have a conversation with a student about something other than school.

The more deeply you know your Ss, the more astonishing the growth you can inspire, says educator @steelethoughts.bsky.social 🌱

— @steelethoughts.bsky.social #EduSky #education

Reminder by educator @steelethoughts.bsky.social: Your Ss are amazing, complex, fascinating human beings!

Teachers have the ability to give students something that is far more valuable than good grades on a report card.  They can give them hope.

— @steelethoughts.bsky.social #EduSky #educators

— @steelethoughts.bsky.social

Administrators build relationships with their teachers, the same way teachers do with their students. They talk to them; they invest time in them; they respect them; they value them; they support them. It doesn’t have to be complicated… but it needs to be a priority.

You’re gonna make mistakes this year.  That’s ok… you’ll learn from them.  They’ll make you better.  Don’t be afraid of mistakes; embrace the process.

Reflecting on your year can be a good thing if it inspires joy and gratitude. If you had a hard year… let it go. You’re moving on down the road.

Hmmmm

When a student fails a quiz, or a test, or a project… what would compel that student to get it turned around for the next one?  I’ll tell you one thing: the relentless encouragement and support of a teacher.  Props to the teachers who never give up on their students!

People may hear your words, and they may read your words. But that doesn’t mean they know your heart. What really matters, is what you do and how you treat others. It’s the example you set. The life you lead is always more powerful than the speech you give.

I think students can tell when their teachers enjoy teaching them. At least they think they can. And their perception matters.

In the words of Ted Lasso… “Be curious… not judgmental.”

Lightbulb moments…

We talk about the importance of teachers developing relationships with students. But it’s also important for administrators to develop relationships with their teachers. That is how they support them… how they encourage them… how they lead them. It is how culture is built.

When people are excited about what they do, when they are mindful of why they do it, and when they genuinely care about those they are with… cool stuff happens.

For years my daughter talked about how much she liked her 5th grade teacher…

Shaquille O’Neil once said: “You can’t fake the funk on a nasty dunk!” This speaks to the power of authenticity. When you love what you do & bring a genuine energy to your work, everyone knows it.  You ARE the real deal!  When you’re going through the motions, they know that too.

An important role for leaders…

If you notice a successful principal, you should assume there is a faculty of rock stars making the magic happen in the school.

It’s not all cute bulletin boards, inspirational lessons, and lightbulb moments.

Some of the most important lessons…

Love this!

5 tips for building class climate…

Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters. Educators: this is more important than ever! #WeLeadEd

Every kid we teach loves something.  They are interested in something.  They are nervous about something.  They are good at something.  I wonder what that something is.

Good teaching is not accidental. It results from teachers who plan well and who connect with their students. Both of these are intentional. Good teaching takes energy, passion, and perseverance. I’m grateful for all the teachers who are putting in the work.

Skip the email…

At one of our schools, all our staff members wrote their hopes for our students on this board. This was right outside the main office. It reminded all of us of our WHY. And it communicated to students and parents what we truly care about.

Instructional Leadership…

The future does not belong to the learned…

There is not one magical instructional strategy… but…

Kids are not complicated…

Teachers don’t just inspire their students…

It starts at the top!

Effective teachers are not naive about their challenges… but they focus on what they can control -- the quality of their instruction to students and the quality of their interaction with students.