Chronicles of a fatally flawed human's efforts to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly in our world.
July 22, 2018 To the Exceptional Staff at Willis Junior High School, We are embarking on what I believe is the most important week of the school year. As I write this letter, our campus is quiet and empty, but on Monday morning it will be abuzz with activity as our students return for the … Continue reading A Letter to My Staff
Lately, I have been reading A LOT about social-emotional learning, alternatives to traditional discipline (i.e. restorative practices, mediation, mindfulness), physical classroom environments, and other unique ways to support the students and staff members of our school community. Not only are these subjects of personal passion, I know that effectively managing our learning space and working … Continue reading Improving Personally to Improve Collectively: A Few Reflection Questions
Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less. - C.S. Lewis True story. On Friday, I had just completed supervision of the first of two lunch periods at my school. I was standing in the center of our campus, greeting students as they passed on their way to afternoon classes (happy … Continue reading It’s Not About Me, Or You
Today we finished our first week of the 2017-18 school year. It was a great week. Our students were genuinely excited to be back on campus and our teachers did an absolutely wonderful job of welcoming them and beginning the process of developing meaningful relationships. It seems that with each passing year public educators face … Continue reading In Defense of the Public Educator
I'm not opposed to success, I just think we should accept it only if it is a by-product of our fidelity. If our primary concern is results, we will choose to work only with those who give us good ones. - Greg Boyle, Tattoos on the HeartJ. was one of my favorite students. J. was … Continue reading Don’t Quit on Kids
Each year, prior to the arrival of students, I write a note to the staff members of our school. I do my best to let them know they are valued throughout the year, but by writing, it is easier for me to find my words. Below is this year's letter to the WJHS staff. … Continue reading Beginning the School Year: 5 Things to Remember
Concerns about student behavior have always been a topic of fierce conversation. Student attitudes and actions often dominate discussions in meetings, at educational conferences, and in faculty lounges. There are almost as many philosophies (and programs) on student behavior as there are schools in the country, and getting agreement on how to address issues … Continue reading 7 Ways Effective Educators Address Student Behavior
