Greetings,
I have been reading "The Innovators Mindset" by George Couros.  There are four parts to his book:

Part I: What is innovation?
Part II: Laying the groundwork for a culture of innovation
Part III: How does this happen?
Part IV: Defining where you are, were you need to go, and how to get there.

It's easy to get caught up in education "buzzwords" and truly not know what the meaning or the "why" behind it.  George Couros has a different approach in his book, focusing on the why, the what, and the how.  After reading his book, my thinking has shifted and I feel that I have some tools to help me continue to improve my own leadership.

In case you are wondering, on page 19 of his book, George defines innovation as:  "a way of thinking  (concepts, processes, and potential outcomes) that creates something new and better. Innovation can come from either "invention" (something totally new) or "iteration" (a change of something that already exists), but if it does not meet the idea of "new and better", it is not innovative."

To reinforce his point, George references the commercial Be More Dog.  In the commercial, there is a line "look at the world today; It's amazing!"  George related this to the opportunities that are at our fingertips to connect and create with people around the globe and how we should be focusing on what we can do vs. what we can't do!

As I think about leadership at all levels in all positions, and how we move forward towards our mission and vision, we must be thinking about how we can make the most of learning and create meaningful change to provide better opportunities for all of our students.  Spending our energy on empowering each other and focusing on what we CAN do will be key in determining how we get there.

I'm so excited that we were able to book George Couros for our Summer Institute May 31st and June 1st.  If you have the opportunity, I would encourage you follow him on twitter and sign up for his newsletter!

Innovator's Mindset..Not Just about Student Learning!

In reading George Couros's blog this week, he shared a video describing ways to "paint the canvas of a students' mind", and challenge the notion of "Schools vs. Learning".  As you watch this short, but interesting 20 minutes of video, think about the relationships and impact this has on leadership?  I made direct connections with our strategic planning work this week and I'm so excited about the opportunities ahead!  Love the points he makes about the way can think and plan in more productive and effective ways!

Enjoy...

Developing the Innovator's Mindset

Say This....Not This.....

Every had something you said or presented misunderstood or perceived differently than intended? As I reflect on my own ability to effectively communicate with others, I came across a few resources that serve as great reminders.  I hope you find them worthwhile.


"Communication is about more than just exchanging information. It's about understanding the emotion and intentions behind the information. Effective communication is also a two-way street. It’s not only how you convey a message so that it is received and understood by someone in exactly the way you intended, it’s also how you listen to gain the full meaning of what’s being said and to make the other person feel heard and understood." -Helpguide.org

 A blog post by Jessica Cuthbertson provides some great insight on how our language affects others and especially student learning.  What she shares is a powerful reminder of our responsibility as educators to be mindful of our communication:

"Whether we like it or not, teaching is a public profession. What we say (and how we say it) matters. Principals, parents, colleagues, and students are listening and watching. The lines between staff lounge conversations spoken in hushed tones and social media messaging can get blurry as more educators share openly what it’s like to teach in a high-accountability era."

Jessica has "created a “Say This, Not That,” list to challenge some common catch phrases that may cause others to pause and wonder if we see teaching as a profession."

Say This...

• “My students are struggling with...and one thing I’m trying is…”
• “I’m having trouble reaching...can you help me problem solve?”

Not That…

• “These kids can’t….”
• “5th period is always ______ (rowdy, off-task, rude, etc.)…”

Click on the link to her article for more ideas and examples that you can add to your own resources regarding effective communication.

Here is an additional resources that you might also be interested in reading related to improving communication:
Active Listening: Hear What People are Really Saying – Understanding active listening, particularly as it applies to the workplace, and the steps you can take to become an active listener. (MindTools.com)

Lessons in life....

When I read this quote I thought about how this connects to Grand Island Public Schools.   Although our backgrounds, experiences, education and trainings are all different, when we get on the same boat (have a common mission/vision), going the same direction, we can be empowered, empower others, and accomplish more!

Watch . Lessons learned from Martin Luther King, Jr. as told by Kid President  

The Skinny on Fostering a Growth Mindset

Last week I focused my blog on reflection and resolutions.  The videos linked were practical, yet purposeful in providing actions to accomplish and achieve desired goals.  If reflection and goal setting has not been a practice in your life, there is less chance of success, however, we know how important it is sustaining health, well-being and achieving desired outcomes.  So we must start somewhere and we must teach our students early through modeling, engagement, practice and reflection!

A key to how much and how long we persevere and continue effort towards goal success is "MINDSET".  This article "How Praise Became a Consolation Prize" by Christine Gross-Loh captures the reality of the challenges that confront us and our students and some suggestions on how to recognize the triggers of a "fixed mindset" and foster the ability to move to a "growth mindset".  Worth reading!

                       There's a huge gap between really hard and impossible"  Ed Thomas

What's in Store for 2017

Happy New Year!  As you say goodbye to 2016 and reflect on the challenges, celebrations, and achievements; 2017 brings a new beginning. An opportunity to start fresh, revise or set new goals (resolutions if you want) and restore hope for the new year!  Success in achieving goals, health, happiness, and ability to overcome challenges, is dependent on our own actions.  A positive attitude, taking actions that get us one step closer to desired outcomes, and surrounding ourselves with those with similar aspirations will ensure success!  Check out how to make it happen!

What does leadership and the new year have in common?  The video talks about being a "reflective learner" and the attributes of successful change such as setting small goals, maintaining a growth mindset, self-monitoring and planning.  The success of our students is dependent on our ability to be effective and make decisions that in their best interest and aligned to their needs.  That means, we must be willing to change (since that is a constant in our lives), adjust, plan and reflect and take actions that achieve our desired outcomes.

Check out this video Success in the New Economy to better understand what our students need in order to be prepared for their future.

A new year also brings a new President.  New leadership in the White House will have a direct impact on public education.  Stay tuned as to who President-Elect Donald Trump designates as the education secretary, next steps in the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) regulations, and K-12 education policy proposals. We must keep our focus on our future, our students!
 Some helpful resources:
ESSA Nebraska
NCLB/ESSA Comparison Chart
U.S. Department of Education

In conclusion, I'm so blessed and thankful to be a part of Grand Island Public Schools. The possibilities for our schools are exciting and because we are "Better Together", our students will truly benefit and be prepared for the future!  Best wishes for an productive and happy 2017!

Lesson in Never Giving Up!

This is the time of the year when increased stress impacts day to day teaching and learning for both staff and students. From increased intensity, frequency and intensity of student behaviors because of trauma or anticipation of the break to the timeline to complete formative evaluations and sense of urgency to cover content.  Please don't lose sight of what a smile, recognition, thank you, or random act of kindness can do for others.  You never know what a difference it might make for someone!

Below are some links with additional strategies to help effectively deal with stress during this time before the holiday break and throughout the year: 

Helping student who Have Experienced Trauma

Stress busters

10 ways to Help Teachers Deal with Stress

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and safe upcoming holiday!