Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast with William D. Parker

When my family recently visited the Rocky Mountain National Park, we enjoyed drives through snow-peaked mountains.  Photo by Tobias Mrzyk – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@tobiasmrzyk?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit But my 13-year old son, Jack, was most excited about hiking and climbing. One morning, we gathered the family by Shadow Mountain Lake, and began a hike along the lake that eventually led to a 3-mile ascent to a lookout tower on the summit of nearest mountain. At first, we were excited and full of energy. But as we climbed, the ascent became more difficult. Soon we were stopping for breaks, and at times, I began wondering if the climb was really worth it. At times, we were so tired, no one was talking as we trudged up the hills — sweating and panting as we climbed the steeper inclines. But when we reached the top, it was so worth it. Spread below us was a panaroma of mountains and lakes. We sat down and soaked in the beauty. Soon we were laughing, taking photos and making new memories. Whenever I think about school-wide changes, I like to remember the lessons of a long hike. Most changes begin with a vision of the end-goal in mind. You gather your team, your map out plans, and you begin implementation. But along the way, people begin to push-back or resist. Others may grow tired or overwhelmed. Some may decide they don’t want to participate any longer. But if you can help others reach successful destinations, the hard work is worth it. How do you lead and manage changes so that your school community can reach the goals you set together?  This week, author and principal Jen Schwanke serves as co-host as we discuss several takeaways for school leaders to keep in mind for implementing and managing school-wide changes: Introducing and Managing School-wide Initiatives or Change 1. Slow down and take the time making sure the change is necessary. Before you can lead anyone through the change, you must first answer this important question: “What problem are we actually trying to solve here?” If there is no problem, don’t introduce change just for the sake of change. People must know the “why” involved in change.  2. Be careful of introducing too much change.  If possible, start conversations about change the year before they will happen (if possible). Your teachers and staff already have a lot on their plats. So start small. Include teachers or interested team members in exploring change, taking teachers on trips to see models that work, and anticipate how to mediate the anxiety others have with change. When possible, beta-test or pilot models in small groups or in isolated settings before fully implementing.  3. Find what your school needs vs. what you have seen/heard from others.  If you are reading books, attending conferences, or visiting with other schol leaders, you may be tempted to want to adopt every great practice you observe. Before introducing change, however, anticipate mindsets. People like to feel like they’re coming home after summer break. So Introduce change in small ways. Find those on your team who can help lead change, rather than trying to lead change alone. And as you do so, hold on to the meangingful practices in your school that already work and your school community already enjoy. 4. Anticipate resistance.  In Brene Brown’s book, Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead, she teaches that the second day is the hardest when learning something new. In other words, you should anticipate high energy at the beginning, followed immediately by resistance. Likewise, Brit Andretta, in her book Wired to Resist: The Brain Science of Why Change Fails and a New Model for Driving Success, shares research that shows how the human brain is biologically wired to become anxious or stressed when any change is introduced — even good changes. So don’t be surprised by resistance. Instead create a plan that includes touch-points for your team to reflect, regroup, and celebrate along the way. 5. Beta-test or pilot ideas. Another way to manage the resistance involved with change? Beta-test or pilot ideas first. Create small models or schedules and practice implementation before implementing school-wide. For instance, when my high school team wanted to introduce a new remediation schedule, we created models the spring semester before we planned to implement in the fall. In the spring, we set up two separate days to practice those models with students and teachers. We asked for feedback so we could edit those models and choose which one might work best. 6. Learn the art of implementing “outside” changes.  What happens when change is given to you? Most school leaders work in states or districts where many changes are mandated. If you are managing change that you “do not own,” remember you are being paid as a professional. As you do your duty in introducing change from “outside” your school, ask yourself how you can help your team “own” the change. Gather others to help brainstorm ideas for implementation. Build consensus and provide feedback on what is working or is not working. In the end, leading “outside” or “inside” changes requires many of the same strategies. Let’s Wrap This Up When I think back to our mountain climbing, I have a lot of great memories of the time together. But not all journeys lead to happy endings. You can choose, however, your attitude during the journey. If the goal in school leadership is stronger student outcomes or school improvement, you must continue growing. Growth is hard. But it’s worth it. And as a leader, you will often set the tone for the attitude others will have in the journey with you. Now It’s Your Turn What are some new changes you would like to see implemented in your school community? Who can you gather together to help brainstorm, plan, and test those ideas? What are some former unproductive practices that can be removed to make way for more important ones? How can you beta-test ideas before fully implementing to gather feedback and perspective? Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook You can automatically receive my newest posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together! The post PMP156: 6 Tips for Managing School-Wide Changes appeared first on Principal Matters.

Two years ago, my oldest daughter graduated from the high school where I was principal. Photo by Dakota Corbin – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@thedakotacorbin?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit When she headed off to college that fall, it was a mix of celebration and grief on my part. Recently, Jen Schwanke and I co-hosted two podcast episodes on Parenting as Principals. You can check them out here: Part 1 and Part 2. This week I wanted to share an “encore post” I made when my daughter headed into the new chapter in our lives. In it, I share four tips for parents who want to make the most of the years you have left… August 2017…I’ve been thinking a lot about fatherhood this week because my oldest daughter just went to college. Eighteen years ago, I was standing by her hospital crib when she been delivered prematurely. She was six and half weeks early and weighed a healthy 5lbs, 11 ounces. But she struggled to breathe, so nurses asked me to push her cart and follow them to the NICU. Here they moved her into a crib with a ventilator and connected her to wires and leads. For the next two weeks, my wife and I spent our days at the NICU or the “NIC-unit” as the nurses called it. At first, we could only stroke her and hold her little hands. Then she was able to try nursing. Eventually, they gave Missy a room where she could sleep in the same room with Emily at night. It was Thanksgiving Day when we brought her home. My wife’s family had spent so much time out-of-state visiting her in the hospital and helping us prepare for her arrival, they had all returned to their homes to give us space. We forgot that it was Thanksgiving so I ran to the store and we had a simple dinner and just basked in the joy of having our first baby safely home. During the two weeks of her hospitalization, the hardest part was sleeping at night without her there. It’s odd how I could live my whole life without knowing I would someday have an Emily to love, but the moment she was born, I could no longer imagine a world without her. We had bought a CD of Michael Card’s Sleep Sound in Jesus. So, we’d play it at night as we held one another and prayed for her. This week our 18-year old went to college. It was a delight to see her filling the house with shopping bags and watching her organize books and clothes. The night before she left we gathered all four kids in the living room. I brought out a bottle of sparkling grape juice, and we all made toasts to Emily, and then we prayed for her. The next day, her mother was the hero of the day when we moved her in, and she helped her unpack and settle in. We are so proud of her for the full-academic scholarship that allows her in the school’s honors program. But the last few days have been harder than I imagined they would be. It’s a different feeling than I’ve ever had before. I know she will come home again for breaks or long weekends. I know we’ll have her home for the holidays and talk her into vacation getaways. But there is more than an empty bed in our home. I’ve tried to compare it to finishing one of the best books you’ve ever read. You turn the page, and it’s over, but you still want more. And you find yourself grieving that you don’t get to be there for stories of the characters that must keep going on. And I’m having all these memories of Emily. The nights we snuggled in the blue chair to read books. Playing with her in her first kiddie pool. Watching her play sports. Peeking into her classrooms at school. Driving to games together with her face paint and lucky blanket. Having her there after a school event to lay her head on my shoulder or tell me she was meeting her friends at IHOP. Hearing her sing in church. One time I asked her if she had a favorite memory. I thought she’d say going to the mountains or Christmas at Gran’s. But she said, “My favorite memory is when I was still little and you were on summer vacation. We’d lay in the kiddie pool, and we’d look at clouds while you told me stories.” And then there are the regrets. The lessons I wish I had taken more time to teach her. The fears of wondering if she’ll make the right choices while she’s on her own. The places I always wanted to show her but didn’t. It may be too soon for me to offer advice to other dads, but for what’s it’s worth, here are a few thoughts I know older dads probably told me, and so now it’s my turn: 1. When you can, eat supper together as a family. I know it’s old-fashioned, but when we don’t have a Scout meeting, band event, or game to attend, we unplug from all technology and sit at the table for meals. Having this time to talk and catch up is one of the best ways we’ve found to reconnect with our kids throughout a busy week. 2.  Read to and with your kids. I don’t do this as much now that they’re older, but for years, we had book time. When they were little it was story books. As they grew older, we read entire novels together including the Chronicles of Narnia, the Harry Potter series, the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Living adventures together gives you a lot to talk about and time together 3. Build your own rituals. With four kids, it has sometimes been hard to find one-on-one time. So we have some family traditions we started so we could capture some special time with each one: Half-birthday dates: Every kid gets a half-birthday date each year. The girls with me, and our son with Missy. They decide what they want to do, and we can spend an entire afternoon or evening just being together.11-year-old weekend away: Each child also was given an out-of-town weekend away when they turned 10: the girls with Missy, and our son with me.13-year-old first date: At thirteen, each girl was treated to a fancy date night with dad and given a special necklace. Our son still has his coming.16-year-old weekend: Sixteen meant another weekend away with mom.18-year-old adult dinner: Missy and I took Emily out just the three of us after she turned eighteen to remind her how proud we were of her. Each of these times was a focus on the kinds of life lessons we wanted them to learn and understand as they were developing as children, teens, and young adults. We’d talk about everything from goals setting to understanding sex. 4. Give yourself lots of grace. The last advice I’d give is to not be so hard on yourself. When I think back to all the times we’ve disagreed, the family crisis times, the angry outbursts or ways I’ve disappointed my kids, it’s easy to only remember the failures. But relationships are not like recipes. You can’t just mix all the right ingredients together and bake at the right temperature for a guaranteed outcome. People are spiritual, physical, emotional and complexly designed. And that’s what makes relationships so much more fulfilling and frustrating than a good piece of cake. So love well and when you don’t, start each day new. Ultimately, God is the one in control of the final outcomes. Let’s Wrap This Up Last night as I was getting ready for bed, I thought of Emily. I couldn’t peek in her room for a goodnight kiss or ask her about her day. We had texted back-and-forth a little but it was obvious she was busy with freshman orientation. So, I decided to play Sleep Sound in Jesus on my keyboard. As the music filled my soul, I remembered how it soothed me eighteen years ago. And I’m still whispering the same prayers now. Here are the lyrics to Sleep Sound in Jesus by Michael Card: Sleep sound in Jesus my baby, my dear,Angels are watching, they keep you so near;Know for His sake you’ll be safe for the night,Sleep sound in Jesus, I’ll turn out the light. Sleep sound in Jesus, sweetheart of my heart,The dark of the night will not keep us apart;When I lay you down in your bed for the night,He holds you gently till morning is light. Sleep sound in Jesus, the angels are here,They’re keeping watch so there’s nothing to fear;Against any foe they are ready to fight,So sleep sound in Jesus, I’ll turn out the light. Now It’s Your Turn As you look at the start of a new school year, what are ways you can stay connected with those who matter most in your life? How can you keep investing time in loving those in your school or on your team while also making time for the ones you hold most dear? Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook You can automatically receive my newest posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together! The post PMPEncore077: Four Tips for Parents as Principals appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week’s post is an encore episode I shared a couple of years ago. Since I’m enjoying some vacation, I thought I would remind you why your time away from school may help you better serve your school. Photo by Holly Mandarich – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@hollymandarich?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit Regardless of whether someone is an educator or not, or whether your vacation time is long or short, taking time away from work is healthy for a number of reasons. Here’s why: 4 Reasons Why Your Vacation Matters 1. Vacation reminds you of who you really are. Sometimes it is too easy to identify ourselves completely by our work. When we introduce ourselves to someone new, we almost always end up explaining what work we do. That’s not bad, but it also exemplifies how common it is to build our identities around our work. Getting away for personal or family time allows us to come back to some of the priorities motivate us to do good work. For me, it gives me time to see my children play, to explore together, to read books, to have longer conversations with my wife, and to pray. All of these connections can help you rediscover what is important and ultimately give more meaning to your work when you return. 2. Vacation allows you mental and emotion detox. There is something healthy about days of not accomplishing work-related projects, reading emails, answering questions, solving problems, attending meetings, etc. Like exercising different muscles in your body helps you discover where you need to gain strength, vacation allows you to exercise different mental and emotional muscles. It gives your brain and emotions a break from the normal “work-out”. 3. Vacation stimulates creativity. For me, I find myself having more time to write, play music, travel, or spend time with friends and family. Suddenly, I am finding time for those areas I love that may often get ignored.  For instance, one morning during a Colorado vacation, I was able to reflect on my surroundings and write the following: This morning the panorama of mountains is breathtaking. Peaks in the distance show ridges still covered with snow. The jagged, gothic, jutting, massive gray of a 14-er hides behind the closer green aspen covered hills. Mountains to my north and east alternate with colors of green and exposed red dirt and bare rock. And meadows below them all are covered with wildflowers: brilliant yellows, whites, and purples. As I write this, humming birds are alternating between feeders nearby. Shimmering greens, browns, and ruby-throated buzzing back and forth. Yesterday morning, I saw a deer bouncing away in the meadows below. And two nights ago, we watch as a copper colored fox prowled around looking food treasures. These kind of reflective moments are possible outside of vacation too, but getting away is also a great time to experience them. 4. Vacation creates great memories. One of my teammates at work has a great practice of putting his vacation photos on his lap-top computer as a screen saver. He keeps it nearby his desk during the day. When he has time to work at his desk, vacation memories consistently greet him.  Although we should never live simply for the pleasure of playing, vacation is a great way to rediscover your priorities, detox mentally, stimulate creativity, and create new memories.  So as the new school year is about to begin, don’t forget to put some photos of your favorite memories nearby while you are working as a good reminder of the importance of making memories in and out of school. Can I share a song with you? One summer when I took my family to mountains, I wrote this song to share with friends who live in Crested Butte, Colorado. If you’d like to hear an amateur recording, listen to the end of the podcast episode with this post. I’ll share it here as a way to offer vacation best-wishes to you and those important to you: Crested Butte Is Callingby William D. Parker, Copyright 2013, All Rights Reserved 1. I can see the jutting peaks of Gothic MountainWhile the hummingbirds flit softly with the breezeAnd the wildflowers paint the meadows with their colorsIt’s a Rocky Mountain morning here with me Chorus:It’s a Rocky Mountain morning here with meAs the snow peaked ridges beckon us to singLift your eyes and see that Crested Butte is callingIt’s a Rocky Mountain morning here with me 2. Walk the Snodgrass, see the dirt trails banked with AspenFeel the sunshine as it warms the mountainsideDip your feet in the icy waters of Lake ErwinGather friends and fill your soul with their sweet smiles 3. Autumn’s aspen leaves are the beauty of the seasonsTheir roots are joined together by one common bondGreen to red and then to yellow as they’re spreadingThey remind us how God joins us one and all 4. Hear the laughter of the children on the snowbanksFeel of the hush of winter’s hibernating callSlide your way down slopes of icy covered landscapeWarm your hands by fires, hot chocolate drinks for all 5. Say goodbye but know it’s only until next timeFor the mountains have worked magic on us allCarry memories of God’s beauty back home with usThis is a taste of something greater after all Now It’s Your Turn What are some ways you can relax and unplug from your work this summer so that you can recharge your emotional batteries? What are some of your favorite vacation memories? How can you use those memories as ways for your school family to learn more about what motivates you? Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook When you enter your email address below, you will automatically receive my newest posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together! The post PMPEncore028: Four Reasons Your Vacation Matters appeared first on Principal Matters.

When I was in junior high school, everyone on my basketball team wore Converse high-tops. Yes, that means I’m officially from the 70’s! I’ll never forget mine: Photo by Oliver Hihn – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@mr_kuchen?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit They were the color of golden-rod, and I was so proud of them that I never wore them outside the gym because I didn’t want to scuff them up. For a thirteen year-old boy at the time, Converse was the only brand to wear. But a few years later, when Michael Jordan came on the scene during my high school years, Nike soon became the new must-have shoe.  Sometimes I think about the brands I like to buy, but it’s easy to forget that schools are also brands. Because schools are learning communities, they are much more than products; at the same time, students don’t just attend our schools, they experience them. When is the last time you thought about the feelings people have when they experience your school brand? This week I want to share a conversation on school branding from Marlena Gross-Taylor, a dedicated and successful education consultant, speaker, coach, and presenter.  Marlena Gross-Taylor Interview A Nashville transplant originally from southern Louisiana, Marlena’s educational experience spans several states allowing her to have served K-12 students in both rural and urban districts. She has been recognized as a middle school master teacher and innovative administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.  She is also the founder of #EduGladiators and has been recognized as a middle school master teacher and innovative administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Her professional development expertise has garnered both state and national attention. After hearing her present on “Why You Should Brand Your School,” I asked her if she would join me as a guest for Principal Matters. Listen in, and I know you will enjoy Marlena’s optimism, insights, and practical tips on ways you can promote the wonderful things happening at your school. Branding Your School Q & A: WDP: Why do you believe it is so important for school leaders to think about branding? MGT: School is also a business. If a business is not reaching its customers, its story will never be told. Schools must take control of their own story. Branding is about marketing. You should be able to tell your school in such a positive light that everyone wants to be a part of it. You must think about yourself as a brand if you plan to stay competitive. Also you need to think about yourself as a brand! Here are some platforms schools are using for promoting their brands:TwitterFacebookInstagramLivestreamYouTubePeriscope WDP: What should school leaders keep in mind about the different stages they will have in branding their schools? MGT: Learn to understand and be aware of your messaging. Your story should be focused on driving awareness and establishing place in the market. Just like the company Lyft if taking the place of Uber in marketing awareness, schools must stay in front of their “customers” — your students, teachers, and community members. That means promoting the “why” of your school so there is no doubt students have purpose and meaning for being in your community. Brand Marketing Messaging: Reiterate your message to drive affinity and stay top of mind with your community. If you want to control the narrative about your school, market that message. Campaign Based Messaging: Communicate your brand in innovative ways…You can schedule posts so they feed to multiple platforms at once by using:CrowdfireTwittimerTweetDeckFacebook schedule postsBufferHooteSuite WDP: Can you walk through those 4 E’s and how the influence our school branding? MGT: Yes, if you are going to have a compelling story, you must: Explain…tell your community what is happening and what information is important to know.Emotion…make your posts compelling, reminding people why they should be excited about your school.Evoke Questions…be prepared to answer more by sharing and inviting feedback.Exclude/Include…it’s okay to see your school as an “exclusive” brand — something for community members to be proud of. Remind them why it matters to be a part of your “tribe.” WDP: If you could give school leaders some ideas on the kind of mindset it takes to do strong school branding, what would you tell them? MGT: Stay “28-years-old always” If you’re not willing to be relevant, people will lose interest.Now What? Think about these four takeaways: Study – Look at how marketers sell products and learn lessons in marketing your school.Exposure – Don’t be afraid to share. The more exposure, the better for celebrating your school success.Implementation – If you don’t have a plan, you won’t increase your branding. Plan and then execute.Feedback – Ask for feedback from your community and then respond accordingly. Finally, think about your website: You have 50 mila-seconds to make a good impression. How can you make it captivating? Make sure to look at: Content: Is it up-to-date and relevant?Navigation: Is it easy to access and user-friendly.Calendar: Is it current?Merchandising: Wear your school. Promote spirit days. Create an online spirit store. Use your PTA/PTO for promotion. Leverage alumni and community support. And recruit grandparents as brand ambassadors. WDP: Any closing thoughts or comments you’d like to leave with our listeners? And how can they stay connected with you? MGT: Recognize that every person in your school is a brand! Don’t be afraid for them to develop their own story about your school. Determine you will “stay 28 forever” and be committed to promoting the best in yourself and your school.  Follow Marlena! Check out the podcast episode for illustrations, examples, and more takeaways. You can follow Marlena on Twitter @mgrosstaylor or visit her websites at marlenagrosstaylor.com & edugladiators.com. Let’s Wrap This Up You play an important role in the way others perceive the value of your school, organization, or team. Branding is not only something marketing experts should understand. As a school leader, you should be proud to promote the students, teachers, and school communities you serve too! Now It’s Your Turn What is one new social media tool you can begin using to promote your school brand? How can you stay relevant and timely in the way you are reaching communities with the values and benefits of your school? Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook You can automatically receive my newest posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together! The post PMP:Encore090 Branding Your School with Marlena Gross-Taylor appeared first on Principal Matters.

A few years ago, we had a lockdown drill at the high school where I was principal. Photo by Dane Deaner – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@danedeaner?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit Local police had called to say they were aware of a potential threat against our school on social media. They were locating the person of interest in a location outside the school community but wanted us to lockdown until they had isolated and confirmed the situation at hand. When we announced that the school was going into lockdown, my cell phone buzzed. It was my daughter, a sophomore at the time.  “Dad,” she said, “What’s going on?”  “Listen to the announcements like everyone else,” I said, “I need my phone open so that I can talk to police.” As I hung up, I was annoyed. She knew my role as principal meant I could not stop in the middle of managing a security situation to answer her questions. But I also felt guilty. I realized some important thoughts. First, my daughter was scared.  Second, the rest of my students probably felt the same way she did. Third, I had done a poor job communicating to my school community. So, I made an all-call on the school intercom saying something like this:  Students, I want to let you know that we are conducting our lockdown procedure because local police are investigating a situation off-campus and have advised us to lockdown until they are finished investigating. We are monitoring the situation and your teachers will continue instruction and supervision while the campus continues in lockdown until we are cleared. Please know you are safe, and the situation of concern is off-campus. Thank you for your patience and we will keep you posted. I also sent a quick email blast to parents and guardians with a similar message. Later that day and the next, I received thank-you emails or comments from parents who said their high school students told them my announcements calmed them and kept them feeling safe. This week, Jen Schwanke, author and principal, continue our podcast discussion of what it is like to be a parent and principal of your own child. Wearing both hats can be both rewarding and stressful at times. We discuss understanding the teachers’ perspective in having your child, things to avoid with a child in your building, and priorities to keep in mind. From the teacher’s perspective: It’s important to acknowledge the natural stress teachers may have when they realize they have a principal’s kids in the class. Keeping this idea in mind means you protect both relationships. An important goal is to honor that relationship by presenting all your teachers in the best light to your child. Even when you are aware of situations that may require correction in your building, don’t gossip about teachers. Protect confidentiality. And teach your child to be the first advocate for himself or herself. Every child is unique, and parenting him or her through school requires wisdom, but be patient and work to protect and honor your child and his or her teachers. Things to avoid: Don’t use your position to try to change the trajectory of your child’s journey. He or she should be encouraged and supported but learn to engage in activities or interests that fit his or her personality, gifts, or interests.   Don’t make sweeping changes to your school based on one child (your child’s) experience. Schools are communities, and your child is one member of that community. Use his or her perspective to make you a better principal, but keep the big picture in mind by trying to see your school through the eyes of all students. Keeping the end in mind: What are your goals in parenting as a principal? Jen and I cover a few:  To be a strong parent – stay connected and step back at the same time. “I’m sorry” or “bummer” is an okay response when he or she is having a hard time.To raise a child who is self-sufficient, confident, and capable of problem solvingTo be an effective principal and to have people respect your workTo do right by all kids Another thought to keep in mind: When in doubt, ask, What would a great parent do? Let’s Wrap This Up Having a child in your school allows you to be both a parent and a principal at the same time, and both these roles are enormous privileges. You’ll never do either with perfection, but both roles can be improved when you allow that privilege to inform the way you lead at school and at home. Whether it’s in academics, activities, or in setting goals with your child, leading a school and parenting your own children in your school requires wisdom and perspective. But the rewards can also include rich experiences together. Now It’s Your Turn What are some other takeaways you would add to parenting as a principal? Think about ways to honor the teachers of your children. How can you provide them with the positive feedback you appreciated when you were in the classroom? Sign up for Free Ebook and Updates You can automatically receive new posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together! The post PMP155: Parenting as Principals – Do’s and Don’ts, Part 2 appeared first on Principal Matters.

Oklahoma has experienced its share of storms and severe weather this spring. Photo by Lonely Planet – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@lonely_planet?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit The other day, our family was sitting in our storm closet as sirens were sounding at 6:30AM. Afterwards, I was driving my seventh-grade son, Jack, to school. As we approached the school, I began to predict how his principals would manage the morning. “Most likely, several teachers will be late because of the storms,” I said. “So, you’ll probably wait in the gym until staff have reported and then students will be sent to class.” “Dad,” he interrupted, “I have good principals. I think they’ll know what to do.” I started laughing. I realized at that moment I was parenting and being a principal at the same time. At that moment, he just needed me to be dad. As the father of four, I had the privilege of being the principal of my two oldest daughters. For my younger two children, I have been their dad but not their principal.  With my older two, I had to maneuver the landscape of both leading a school and being dad in their school.  Regardless if your children attend the school of which you are the principal, or they attend a different school, being the principal and a parent is a tricky balance.  Each person has a complicated balance with these two roles, so this will speak to different people in different ways. This week, Jen Schwanke, author and principal, co-hosts podcast episode 154 to discuss the dynamics of parenting from both the principal’s perspective and the child’s perspective: From the principal’s perspective, here are four questions to ask: What do you do when we see poor instructional decisions being made by your child’s teacher(s)?When do you to step in to advocate for your child?How do you balance the privilege and responsibilities of your leadership?Are you advocating for YOUR child or ALL children? (The wisdom is to know the difference between the two.) Just like every child you raise is different, the way you respond to the above questions is as complex as each child and situation. Be aware, be involved, and listen well so you have the most information possible for making a good decision. Things to avoid saying: Also, when speaking to your own children’s teachers, avoid saying comments that you HATE hearing from other parents: “My son would never do that.” “My daughter does not lie.” “My daughter does not lie.” “My child is gifted that’s why he’s bored.” “Can you please make an exception?” “I’m going to have to go higher up than you.” Here are some pro-active thoughts to keep in mind instead: When working with your child’s teachers, assume best intentions (always listen to both sides of the story).Attend meetings: whether it’s an open house or parent conference nights, be present and communicate that you’re wearing the “parent” hat.Communicate: Look at your school from the perspective of a parent and improve your communication accordingly. From your child’s perspective:  Helping your child navigate the role of being the “principal’s kid” means understanding your child’s individual development and personality traits.  Remember your child does not always want attention as the principal’s child. Your children will also never forget being the child of a principal. How can you make that as positive as possible?  Many children of principals listen to complaints from teachers and students who hope they’ll pass along the words to you. Some people will also perceive their success as “special treatment.” Jen shares a story of a principal’s child who received 504 texts asking if her dad would call a snow-day this winter. This requires coaching your child to recognize the unique experiences they may have. At the same time, children of principals may have information about upcoming classes, test schedules, or events that help them stay actively engaged in school. Take advantage of being close to the action to help your children make the most of their school experience. Let’s Wrap This Up Whether your child is in your school or a school being led by someone else, you and your child have unique challenges and experiences as well. Next week, we will continue this Parenting as Principals discussion by looking at the teacher’s perspective, things to avoid, and setting goals with your own children. Now It’s Your Turn What other suggestions would you add to the above do’s and don’ts for principals as parents? If you have a child in your school, ask him or her what is like to be the principal’s child. Listen and think about your child’s perspective as you navigate the tricky road of being both the parent and school leader. Sign-up for Free Ebook and Updates You can automatically receive new posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together! The post PMP154: Parenting as Principals – Do’s and Don’ts, Part 1 appeared first on Principal Matters.

When Principal Jen Schwanke was talking to one of her teachers about the importance of balance, her teacher asked an honest question. “Why should I do this when you don’t?”  Photo by Mpho Mojapelo – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@mpho_mojapelo?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit Jen realized then that she had been modeling bad habits for her teachers. For instance, when she sent emails to teachers at 10:00 PM, she was demonstrating that work was happening when her teachers should have been resting. All of us are guilty of not practicing or modeling the good habits of maintaining balance. And frankly, none of us will ever achieve perfect balance. But you can focus on areas of your life that need attention in order to keep those essential areas (your health, mindset, family, personal interests, etc.) of healthy and growing. This week, Jen Schwanke and I explore Part 2 of Maintaining Balance and Focusing on What Matters/ Self-Care. Jen Schwanke is the author of You’re the Principal. Now What? Strategies and Solutions for New School Leaders. She is also the Principal of Indian Run Elementary School in Dublin, Ohio. You can check out Part 1 here for last week’s 10 Tips on Maintaining Balance. Part 2: 10 (More) Tips for Maintaining Balance 1. Model what you expect.  Othersare looking at us for the expectation we set for ourselves. So when you ask teammates to plan ahead, be in the moment, and “work smarter, not harder,” you must consistently reflect on your own practices and adjust accordingly. 2. Learn when it’s time to walk away.  You can’t be everything to everyone, so don’t kill yourself trying. Yes, many situations and people will require investments of time, energy, and emotion. At the end of the day, however, you cannot control every outcome. Learn to accept that and turn your focus back to those areas where you can make a difference. 3. Recognize seasons.  Certain times of year and seasons of life affect the stress of life and school. Be aware of new marriages, strained relationships, teachers as new parents, or those caring for aging adults. Just as school has seasons, so does life. So let others be vulnerable and honest about the seasons they are facing, and give them (and yourself) grace and support during the harder times. 4. Get help when you need it.  One of Jen’s administrator friends relates a story about how hiring a cleaning lady completely relieved her of the stress of housework at a time when she was trying to manage too much. Sometimes you need to be willing to ask for help or seek therapy to talk through anxieties. Tuck in your cape and don’t pretend to be a superhero.  5. Accept you are not always in control of your time.  Yes, we can set priorities, but accepting the ebbs and flows of school and life will help you maintain poise when situations happen that detour of time and attention. Part of the challenge (and joy) of school leadership is the unpredictability of leading school communities. So embrace it. 6. Acknowledge when others need a break. At times, your teachers need you to simply acknowledge they are overwhelmed. Perhaps you need to cancel a scheduled meeting to give them some time for other tasks. When it comes to assign tasks, duties, or initiatives, ask yourself what can be “taken off their plate” before “adding more to their plates.” 7. Use free time you are given when you need it. Time is something you will never get back. Use your personal days, vacation days, etc. — and when you are sick, let yourself be sick. When you find moments of freedom (especially vacations), stop working and focus on those other areas and people who deserve your attention. A good friend of mine lost his wife to a rare disease. He told me that their vacations are now some of his fondest memories. In fact, he told me, to protect those times now because you never know when you may not have the opportunity to enjoy them again. 8. Make a calendar and use it flexibly. Use your calendar to prioritize and schedule what matters. This allows you to say “no” to some good but optional requests. And then remember that a calendar is a guide, not a commandment. Remain flexible and accept some events need to be rescheduled, rearranged, or cancelled. 9. Use your team. You have talented team members who can help fill in when you need them, and you can fill in when someone needs you.  10. Consider the ups and downs. As a school leader, one day you’re a hero, the next moment the enemy. This reality check will keep you humble and help you maintain perspective. Just like NBA superstars make mistakes, accountability and hard knocks help us remember our humanity and need for growth.  Let’s Wrap This Up A few weeks ago, I had an eye infection, and my doctor suggested washing my face and eyes with baby soap. When I did, the smell of that soap brought back so many memories of when my children were babies. I sat down and wrote an email to my oldest daughter as way to write down those memories and to reconnect with a relationship that matters. If you want to hear it, you can listen to me read that letter at the end of this week’s podcast. Now It’s Your Turn What is one action you can take today to reconnect with an area of your life that may need attention? Just take five minutes to focus on that area. As you wrap up this semester, remember your school community deserves the kind of respect, attention, and excellence you gave them during the first days of school. And you deserve that kind of treatment too. Stay strong, and thanks for doing what matters! Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook You can automatically receive new posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together! The post PMP153: Maintaining Balance and Focusing on What Matters, Part 2 appeared first on Principal Matters.

We just celebrated Mother’s Day. This time of year is a good reminder that our families play such an important role in our lives outside of school. Photo by Bruno Nascimento – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@bruno_nascimento?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit No matter how many principals I visit, one conversation comes up often: how to maintain balance and stay focused on what matters even while leading a school. Although I think it is naïve to believe you can achieve perfect balance, I do believe you can take time to reflect and focus on important areas of your life – other than just your leadership – that lead to healthier self-growth and stronger care for others. This week, co-host Jen Schwanke and I jump into a conversation on maintaining balance. School leadership is something you do with your heart, not just your mind. When you pour your heart out at school, how can you also have heart left for caring for your family, your health, and other life priorities? The answers are not easy, but just paying attention to your need for self-care is the first step. As you reflect, remember you’re not alone. People in all professions face struggles in keeping healthy priorities, but principals are often like first-responders: managing situations that are often intense and emotionally draining. Consider these 10 tips for self-care we discuss in this week’s podcast episode (next week, we’ll cover even more): 10 Tips for Reflecting on Your Own Self-Care Put family first. Whatever your family looks like, make sure the ones you love don’t only get the “leftovers” of your time and attention. Give them priority with your time and attention because they are the ones who need to be there when work no longer exits.Stay connected to colleagues. Even if you are often working alone as a principal, you can still avoid loneliness but staying connected to others. Find what supports and uplifts you in your work, and take time for that connection. Maybe that means getting out of the office to spend more time in classrooms. Perhaps it’s taking a few minutes to eat lunch with others and stop eating while reading emails. You need others.Exercise. Your body was made to move, not just consume energy-drinks. Yes, staying active is a commitment, but when you take time to exercise, you will actually find more energy, not less, for your work.Drink coffee. Ok, this is my own personal indulgence. Whether it’s tea, coffee, or a smoothie, little rewards are okay and can boost your day and help provide boosts of energy. Plus, my wife tells me I’m a better husband and dad when I’m caffeinated!Find activities outside of school you enjoy. A few weeks ago, I met Principal Ian White at Freeport Intermediate who is building his own paddle board after school. I love podcasting, which is something I did while leading a school because it gave me a creative outlet for sharing about my school’s success. Whatever it is you love to do, find time to enjoy those activities too. Balance technology. Learn to turn off technology and have face-to-face conversations, or go for a walk. Or use technology in a healthy way rather than a way that depletes your energy.Don’t eat like you work in a school. In other words, commit to good nutrition. Yes, your grandmother was correct: healthy food and lots of water makes you feel better.Sleep. It is not weakness to rest. And research has confirmed this. You need good sleep for your overall health and peace-of-mind.Make regularly scheduled sacred time. Whether that is a Sabbath rest, a designated time for something you love, or a vacation-time with your family – protect these sacred times to not do work and recharge your batteries.Give yourself grace. No matter what season you are in, you may feel overwhelmed by the ups and downs of your leadership. So, give yourself a break. Accept you won’t manage life perfectly. So start each day fresh and give yourself the kind of grace you should afford others who are managing lots of responsibilities.  Let’s Wrap This Up For those of you finishing up the school year, this time of year may be the worst time to think about self-care. But as you look at your day, week, and the weeks ahead, remember that taking care of your mental, physical, social, or even spiritual growth will give you more strength for caring for others. In the end, give yourself grace, and keep growing – you deserve good self-care and so do the people whom you serve. Now It’s Your Turn In next week’s podcast episode, Jen and I will touch on several other reminders for protecting your own health. What is one action you can take today to focus on something you love that can help your own self-care? What is a something that brings you joy? Take time today to invest in that part of your life. Stay strong as you wrap up this season of your school year! Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook You can automatically receive new posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together! The post PMP152: Maintaining Balance and Staying Focused on What Matters appeared first on Principal Matters.

Several weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting Norman High School, in Norman, Oklahoma. Photo by Ian Schneider – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@goian?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit Dr. Scott Beck was recently named Oklahoma’s High School Principal of the Year, and I wanted to touch-base with him and tour his school. From the moment I entered the building until I left, I was impressed – not just with Scott’s leadership and connection with students, teachers, and team members, but also at the quality and professionalism of his team. We walked hallways, observed classes, and visited with busy office staff. Office workers, counselors, librarians, teachers, teacher’s aids, and assistant principals – all of these team members were busy serving students, parents or colleagues. Parents were being treated with professionalism. Students were given ownership over their learning in classrooms. And Dr. Beck was demonstrating the same kind of excellence that I saw in his teachers and staff. Why is hiring such an important part of your responsibility as a principal? First and foremost: because the students, teachers, and community members deserve high quality education experiences like the ones Scott’s school enjoys. And secondly: because the people in your school often reflect on your own leadership. Although we cannot judge ourselves by the way others behave, school leaders are responsible for how others behave under their leadership, and hiring plays one of the most crucial roles in the kind of culture and environment a school provides. Part 2 of Hiring & Retaining High Quality Teachers This week, we dive into Part 2 of Hiring & Retaining High Quality Teachers. You can check out Part 1 here. As co-host Jen Schwanke, author and principal, and I share in this week’s podcast episode, there are several important ideas to keep in mind: 3 Tips for Hiring & Retaining Talented Educators Know the difference between talent and skill.  You can teach skill. You can’t teach talent.  Enough said (but you can listen to the podcast episode for more).Value your candidates. The way you treat candidates reflects on your leadership, and you never know when someone may be re-applying for a future position if this one isn’t offered. So remember: Show respect, kindness, and professionalism (Show the same courtesy you’d want to receive.)Remember others are out there talking about the experienceBe open to working your schedule around candidates, not vice-versa.Keep in mind a number-2 candidate may later come back as a number-1. So treat everyone with dignity and respect.When possible, follow-up by phone with every candidate so that even those not chosen feel honored.Showcase your school’s vision, culture, and offerings. This IS a sales job for hiring the most excellent candidates.When the candidate pool is shallow, be creative: visit job fairs, go online, use social media, be open to interviewing remote candidates via video-chats. 3. Once you have hired a quality educator, here are some important tips for keeping them on the team: Check in often (but don’t hover!) – New hires deserve your attention but also the autonomy to learn and make mistakes.Morale/culture – Fostering positivity is an important part of attracting and retaining talent.Support new teachers and watch out for exhaustion, confusion, loneliness.  Give them a break when need.  Remember seasons that come with life – raising children, new marriages, caring for older parents, experiencing a crisis — all these times can be tough seasons, so be supportive.  Create a cadre of friends/colleagues for new hires. Then get out of the way.Provide resources (many teachers leave because they had illusion of what it was like…then they find it was harder/lonely/etc.) Make sure they have the resources they need.Act quickly when there are problems. Following-up shows you are paying attention and care.Teach and model balance. Your teachers don’t need emails from you at 10PM. Model a good work/life balance.Let them go, fly, and succeed. Everyone has a different personalities, gifts, and ideas. Encourage these unique talents.Foster leadership. Allow new hires to develop skills in serving others, and look for potential future school leaders among them too.Provide key responsibility areas or helpful lists of key people, resources, and information so new hires aren’t left to guess where to find help.Tours: Provide a tour of your school to all new hires. Make teachers’ first experiences the foundation for a great introduction to your school and community. Let’s Wrap This Up When I walked Norman High School with Dr. Scott Beck’s school, it was obvious Scott loves his school — I could tell by the way he interacts with teachers and students. It is also obvious that with his many years in the building, he has built a team of others who share and promote similar values for caring for and educating students. Long after he leaves or retires, his future students will continue benefiting from his commitment as well as the dedication of his teachers and staff. The teachers you hire become the legacy of a school. Your students deserve the best, and your work becomes more joyful as you can attract high quality teachers onto your team. You won’t do this perfectly, but the hiring process, the on-boarding process, and how you support them will significantly affect the learning and the legacy of your school. Now It’s Your Turn What are some other suggestions you’d add to the list for hiring and retaining high quality teachers? What is one action you can take today to remind teachers you support their work and value their input? Dr. Scott Beck with his amazing students at Norman High School, Norman, Oklahoma. The post PMP151: Hiring & Retaining High Quality Teachers, Part 2 appeared first on Principal Matters.

Recently, the teachers at Indian Run Elementary, in Dublin, Ohio, organized a “Flash TACO bar” – a spontaneous buffet meal where they shared great food and fun together. Photo by rawpixel – Creative Commons No known copyright restrictions https://unsplash.com/@rawpixel?utm_source=haikudeck&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=api-credit As principal of the school, Jen Schwanke reflects on the joy and creativity of her teachers: they not only love teaching but they also enjoy working together. How do you attract and build strong cultures of educators who find joy in teaching and just being together? In this week’s podcast episode, Jen Schwanke, author of You’re the Principal, Now What! Strategies and Solutions for New School Leaders, and I discuss the importance of hiring high quality teachers. Across the nation, principals are facing teacher shortages. In my state for instance, Oklahoma has felt that burden especially strong. The reasons vary: Whether it’s lower teacher pay in some states or the stress that comes with compliance or class sizes – fewer people are choosing education as a college major and career. This means that more than ever principals also have a competitive field in recruiting and retaining excellent teachers. We first discuss reasons hiring teachers is a huge responsibility, including: The implications of your hires that go on for years and years (decades), either positive or negative How your hires represent your school (beliefs, philosophy, attitude, etc.) Applications & Interviewing Takeaways Next, we talk about some important hiring priorities to keep in mind: Depending on the size of your faculty and staff, your strategies for outreach may vary, but it’s important to determine ahead of time what your application process will look like and ensuring it is easy to understand. This means your district or school website must be updated with easy-to-locate applications. Consider soliciting applications before openings exist. In other words, if you keep general applications available, you may already have applicants available when openings occur. As you have openings, dig through applications and resumes looking for the qualities you want in a candidate. Open up applications inside and outside your district. Spend time on social media investigating possible candidates as you want someone who would be the right fit for working with students. If possible, it is best to interview by committee. Include a small group of teachers, administrators, or counselors so that you have a diverse representation. Clarify roles, and if your district allows you the responsibility, let the ultimate decision be yours. Remain open to changing your mind as your colleagues may have different perspectives from you. Determine what you are looking for, and remind committee members that feelings/emotions are not hiring criteria: “I really like her! She’s so fun!” cannot be the driving-force of whom you hire. Common Missteps to Avoid Hiring is not necessarily about being “right” or “wrong” in your choices, it is about “fit.” As you’re looking for the right fit, keep these pitfalls in mind: Don’t fall for a beautiful resume: just because you see a great resume doesn’t always mean you have a quality candidate. Don’t fall for versed, rote answers: Universities train candidates in how to interview.  Avoid robotics and explore answers for motivation and practice. Don’t use questions you found from the internet: Instead, use nonstandard interview questions–ones that really reflect what you need. Don’t forget to ask “why”: Take time to ask why do you want to be here? Check References Don’t ignore references: This is one of the most important steps to not forget. Who is not on the list? Make sure you contact both who is on the list and if possible, who may not be on the list but should be. Follow-up through phone calls, not an email or survey (these are very common practices common lately but don’t replace the kind of feedback you’ll hear in voice-to-voice conversations). Be very wary of vague answers. (Jen shares one trick she uses when having a hard time recommending some is saying, “Her attendance was good.”) Be careful of your gut. It’s okay to trust your instincts… just so your “gut” contains facts and an unbiased review of all the steps. Let’s Wrap This Up Hold to your standards when it comes to hiring high quality teachers. Remember the goal is to hire someone you would want teaching your own child. At the end of the day, if you can’t find the quality person needed for a position, it may be better to move forward with a substitute than to place the wrong person in a teaching position. Now It’s Your Turn If you’re in a place where the pool of candidates is shallow, this means becoming creative in finding the right candidates: use your social media contacts, advertise in both traditional and non-traditional settings, and use the positive messaging of your school as a way to attract quality candidates. What are the most valuable values and qualities you are looking for in a teaching candidate? How are you including others on your team in selecting and choosing your hires? What are some creative ways to stand out among others in attracting high quality candidates to your school? Next week, we’ll cover Part 2 of this conversation, including more takeaways as well as ways to retain high quality teachers once you’ve hired them. Sign-Up For Free Updates and Ebook When you enter your email address below, you will automatically receive my newest posts and a free Ebook, 8 Hats: Essential Roles for School Leaders. Let’s keep learning together! Subscribe for free weekly updates and receive free e-book! * indicates required Email Address * First Name Last Name (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]=’EMAIL’;ftypes[0]=’email’;fnames[1]=’FNAME’;ftypes[1]=’text’;fnames[2]=’LNAME’;ftypes[2]=’text’;}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Principal Matters–The Book! School leaders are very busy, so each of the twenty-four chapters is designed as a quick-read and followed with take-action questions for follow-up or reflection. If you want practical ideas on understanding your purpose, managing school teams, dealing with challenges, and leading with courage, action, motivation, and teamwork, go HERE to pick up a copy for you or your team. Messaging Matters Harness the power of messaging to create a culture of acknowledgment, respect, and celebration. Written specially for leaders, this title is divided into three parts, helping readers to maximize their role as chief communicators with students, teachers, and parents and community. Each chapter includes suggestions for using digital tools to enhance messaging and ends with reflection questions and practical next steps. The post PMP:150 Hiring High Quality Educators, Part 1 appeared first on Principal Matters.