So here is a funny story. I became a principal of an kindergarten center and had no idea what or how to use Pinterest, seriously. Initially I took some time to look into this platform as a way to collaborate and gain ideas from others. Teachers Pay Teachers, Pinterest and Social Media have a great … Continue reading Using ABC’s, 123’s and PLC’s.
Leadership doesn’t need to look like someone sitting in their office, nor does it mean you have to have a title to lead. Visible leadership requires a level of authenticity and confidence in who you are and how you lead in life and work everyday. Find opportunities to take the reins on teaching in big … Continue reading Becoming the Visible Leader Your School Needs
Happy (almost) new school year! Following friends on social media lots of people are taking big leaps into new schools, new positions and new grade levels. Jumping back into Middle School from Kindergarten last year proofed challenging, exciting and invigorating and I can only imagine the same for those of you taking a leap and … Continue reading New to K? No Worries.
Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast-Listen HERE! Jessica Cabeen Show Highlights: What it’s like to be a recovering Middle School AP The importance of shadowing students and teachers Jessica’s system for writing a personal note to every single student at the beginning of the year Jessica has no email on her phone … could you? “Leaders … Continue reading Hacking Early Learning with Better Leaders Better Schools.
In the spring every year the conversation comes up among educators, school leaders and families. Do I send my child to school, or keep them back? As an educator you question if a child is ready for the next grade or not. Two years ago I had an opportunity to meet with the Minnesota Commissioner of … Continue reading Red Shirting and Retention. #HackingEarlyLearning
Listen Navigating the systems of preschool and K-12 can be daunting for families. Educators on both sides of this transition can make intentional steps towards alignment, ease of transition, and welcoming families between these critical points of their little lives. Learn Building Relationships and Setting the Stage Before K Creating Meaningful Transitions from PreK-K Bornfreund, L. … Continue reading Hack 10: Move on Up Creating sustainable and successful transitions from PreK through 3rd grade. #HackingEarlyLearning
Listen Just like learning our classrooms, learning in the staff lounge has to look different. Each one of us comes in with different passions, different skill sets and amazing ideas about how best we can continue to serve our students. Finding ways to give teachers a stronger voice and choice in their own learning enhances the … Continue reading Hack 9: Start Leading Professional Development the Way You Want Students to Learn. Encouraging creativity, risk-taking, and innovating professional development. #HackingEarlyLearning
Listen When we frame interactions with families coming from a place of building opportunities to learn from their child’s first teacher we can start having a meaningful conversation with parents. Finding time to build those relationships requires creativity, effort and time to engage with parents in any way possible. Learn All In! Finding Ways to Create … Continue reading Hack 8: Change the conversation with parents. Cultivating strong relationships with all stakeholders. #HackingEarlyLearning
Listen When we are working together, PreK and K-12, in authentic ways-communication, collaboration and high expectations for all students becomes the real focus of everyone’s work. Finding ways to work and learn together and less in isolation from the each other is critical to ensure the transition between the two systems is kid and family-focused … Continue reading Hack 7: Invite Yourself Out and Invite Others In Creating coherence between the worlds of early ed and K-12. #HackingEarlyLearning
Listen When did play became the forbidden four-letter word in school? With academic expectations and standardized testing becoming more and more prioritized at younger and younger ages it is important to be armed with information that address the critical importance of having both high expectations and play in all grades. Learn Play in the ‘New’ First … Continue reading Hack 6: Please Put Play Back In the School Day. Innovating, aligning, and providing time for play and learning. #HackingEarlyLearning
Principal in Balance: Learning to Lead in Work and Life 