Last year when writing Hacking Early Learning I had been spending a lot of time in classrooms. Coming from years at the secondary level, kindergarten students and staff almost spoke a different language than I did. Seriously, I had no idea what a Riso Machine was for the first 3 months on the job (and honestly 6 … Continue reading Leading from your feet, not your seat…take two.
I admit transitioning from a kindergarten center to a 7th and 8th grade campus has kept me on my toes as a leader. My predictable elementary minded routine has been disrupted with the joy of 750 teenagers. The biggest adjustment for me thus far is the season between Thanksgiving and Winter Break. In my old … Continue reading ‘Tis the Season to Believe
People-it is November, the pace of the race of the year is picking up. While seasons are changing and special events are ramping up-this is the time when our self-care can fall completely off our radar. While giving a keynote with the COSA PreK-3 Early Learning Conference we as educators took the time to really … Continue reading Dream Big-Live Colorfully-Lead Boldly
Tomorrow is our last day of school, and my last day of kindergarten. First Day of Kindergarten-September 2012 After six incredible years of listening, learning and leading I am graduating from Woodson Kindergarten Center. Starting July 2nd I will be starting a new role in a familiar school-as the Principal of Ellis Middle School. While … Continue reading A Change in Course.
My professional challenge started on November 14th, 2017 in the Red Bunny room. Armed with extensive lesson plans, and a nervousness I haven’t had in years, I walked into a classroom of 25 students ready to teach for an entire day. This challenge was completed on March 22, 2018 in the Blue Chipmunk room. During … Continue reading Reflections from 13 days of Teaching Kindergarten. #HackingEarlyLearning
Happy (Early) New Year! As you are wrapping up the last few days of 2017, taking in those last hugs, smiles, high fives and waves for a few days we (Lindsy, Eric, Jessica, Andy, Todd and Nick) wanted to challenge ourselves-and our PLN-to think about how to ring in 2018 when everyone returns. This post … Continue reading 20 ‘18’ ways to start the New Year.
Two weeks ago I ran the California International Marathon with my very dear friend Adam Welcome. Marathon weekend was an incredible experience that created memories I will never forget. Since I have come back home I have been asked what my favorite part of the race was…my answer the training. While the actual race took under … Continue reading Finding joy in the journey, not just the final outcome.
At mile three of eight on the 10th week of marathon training it happened. Something pulled, popped, or went out of place in my right leg so bad I had to call for a ride home. I was frustrated, disappointed, and discouraged. In the moment I thought my marathon training was over, I thought about quitting, … Continue reading Failing isn’t a final destination.
An honor to speak with Dr. Bill Ziegler at the National Principal Conference during the summer of 2017. Continue reading Lead the Way with Dr. Bill Ziegler
http://betterleadersbetterschools.com/jessica-cabeen/ Jessica Cabeen has been a Kindergarten Principal in Austin Minnesota for the past 5 years. Previous to this she was an assistant middle school principal and special education supervisor. Her teaching career included work in special education and as a music therapist. She facilitates the Minnesota P3 Principal Leadership series as well the Principal Academy through the … Continue reading Unconventional Leadership: Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast.
Principal in Balance: Learning to Lead in Work and Life 