Do you feel like you are always in overdrive? Do you find yourself running from meeting to meeting or watching your “to-do” list grow quicker than you can cross things off? Are you having trouble finding time to think about or do those things that reenergize you? Cathy Gassenheimer suggests you consider creating a Bliss Station. “Before you think I’ve lost my mind, keep reading. You might find this to be a helpful tool.”
Behavioral research into the human need to gossip is revealing that “gossip can actually be thought of not as a character flaw, but as a highly evolved social skill.” A lot of gossip is positive and serves to strengthen group bonds and affirm helpful behaviors. But Cathy Gassenheimer still has some reservations. Read her “unscientific” tips to improve gossip-related communication.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that more than 13% of adolescents in the United States aged 12 to 17 have had at least one major depressive episode. That’s a startling statistic of interest and concern to professional educators. Addressing teen anxiety and other related needs is the topic of May’s Educational Leadership magazine. Cathy Gassenheimer highlights several articles in this “must-read issue.”
It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and who can better appreciate educators than their own students? We invited some Instructional Partners across our ABPC networks to gather testimonies from kids in their schools about their favorite teachers.
The next time you feel stuck, think about these five aspects of design-inspired leadership. They just might inspire you to move from chronic indecision to actions that make your school or district even better. Cathy Gassenheimer shares another little treasure from her recent spring cleaning.
Early in April, Cathy Gassenheimer had an “amazing opportunity to learn more about coaching—and be coached.” Her experience took place in Kansas at a Leadership Coaching Institute led by Jim Knight, John Campbell, and Christian van Nieuwerburgh. “At the end of three days, I left with new ideas, new colleagues, and a fresh perspective on coaching.”
The March issue of Educational Leadership focused on the power of instructional leadership, notes Cathy Gassenheimer, “and editor Anthony Rebora did a masterful job pulling together the thoughts and ideas of an impressive group of educators ranging from Mike Schmoker to Pete Hall, Douglas Fisher, and others.” Read about and find links to some of Cathy’s favorites.
Educators participating in last week’s Key Leaders Network (South) at Pike Road Elementary took time to hear from fourth grade learners about their projects and real-world applications of learning. Cathy Gassenheimer shares some highlights, photos, and a great PDF showcasing student work. Videos included!
It is time for all of us who support Alabama public schools to do what it takes to make effective writing instruction an essential in every grade, writes Cathy Gassenheimer. “Imagine how empowered our students will be if they leave school with the ability to write effectively, both in their work and in their personal lives.”
Life at the Alabama Best Practices Center is often action-packed, and the third week of February was no exception! Take a photo tour with Cathy Gassenheimer as she spends Tuesday and Wednesday facilitating Instructional Rounds in Oxford City Schools and Thursday at the Elementary wrap-up session for this year’s Powerful Conversations Network.