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.
A recent post at the Corwin Connect blog celebrates the 10th anniversary of John Hattie’s Visible Learning, a groundbreaking study of “what works” in teaching and learning. Cathy Gassenheimer shares some highlights and urges practitioners who are working with Hattie’s research to read this important article.
Every once in a while, it’s good to pick up an “oldie but goody” book to reread. That’s what Cathy Gassenheimer did recently after someone mentioned Michael Fullan’s Six Secrets of Change. It focuses on moral purpose in organizations and how being intentional as we engage with others in meaningful and humble ways results in effective leadership and lasting improvement.
At the 2018 Learning Forward conference, leadership giant Meg Wheatley brought a mixed message to education leaders. American society faces very difficult times in the years ahead as systems teeter and begin to collapse. Yet, by claiming our leadership, we can create islands of hope and opportunities for transformation. Cathy Gassenheimer explains.
ABPC’s Cathy Gassenheimer interviews Birmingham native Mark Dixon about his new role as President of the A+ Education Partnership. “I want educators to know that A+ is in your corner. We want to see a quality teacher in every classroom for every child and a quality principal leading every school, and we want to work with you to make that happen.”
You might share the feeling that curiosity is not encouraged enough in our schools and among our children generally. And it’s not just a feeling – there’s research. A 2018 report from Gallup looked at several decades of data and found that students’ “youthful zest for discovery” dims a bit more with each school year. What can we do to keep the fires of curiosity burning from kindergarten to graduation?