Without a doubt, this was our best “first meeting” with new Key Leaders Network members ever, writes ABPC leader Cathy Gassenheimer. These educators were really open to our process and they engaged deeply throughout the day, with support from our more “veteran” participants. School and system leaders are hungry to talk about their challenges and dreams with colleagues who “really get it.”
Reading is really about accessing knowledge and expanding our understanding. Whether it’s to gather facts and information – or insights into the human condition and our relationship with the world – reading continues to be the most important skill of all. Cathy Gassenheimer shares some thoughts about why and how we can read more!
It’s back-to-school time! Educators at every level are contemplating the upcoming year and how they can best serve the children in their care. As we move forward through a strong school opening, Cathy Gassenheimer hopes powerful teamwork and “collective efficacy” will be on everyone’s mind.
Just like other professionals, instructional coaches benefit from supports specifically designed around their work, including a collegial learning community. Cathy Gassenheimer points to new research from the Dynamic Learning Project on the elements of effective coaching programs that result in transformational teaching.
The Alabama Best Practices Center is growing! We’ve heard from many schools eager to engage their educators in interactive, relevant professional learning and networking. To meet the increasing demand we’re adding more regional networks, more participating districts, and training new facilitators. ABPC Executive Vice President Cathy Gassenheimer shares highlights.
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.