If you are ready to reflect on the role you play in impacting the culture & climate in your school, this podcast is for you! Join me as I take you back to the interview chair to remind you of why you wanted to become an educator. Listen at
#ThoughtForTheDay
Imagine a school where kids are walking down the hallway & every adult is doing their best to interact w/every one of them because they see every kid as their kid. Now ask yourself, “Is this your school?” Every student. Every Day. Whatever it Takes.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Never stop being positive because of negative people.
Never stop being excellent because of average people.
Never stop being a believer because of the doubters.
And watch how your life starts changing...for the better.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Students who struggle in school will at times try & give us the impression they don’t care. On the contrary, what they are saying is they lack the skills &/or confidence to be successful. No S wants to fail. Every S needs at least one champion...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
We may not get to choose our class rosters or which students walk into our schools, but as the adults we do get to decide the kind of climate & culture we want to serve them in.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
On days when you are supervising students, try to avoid defining it as hallway duty, lunchroom duty, playground duty or bus duty. Instead, begin to see all of these as relationship opportunities. Shift your thinking from duties to opportunities...via
#Culturize
Thought for the day: We need to stop saying educators hate change. Not true for most. They hate not having support, resources, & most importantly, time! Provide these three things & you'll see most will embrace it.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
It’s a disservice to our teachers when we say they don’t like change or they fear change. What they fear is that we won’t give them the support, resources & TIME to change. Provide these things & watch them flourish...via
#Culturize
Thought for the day: The more deposits that we make throughout the school day in terms of smiling, greeting, listening & talking to students & staff the more likelihood of a positive return on our investment....via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
As schools begin to lay out plans for the fall be mindful of where & w/whom you share your frustrations. Kids don’t need to hear adults complaining about the decisions being made & when kids complain let’s model what it means 2 be the voice of reason.
#Culturize
Thought for the day: Talking negatively about your students, parents, colleagues, & admin actually says more about you than the people you are speaking negatively about. Start today to carry the banner for those whom you serve....via
#Culturize
Let’s remember that just because a parent(s) doesn’t come to school 4 events, conferences, etc. it doesn’t mean they aren’t invested in their child’s education or don’t care.
#satchat
#ThoughtForTheDay
Don’t mistake culture as only being about donuts & jeans day. That may help climate in the short term but culture is about long term. It’s about relationships, the way we treat one another, taking risks w/o repercussion, loving kids & so much more.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Try to avoid addressing matters of concern to an entire class or faculty when only a few are not meeting the expectations you’ve set forth. Your best students & staff will resent it. Always address violators individually.
#Culturize
#LiveYourExcellence
#ThoughtForTheDay
Let’s continue to send positive thoughts to alll educators during this difficult time, but especially our principals and superintendents who are navigating challlenges very few have ever encountered. They too need a champion right now.
#LiveYourExcellence
Think about ending conversations when dealing w/student discipline issues w/these two questions...
Do you think I treated you fairly?
Do you think I care about you?
#CFISDPrinchat
#ThoughtForTheDay
Interesting how we as educators can start feeling stressed in July about the start of school. We have to let go of that feeling. We should never feel guilty about “getting away” & taking care of us. There will always be more work to do.
#Culturize
#FamilyFirst
#ThoughtForTheDay
The best teachers don’t always teach to the lesson plan. They see the moments when they need to stop & step aside & teach manners, respect, kindness, patience, forgiveness, or how to show appreciation for others.Simply put, they teach life & model it.
#Culturize
I consider myself a very positive person, but my heart is heavy right now for educators everywhere who are doing their best to keep it together, our kids who worry & wonder if we will ever get back to normal & parents who truly fear for their kids safety. My thoughts are w/you.
Thought for the day: There is no shame in admitting you don't know how to do something. Don't be disingenuous & try to fake your way through something. You will gain more credibility by simply admitting that you don't know. Model what it means to be a learner...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
“We should never define a student by the mistakes they have made in the past. We should look at these mistakes as life lessons, not a life sentence.” Anonymous
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Always impressed w/principals who greet their students at the door as they enter school. Even more w/those who do this every day of the school year. I wonder the cultural impact if every staff member was able to be part of a rotation to do the same?
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Too often educators sacrifice their own health due to the nature of the job, failing to exercise regularly, eating poorly and sacrificing sleep in order to get the “job done.” Taking care of you first is not being selfish.
#LiveYourExellence
Friday, March 13th, schools across the country were closed or told they would not be retuning to school on Monday. Today, Friday, November 13th, school officials everywhere fear we may be headed in that direction again. My heart goes out to the kids, families & staff. 🙏
#ThoughtForTheDay
Have you ever reached a point w/a student that their behavior made you angry & then you learned their story & it broke your heart? For me it served as a reminder to pause, listen & not take a student's response personally....or an adults either.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
What other profession besides teaching do we know that can do 12 months of work in 9 months? Teachers shouldn’t feel guilty for the breaks they get during the holidays/summer months. They need this time away to recharge so they can be at their best...
#Culturize
Thought for the day: "You don't need a patch, badge, title or a nameplate on your desk to be considered a leader. It's the way you conduct yourself every day that allows you the privilege of leadership in whatever position you hold"....via
#Culturize
Thought for the day: School offices must serve as sanctuaries where S's, parents & staff are served in a manner that leaves them feeling like they're the most important person in these moments of interaction. We must see ourselves as Directors of 1st Impressions...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
There is no teacher prep program, no principal endorsement that can prepare you to deal w/the challenges that you are facing today. Somedays all u can do is open your heart & say to students & colleagues I care about u & I’m here for you.
#LiveYourExcellence
Thought for the day: Calling all educators. You don't need a title to lead...just lead. Supt's & principals cannot successfully lead a district/school alone. They need everyone's support. Ask yourself, "In what ways can I lead that helps the greater good?"...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
As students return to school this August to positive comments, cheers, high fives & “we are so glad to see you” greetings, let’s remember to strive to make each month throughout the school year as positive as August....
#via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
When a student misbehaves at school shift your mindset & say to yourself...”Here is an opportunity to build a stronger relationship w/a student I never had before”...via
#Culturize
No student wants to fail. No teacher wants to struggle. No administrator wants to let others down. But it happens. Hence, why everyone needs a champion; someone to believe in us, someone to remind us that we can do this.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
There is no teacher prep program, no principal endorsement that can prepare you to deal w/some of the challenges & hardships that’s kids bring into our schools. Somedays all we can do is open our hearts & say we care about you &are here for you...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Leadership is defined not by how we respond when we know what to do, but rather how we respond & behave when we don’t know what to do. Effective leaders bring a sense of assurance to the unknown & give us confidence that all will be fine.
#LiveYourExcellence
Thought for the day: No matter how many team building activities you do or how many facilitators you bring in to help your organizations members gel as a team, the results won’t be there unless our leaders model what it means to be part of a team... via
#Culturize
Change isn't scary. NOT changing is scary. Becoming irrelevant is scary! Being in the same place a year from today is scary. We must remove that word from our teacher vocabulary.
#3rdchat
#Culturize
Thought for the day:
1. Focus on what S's are doing rather than what they aren't doing
2. Kids who frustrate us the most are the ones who need us the most
3. Believe all kids are good even when they don't believe it themselves
Be the catalyst that sparks a change..via
#Culturize
Thought for the day: Being a champion for all kids means just that. ALL kids. But you know who also needs a champion? That’s right. Our teachers & principals & ALL staff who work with kids....via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Labeling some staff as model teachers, rock stars, etc. can work against us. After all, what message does that send to the rest of our team. Let’s expect every teacher to be a model teacher & elevate & support all staff to rock star status....via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
When we give up on a student out of frustration, anger or because their behavior convinces us they don’t care, we give up our power to influence them in a positive way. When we don’t believe we can, rest assured we won’t....via
#culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
For schools considering a recorded graduation this yr. what if we gave all seniors a voice & allowed them to submit a recorded 30-60 sec message to their class? What a positive tribute it would be for a year that may end in disappointment for so many.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Often times schools in the same district spend too much time trying to out perform & outdo each other. Still one of my biggest regrets as P. If I ever get the chance for a redo, I plan to make sure I do whatever I can to lift the other schools up.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
I wonder if it’s time to go away from “sick days” & allow edu’s to have personal days w/o explanation? Part of being treated like a professional is respecting when we need a mental health day(s) to regroup to be better for our students & colleagues.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Confident people get their happiness from within. They don’t allow others to dictate their mood, attitude, or belief of what can or cannot be accomplished. They set a personal goal & then become a living example of what it takes to accomplish it..via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
The next time we hold a staff meeting we should ask ourselves this Q. Did the meeting inspire everyone gathered to be more excited about serving in the school & students after the mtg. than they were before? If not, hit refresh button...via
#StopRightNow39
Thought for the day: It is our people, not our programs, that make the biggest difference in schools. School staff is the most important variable impacting student success...via
#StartRightNow
Thought for the day: The world is filled with nice people. If you can’t find one, be one. Remember, it’s better to kind than it is to be right....via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Makes me sad when I hear educators say they avoid the teachers lounge b/c of the negativity or b/c of how they feel when they leave. Makes me wonder if that’s why some kids avoid class/ school as well. We are responsible 4 the climate we create...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
People tend to gravitate towards those who give them energy, give them hope, & leave every interaction with them feeling inspired & believing they can accomplish anything. Strive to be that giver today!
#Culturize
#LiveYourExcellence
#ThoughtForTheDay
When working with students who are escalated it is important to remember that they often respond to our response. The calmer we are the calmer they will become, the safer they will feel. As the adults we should not be escalating the situation.
#Culturize
Thought for the day. Don’t let anyone take away your excellence. The world is full of awfulizers. Rise above and stay the course. The world needs your brilliance...via
#Culturize
#npc18
#nassp18
Thought for the day: Be kind in your intentions and you will find joy in your journey. Whatever your passion, whatever your purpose, the way you treat others is an essential component to your own personal happiness...via
#Culturize
Thought for the day: Throughout my career I have found that the most effective educators are not the ones who know the most but the ones who care the most...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
The next time we get frustrated at a student who is texting in class during a lesson, just look around at the adults in a PD session. The issue is not the phones. It’s us.
#LiveYourExcellence
I’m always intrigued by how educators are consumed w/guilt b/c they can’t be everything to everybody. It’s okay to say no to some things & not feel guilty. Give yourself permission.
#waledchat
Thought for the day: Commit this school year to give every student & every staff member these two gifts...the gift of confidence & the gift of time. Both are precious commodities...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
As principals, if we are going to expect teachers to create an experience for students in the classroom for kids that get them excited about learning & wanting to come back for more, then we must do the same in our faculty meetings for staff...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
3 responses we as educators need to put to rest.
1. That’s the way we’ve always done it.
2. We tried that before.
3. I don’t need your help.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Never apologize for making the decision to become a principal. Leaving the classroom is never an easy decision, especially for those who love kids. However, we need to continue to encourage some of our best people to go into school administration.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
If we expect teachers to be responsible for the success of all students, then we as admin need to be responsible for the success of all staff. No student or staff wants to fail. Let’s not just tell them we care, let’s show them...via
#Culturize
#ACSASummit
Thought for the day: Students are the most important people entering our schools. They are not an interruption to our work; they are the purpose of it...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Yesterday I watched a principal sit down w/a child who was struggling to get through the day & was able to connect with him in a way his teacher couldn’t & get him back on task. Watching him made me miss being a principal. Principals teach too.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Early on in my career as a principal I often allowed some staff to underperform & then complained to others about it. As I matured & evolved in my role as a school leader I realized that I too was underperforming...in my role as principal.
#Culturize
#bebetter
#ThoughtForTheDay
There’s not a single one of us who is as good a person as sometimes we are portrayed, especially on SM. We are all a work in progress. We all have our good days, bad days, proud moments & not so proud moments. All we can do is commit to being better.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Picture yourself sitting at the interview table answering this Q - “How would you respond to a student who regularly fails to bring materials to class?” Now picture yourself in the classroom after you’ve been hired. Do you still respond the same way?
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Differentiate for staff like we do for S’s – especially when it comes to professional development, evaluations, feedback and/or growth plans. As a profession, we shouldn’t expect all staff to meet the same standards at the same level at the same time.
#Culturize
A3: As admin, we need 2 remember that sending numerous emails late in the PM or on weekends can create undue stress on your team/staff. They feel obligated to respond & takes away from family time. Also send message of having to work 24/7. Learn from my mistakes.
#culturizenps
#ThoughtForTheDay
If teachers seem uncomfortable when administrators do walk throughs, then something isn’t right. When admin & teachers discuss the purpose, outcomes, & learning goals together, they create a healthier, more supportive culture for students & staff.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Educators need breaks from teaching just as much as students need breaks from learning. Both need time to “play”, socialize, move, re-energize, & reduce stress.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Don’t be the lid. When a student or staff member approaches you w/an idea, let’s make sure they walk away more excited about that idea than when they approached you. Can’t encourage others to take risks & then be the lid & send mixed messages...via
#Culturize
Thought for the day: The finest educators consider it professional malpractice to not change when they learn new and better ways of doing their work. We must be the change our kids and schools deserve...via
#StartRightNow
I’m convinced that competition among schools in the same district often does more damage than good. The healthiest school cultures instead support one another by sharing ideas & resources, carrying each other’s banner, & focusing on being better versions of themselves.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
“When a toxic person can no longer control you, they will try to control how others see you. The misinformation will feel unfair, but stay above it, trusting other people will eventually see the truth, just like you did.” - Unknown.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
One thing excellent educators know about themselves is that they will never know it all. They recognize they are a work in progress, always evolving, always learning...via
#StartRightNow
#ThoughtForTheDay
The start of school is right around the corner. As Rita Pierson would say, “Every kid needs a champion.” So does every educator & adult who works in a school or district.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Stress is known as the silent killer. Take care of YOU by giving yourself at least 2% of the day. This is roughly 30 minutes a day to do some sort of physical activity. It is not selfish. We cannot keep giving & giving & not take care of ourselves.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
If we want students to feel significant, then we must focus on building a significant relationship. Are students walking out of class/school feeling better than they did before they walked in? Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Go 24 hours without complaining and watch how your life slowly starts changing. Don’t let one bad moment define your entire day. Flip your thinking & instead allow a positive moment to define your day. Be grateful for those moments via...
#Culturize
Thought for the day: See your school’s culture not through your eyes, but through the eyes of your students, staff & parents. When you change your perspective, you can change lives...via
#Culturize
My hero! Proud of my oldest daughter
@mirayacasas
Love you hon. Sending gratitude & 🙏 to all Healthcare workers across the country. They are all heroes. Stay safe!
#LiveYourExcellence
#ThoughtForTheDay
Effective T's have high standards for all kids every day. They do not make excuses based on race, socio-economic class, environment or poor parenting. They believe in all kids all of the time, & more importantly, love them as tho they were their own.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Don't be the lid. When a student or staff member comes to you w/an idea, let's make sure they walk away more excited about their idea than they were before they presented it to you....via
#Culturize
Beleive in them!
#ThoughtForTheDay
As principals, we should avoid global messages about staff behavior. Staff don't deserve universal addresses. The same holds true for teachers when it comes to addressing students. We need to deal with the offenders, not the entire group.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Don’t let negative people live rent free in your head. Jealousy is still the root of most evil. Don’t let the awfulizers ever take away your excellence.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Imagine a school where every student is welcomed w/open arms & when they walk into the school/classroom a staff member is there to greet them & say, “It’s so great to see you today!” Now ask yourself, “Is this your school?” Every student. Every Day.
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Don't get sucked into the minutia of the daily grind & fall into the trap of dealing w/trivial things that drain your energy & overfill your cup. Empty your cup, shift your focus & refill your cup by reaching out & helping others...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
The moments when kids want to quit are the moments they need us the most. Every kid has a story. So does every adult. Let’s be intentional in listening to those stories that may change the course of a life, including yours.
#Culturize
#TalkToMe
#LearningFirst
#ThoughtForTheDay
Strive to be a champion for all kids. Not just the ones who are likable & want help but also the ones who might resist your efforts. Believe with unwavering hope & faith that you can be a model to inspire others to do the same for all students...via
#Culturize
#ThoughtForTheDay
Leadership teams should not be decided by a “pecking” order or by default. It should not matter their position or number of years they’ve been in a school. Leadership comes from talent, passion, heart, authenticity to serve, not seniority...via
#StopRightNow39
Thought for the day: You don’t need to wait for others to change in order to be the change our kids & staff deserve. Don’t become paralyzed because others are not doing what needs to be done.
#Culturize