This question was posed in a webinar I attended last week.

Our team generated a list of 8 permanent changes we’d like to see in schools. And we’re putting them into action. Are you interested in being one of our 5 new partner districts?

The ancient Greeks believed that things happened because of divine interference. Mythology is rich with stories of gods and goddesses that explain everything. This time of year reminds me of the story of Janus, the god of endings and beginnings.

Let me ask you a question: Are you building coaching capacity in your district?

The research from all the leading educational centers in our country confirms that “sit & get” one-size-fits-all professional development will not improve teacher effectiveness. Borrowing from other fields like sports, performing arts, and wellness, we’ve learned that coaching can make a big difference.

What is the connection between inclusion and belonging? I’ve been exploring research and professional publications to clarify how these two terms are related and how they are different.

I’d like to share what I discovered…

She has a structured classroom - what does that mean?

The research evidence is clear that students of all ability levels do better in structured classrooms. On our Inclusion Rounds, we look for two types of structures. These two indicators are often confused, but we separate them to emphasize their differences and different purposes.

What does Labor Day mean to you?

Google says, “The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being.”

For millions of teachers, children and their families, it means heading back to school. That’s been part of my life for 70 years now! How is that possible? Well, I began kindergarten in 1953!

We know that we can achieve more when we work together with others. This is true in our personal lives, it’s true in a business venture, it’s true for students, and it’s true for teachers.

So, what’s the difference between these three C words? When and how can we use each type of working together?

Over the Memorial Day holiday, I couldn’t help thinking of all the teachers who have influenced my life. When we are remembering those who have served their country, what about teachers?

I bet you can name at least one who had a profound influence on you.

I loved childhood visits to my Aunt Lil’s house in upstate New York. There was nothing like waking up to the mouth watering aroma of baking pies. With no kids of her own, she loved creating her specialties when we were in town. Nobody could make gooey apple pies like Aunt Lil.

That’s because - she said with a wink - they had her “secret ingredient.”

As I prepare to interview candidates for our Inclusion Coach positions, I keep thinking about the worth of the experience they bring.

What should we value, I wonder?