Starr Sackstein is a secondary educator and school leader in New York. She is the author of several books on education, on topics such as going gradeless, peer feedback, and blogging. This blog is no longer being updated.
Education
Opinion
All "Whys" Need a "How" to Succeed
Leaders need vision, but they also need a plan to keep everything manageable. We need to know who our "why" people are and who our "how" people are so we can better utilize everyone's skill sets for the benefit of the team.
Teaching
Opinion
Weekly Departmental Newsletters Are an Opportunity to Share
The way we communicate with our team matters, and making sure there are regular opportunities to share information that both shows we are listening and trying to support their needs is important.
Student Achievement
Opinion
Should We Be Teaching Optimism?
So tell students to try to compile their own facts and make their own opinions. The idea is the teach children how to think, not what to think, and see if you can intentionally help your students, your children, and yourself be more optimistic.
Professional Development
Opinion
Comfort Is a Killer of Innovation
As a profession, we need to work to innovate, see education as it needs to be now, and stop comparing it to what it was when we were doing it. The stakes are too high.
Teaching
Opinion
All Educators Need to Keep Learning
Learning is addictive. The adrenalin that comes from getting new information to share and try out gets me all kinds of inspired.
Professional Development
Opinion
9 Tips for Making the Most of the Observation Process
Since adult learning is a little more challenging than student learning, we have to let our learners process what they hear in a way that is dignified and works for them.
Education
Opinion
Should Fewer Black Students Receive Special Education Services?
A recent New York Times article states that there is an effort to "delay an Obama-era rule to prevent disproportionate numbers of minority children from becoming funneled into special education classes." Doug Green examines who special education students are and the struggles he faced as a school principal to ensure services for all students who needed them.
Professional Development
Opinion
'Making Learning Whole,' a Review
If you need convincing as to why project-based learning is the way to go, I strongly recommend Making Learning Whole by David Perkins. It's a quick but meaningful read that is accessible.
Reading & Literacy
Opinion
Always Remember to Ignite Imagination When Creating Learning Experiences
Our imaginations are very powerful tools, and there is no reason why we can't allow students, even encourage them, to explore those places of themselves in the learning they do, straight up through college. The bigger we can dream, the better we can make this world.
Professional Development
Opinion
Reflecting and Assessing Progress as a Leader
From #attentive to #commitment, I decided that my biggest responsibility as a leader is to help our team accomplish the goals they set for themselves.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Year in Review: Top Posts for 2018
Check out this year's highlights reel by reading and/or reconnecting with posts that were most widely read in 2018.
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
College Is Only One Option for Kids
Doug Green shares why schools need to pay more attention to vocational education because not every student will be successful in college.
Teaching
Opinion
What I Love Most About Leading Is Working With People
Leadership really does mimic so much of what I love about being in the classroom. There are some different responsibilities that I'm not as fond of, but there were things in the classroom I didn't love either. However, I did find workarounds and loopholes and I suspect, the more time I spend in this role, I will do the same.
Teaching
Opinion
Reconnect With What Matters Every Day
Educators get into education for the right reasons; let's remind each other why we are here and keep pushing to do what is best for our kids and our communities.
It's worth it. We're all worth it.