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 This blog is no longer being updated.
Teaching
Opinion
Go Beyond Empathy by Being Compassionate
As we build more authentic learning environments, we must all seek to be compassionate toward those we work with. A warm smile and a positive attitude go a long way and it is our duty during the school day to ensure that all people feel safe and have what they need to be successful.
Teaching
Opinion
The Start of Year Two as a New Leader: The Training Wheels Are Officially Off
Last year I worried about every decision I made, reaching out to someone before I decisively made any movement - at least at the beginning. This year, I am clear on what we are doing and I'm sending a focused message to all I speak with and I look forward to our first department meeting where we can start to zero in on the work.
Teaching
Opinion
Twas the Day Before a New School Year
So as I "enjoy" the butterflies that are starting to flutter, I take a deep meditative breath as I jump into a new school year with my eyes, my heart, and my mind wide open knowing that this will be the best year ever.
Education
Opinion
It's Okay to Let Go of Old Stuff
Understandably, educators are always planning for the worst case scenarios, but sometimes, it is both necessary and important to let go of materials, lesson plans, supplies that no longer suit the job we are doing. It can also be a great opportunity to share those resources with other teachers who may use what is no longer useful to us for the benefit of all kids.
School & District Management
Opinion
Unequal Comparisons in Education Grind My Gears
We have to do a better job as a profession to assess students in meaningful ways and then find ways to share that data. The standards surely help us know the skills we are trying to teach, but we are also trying to raise young men and women to become functioning members of society, good people who will have to perform in a variety of different ways to be successful depending on their given career paths.
Why don't we agree that students shouldn't be tested in this way because it is easier? Shouldn't we find a more effective and equitable way of determining student learning and school success rates? Isn't it time for us to acknowledge that we hurt kids by testing them too much and that testing is actually robbing students of effective and meaninful opportunities for engaging learning?
Teaching
Opinion
Exciting Preparations for a New School Year
Instead of a plan book, I have a calendar and a to-do list that will help inform the first month of school. This upcoming week we have preplanning meetings and administrative check-ins. I'll eagerly listen and participate so that I can make sure our team gets what it needs.
Professional Development
Opinion
Lead With an Open Heart
Ultimately, as leaders, we have a big job of helping adults help children while promoting an atmosphere that embraces change, failure, and growth for the greater successes that come from them all.
Teaching
Opinion
Struggling With Depression and the Expectation of Positivity
I'm selfishly hoping that by sharing my struggles right now, I will feel better for writing about them and also have folks who I know can understand, despite how lonely and alone I feel when I go through it.
Teaching
Opinion
Learning Through My Own Mental Models and Organizational Frames
Throughout my leadership coursework, I've been asked to reflect on a number of different things.
Teaching
Opinion
Competing Values in Education Make Real Transformation Challenging
As I continue to grow in my new position, I'm learning the value of building the relationships and trying to understand what different stakeholders want and need so that I can better communicate what we need to do in a way they can hear it. Although I may not be able to challenge state assessments yet in NY, I know that there are alternative pathways and assessments for some students and I also know that there are schools exempted from the state tests.
Teaching
Opinion
Trust Is the Beginning of Everything
Being new is never easy, but it does have its benefits. Learning to trust takes time and forgiveness and a willingness to bounce back and try again, maybe just in a different way. We can't give up on each other, that's no way to grow.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Writing a Flexible Curricular Map to Ensure Student Voice is Heard
Learning is deeply personal and engaging when done right, and every school can be developing lifelong learners by setting up expectations that involve student and teacher participation.