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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Feb 19, 2018
- 1 min
Kids Today - A Little More on the Tech Front
Students are coming to school, armed with the latest and greatest in technology. But...not all students have access. And based on what research is now sharing about the dependence and even addiction for some, it makes you wonder how life was for students back about 20 years ago. Remember the old Commodore? Check out what happens when today's students are introduced to technology from the past. Students love their technology. But will they love the tech we were raised on back
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Feb 5, 2018
- 1 min
Students Know Right from Wrong
Had the opportunity to happen upon a middle school classroom last week, presentations under way so I thought I'd stay. And am I glad I did. The students had been grouped into subgroups of about 4-5 students. Their task? Create a new country of your choosing with a myriad or rules intended to govern. What I loved about this particular group was their focus on the Presidency. Analysis, they explained, would focus on deep scrutiny of their past, including social media postings.
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Feb 15, 2016
- 1 min
An Activist for a Better World
Having recently read and blogged about John Maxwell's newest publication, Intentional Living, I'm even firmer in my commitment to the concept of making a difference. Yet, I've put a bit of a twist on it. It's more than just wanting to make a difference in the world but focuses on being a leader who makes a difference. Maxwell's book focuses on four main concepts: - want to make a difference - do something that makes a difference - with people who want to make a difference - a
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Feb 10, 2016
- 1 min
We All Get "Stuck" - Tips to Get "UNstuck"
Let's face it. We all get stuck. We're human. Challenges get us down. Criticism gets us down. Experiences with mistrust get us down too. Alison Ledgerwood, a psychologist from the University of California, Davis, let's us know how people think...so we can begin to see how getting stuck is real and what steps we can take to get unstuck. What I took away from this video was how to harness our own positive thinking and the relationships with those around us to get beyond our per
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Oct 1, 2015
- 2 min
Out & About - Making Classroom Time a Priority
Ever heard of management by walking around? This is a well-worn strategy used by teachers to monitor and mold student behavior in the classroom. And it works for adults too. One of my favorite parts of being a superintendent, particularly in a small district, is spending time walking around and observing students in classes. The sitting in my office responding to emails, prepping for meetings, and doing paperwork just doesn't hold a light to observing the magic that great tea
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Sep 22, 2015
- 2 min
Time to Invest in You!
Chances are good that you're surrounded by others at work (and in life) who believe in your abilities, your leadership and the special and unique qualities that make you you. But do you believe in you? Let's face it. If we don't believe in ourselves and the skills we bring to the table, it's doubtful that, in the long run, others will either. But how to we believe and truly invest in ourselves? Develop Yourself Is there something you've wanted to learn? Is mentoring available
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Sep 14, 2015
- 1 min
Why Should Anyone Be Led By You?
I've learned over the years that working in public education is a passion. Too many have tried it and realized they really weren't in tune with the work - it wasn't a passion. They didn't have the fire in their belly that pushed them out of bed each morning and off to face the kids, both young and small. And those in public education who are in the classroom generally become those who do the leading. But do you ever wonder why teachers move up into leadership roles? Why are t
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Sep 1, 2015
- 2 min
Are You a Multiplier?
I've followed the work of Liz Wiseman for years. Her efforts around building teams and people is well know in the education ranks here in California. From multiplying the skills and energy of those around us to thinking like a rookie, being a leader who focuses his or her teams on supporting smart strategies is a great way to get more out of the employees that we have. Our Cabinet (administrators who supervise others) in the Portola Valley School District is focusing the firs
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Aug 22, 2015
- 2 min
Do You Give Effective Feedback?
Feedback goes beyond evaluations. Do you take the time to give regular feedback to your employees? Maybe it’s a good time for a “New Year’s Resolution” since a new school year is upon us. As leader, we can all help our team members, at all levels in the organization, to be more successfully and meaningfully connected with feedback…not to mention an areas that has the greatest potential for personal improvement. Furthermore, a lack of feedback or recognition is one of the top
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Jul 31, 2015
- 2 min
It All Starts with Servant Leadership
I often think back to my Master's Program at San Jose State University, surrounded by classmates who are now steadfast friends and colleagues for life. One of those first classes we encountered was that entry level "Ed Leadership 101" type of course. For those of you in education, I'm sure you know the course....the basics of leadership that includes the question - What is your leadership style? At the time I wasn't so sure what my style was. I frequently likened myself to a
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Jul 22, 2015
- 2 min
Glass Cliffs
As a female leader, I've become well versed in the glass ceiling concept. Heck, I've lived it. The barriers for women to move up in organizations are not just perceived. The data speaks for itself. Just take a look at the gender pay gap. The simple truth? Even though we've talked about it for years, the pay gap has not budged in a decade. 2013 data shows that in a comparison of full-time, year round workers, women earn 78 cents on the dollar to men. In some states, that diffe
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- Jul 11, 2015
- 2 min
Why I Lead - the Heart of the Matter
I love it when parents ask..."how is your summer" or "how is your vacation"...I just have to laugh. What summer? What vacation? An administrator's work is never done. But I'm not complaining. I love what I do. At the heart of my work, I'm a learner. Each and every day. I liken my job to my first year of teaching. New starts. Exciting opportunities. Challenges abound, yet with a role in leadership, it is often working with others to explore solutions and work through them as a
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Dr. Lisa Gonzales
- May 21, 2015
- 2 min
A New Take on Mission Statements
When I arrived in the Portola Valley School District almost two years ago, I inherited a mission statement, collaboratively created some years ago. It isn’t particularly flashy, just a typical mission statement that lives on the landing page of our website: The Portola Valley School District provides an excellent education for all students. Capitalizing upon our unique partnership among teachers, support staff, parents, and community, we create powerful learning opportunities
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