Would you like to start a run with a little simplicity and focus? Need to head out with clarity of purpose that helps you be laser focused? Time to use a phrase to inspire your run. And there’s a pretty basic way to do it. One phrase. Your mantra. A mantra is a phrase or a singular word that adds belief and power to get you through discomfort, pain, or even boredom while running. Think of phrases that make you feel strong and focused. Maybe it’s a verse from a song. Maybe it’

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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