tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.comments2018-04-26T21:48:20.402-04:00The Oz BuzzNatalie Osborne Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14701681433314836684noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-54101194601019040062018-04-26T21:48:20.402-04:002018-04-26T21:48:20.402-04:00Natalie,
You are such a powerful advocate for our...Natalie,<br /><br />You are such a powerful advocate for our profession, and your pledge to focus on the positive most certainly provides another layer of support for teachers (1.1, 1.2). Your positive outlook is an inspiration to me also, especially when it seems that we are “in the weeds.” I am excited to hear about the success of the teachers and students impacted by your CRA work as well. Being able to use student achievement data in making instructional decisions is one of your strengths (4.0), and I know that your support of these teachers in this effort has been invaluable. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-75371080875803246242018-04-23T22:25:06.366-04:002018-04-23T22:25:06.366-04:004.2 Ensure continual improvement for students, te...<br />4.2 Ensure continual improvement for students, teachers, and the organization<br />You may feel like students haven't moved as quickly as you'd like, but you are keeping your eye on ALL the data, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate how they've grown. <br />10.1 Motivates and encourages others to achieve strategic goals<br />I also really appreciate the fact that your teachers are committed to this work, which is due in no small measure to your support.<br /><br />The reflective practice of this blog demonstrates how committed you are, too, to your own growth. You clearly work diligently to support both students and teachers.<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18197799188395434808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-39341037401428175542018-04-10T22:02:49.442-04:002018-04-10T22:02:49.442-04:00Natalie,
I appreciate the differences that you pr...Natalie,<br /><br />I appreciate the differences that you present between commitments and promises (especially those regarding words versus actions), as well as your ability to reflect on how your practices can best impact teachers and students (8.2). Your connection to your core values is also powerful as it demonstrates your ability to focus on resilience, through noticing and responding in love, during such a stressful time of year (2.0). You continue to be a model of perseverance for our leadership team and our teachers (9.2). I am fortunate to be learning alongside you and look forward to joining you in the implementation of the challenge!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-41675713636896002152018-04-10T22:01:26.713-04:002018-04-10T22:01:26.713-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-59974343228131301892018-03-28T18:21:41.850-04:002018-03-28T18:21:41.850-04:00Nat,
It has been great to read your reflections ...Nat, <br /><br />It has been great to read your reflections as you learn and grow regarding radical candor. I feel that, through this entry, you highlight the importance of maintaining a level of respect while demonstrating commitment to the growth of our teachers and colleagues. The thought that “being too nice” could actually be harming a fellow professional and stunting growth is one that we should all be considering as we move forward in leadership. I agree that if we are to continue to progress, we have to be willing to facilitate conversations that challenge us to create our best work and present our best selves. As a result, teams become better, stronger, and more effective. (Standards 2.0 and 3.0). <br /><br />Throughout your post, I noted your core value of noticing and communicating in love (Standard 1.2). Leading from those practices is key in maintaining relationships with irreplaceable teachers and ensuring opportunities to honor their work/growth. Your assertion that these practices also present children with the chance to be their best selves is powerful as well. Great work!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-33738191083157448902018-03-17T14:31:15.721-04:002018-03-17T14:31:15.721-04:00I love how you maintain the focus of the work (hel...I love how you maintain the focus of the work (helping all students be successful) while also recognizing that distributing the immense weight that this focus carries with it among many people for longevity, resilience, and sustainability. If we are truly going to be the leaders that we want to be for the students and teachers within our buildings, we can't do it alone!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-21213408930916993712018-03-14T20:08:02.540-04:002018-03-14T20:08:02.540-04:00Nat,
You have brought to light a struggle that we...Nat,<br /><br />You have brought to light a struggle that we often face as leaders. We tend to become so focused on the important work that we are doing in the service of students and teachers that we neglect the need for a healthy lifestyle for ourselves. This article presents a sobering reminder of how imperative it is that we seek balance in our work. Your desire to continue to lead from the heart while establishing partnerships demonstrates your ability to reach out and develop leadership in others as well (9.0). I was particularly encouraged by your assertion that we need to connect with other leaders and recognize that it is impossible to reach our peak levels of resilience without a team (2.0). Your focus on finding ways to “balance the numbers” highlights your strength in learning how to prioritize (11.1). It will be critical to manage our time accordingly in order to present our best selves to our stakeholders. Thank you for the reminder!<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-28659367403113445182018-03-02T20:52:45.050-05:002018-03-02T20:52:45.050-05:00Natalie,
Your “Ten Things” challenge is a power...Natalie, <br /><br />Your “Ten Things” challenge is a powerful tool to reference in order to become more intentional and purposeful in communication with teachers. Your desire to lead even your tough conversations from a place of love truly speaks to your heart for students and teachers. It is evident that, while you acknowledge the need for tough conversations, you also recognize the importance of the collaborative effort (of you and the teacher) in the interest of students. I especially noted that fact through your commitment to hold yourself and the teacher to a higher standard when the work is not up to par.<br /><br />I think that it is especially powerful that you have a plan for developing your communication for tough conversations. Taking the time to draft your feedback and refinement further demonstrates your strength in reflecting upon your current practices and making necessary adjustments to grow yourself as a leader and others as well. (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0)<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-22606415780146219312018-02-09T09:38:30.666-05:002018-02-09T09:38:30.666-05:00Your strength in being able to couple mercy and ha...Your strength in being able to couple mercy and happiness in the midst of your own sadness truly speaks to your personal and professional resilience (2.0). I know that the circumstances surrounding “B’s” transfer served as an element of disappointment for you upon your return to work. You had worked diligently to bond with him and support his matriculation at our school. It felt like a setback to learn that he could no longer continue. However, your reflection offers a powerful view into your ability to determine appropriate responses to situations, especially those with undesirable outcomes (1.1). While difficult, you were able to put “B’s” needs first and respond accordingly. Yes, his specific needs were to be met at a different school site, but you also highlighted how necessary it was that he transfer from our school feeling loved and that he had a connection. Your choice of mercy and happiness not only aided in your growth, but it made a difference in “B’s” life as well. Those core values were ever-present throughout the entire situation, and as a result, certainly increased your effectiveness as a leader and example (1.2). Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7066986288772857509.post-72868324968337247962010-04-06T06:54:39.504-04:002010-04-06T06:54:39.504-04:00These videos were very thought-provoking. "W...These videos were very thought-provoking. "What year is it?" In the world of education, we've been stuck in a 1940s approach to "teaching." Countless instructional programs have come and gone while educational philosophies have cycled and recycled, but the basic paradigm has remained unchanged. I liked Tom's idea that reform hasn't worked. It's time to invent something new where <b>learning</b> is actually the main thing, not teaching.Ffoxworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161703507742505232noreply@blogger.com