Stepping Away from Education Jargon to Dream Big at Newport News Public Schools
I have had the privilege to work with Newport News teaching and learning leaders in every subject area to refresh their PK-12 vision. We worked together to clarify the broader aims in language that is aspirational, accessible, aligned, and actionable. Take a listen to Tami who is reading the STEM draft that she, Jennifer, Billie […]
3 Things To Consider When Designing Your Curriculum Feedback Loop
No matter how promising a curriculum is in the design phase, seeing how it plays out across classrooms is essential to track, which is where we can leverage a curriculum feedback loop. There are three major considerations to make it more likely that the responses you get are valid. 1. Develop a balanced and conversational […]
How Profile of a Learner Can Help You Streamline Your Curriculum
An effective profile of a learner (or profile of a graduate) will act as a North Star for teachers to not only meet subject-based standards, but to provide a rounded-out set of skills that benefit their students. I adore working with districts in this space to not only determine the effectiveness of the profile itself, […]
My Time at PASCD: A Sweet Treat to Debut Latest Material on Curriculum Storyboards
In late November, I had the privilege to showcase the magic of curriculum storyboards as one of the featured conference speakers at Pennsylvania ASCD in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Heidi Hayes Jacobs initially debuted the idea with them in March 2022 and participants were energized by the approach. For this year’s conference, I shared some of the […]
Coming Soon: Becoming an Empty Nester
Lately I have been scrolling through photos of the first day of school pictures for my two kiddos. Walking down memory lane holding their hands, seeing them bubble up with excitement and nerves, waving as they went off to school. Now I am steadying myself for a different launch. For the first time I will […]
What Is on Your Highlight Reel From This School Year?
The end of the school year is in sight. While you may feel weary, this also may be a perfect time to reflect on the school year with your students and your colleagues. What is on your highlight reel? The moments that took your breath away? The questions your students pursued? The projects that were […]
Getting Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Programming
Packing my bags to head to my first international conference since COVID and feeling like it is the first day of school all over again. Part nerves, part butterflies … fully human. Whenever I go to any educator event or workshop, I am drawn into the creative exchange of ideas and how that generates fresh […]