

Happy Panda Day! (It really happened)
My colleague and friend texted me today reminding me that today is actually National Panda Day. He also let me know that his kids are still talking about our Happy Panda Day celebration that came together last Thursday. For those … Continue reading Happy Panda Day! (It really happened)

What isn’t going to change? A reflection on successful, innovative coaching
This week, James Clear posted a short story about Jeff Bezos in his newsletter. “I very frequently get the question: ‘What’s going to change in the next 10 years?’ And that is a very interesting question; it’s a very common … Continue reading What isn’t going to change? A reflection on successful, innovative coaching

Ten (or Eleven) books that tell the story of my reading life
As the year closes out and Top Ten lists pop up everywhere, I thought I’d get in on the game, but take a different route. Recently, my friend Danny Bauer shared the first book he remembered reading as a kid … Continue reading Ten (or Eleven) books that tell the story of my reading life

The Art of Teaching
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou (or possibly someone else) If there ever was a quote that represented teaching young … Continue reading The Art of Teaching

Who am I being? How many eyes are shining around me?
Why can’t 100% of people be excited about education. Who am I being, how do I talk, how do I walk, if I believe that 100% of people love the power of learning, they just don’t know it yet. Continue reading Who am I being? How many eyes are shining around me?

The Power of Purpose: A football storytelling tradition
I had a dream last night that was similar to many, but completely unique. I don’t remember most dreams, and I don’t attempt to place a lot of value on those that I do remember. One type of dream, however, … Continue reading The Power of Purpose: A football storytelling tradition

Reaching Your Teaching Prime
Last week, I started reading the Sports Gene by David Epstein and jotted a few notes down about the development of teachers in relation to the chess masters Epstein was discussing. Last Monday, Matthew Kay tweeted this thread: My twitter … Continue reading Reaching Your Teaching Prime

Happy Panda Day! (Year two)
A few days from now it will be National Panda Day. Two days ago it was our school’s second ever Happy Panda Day! The day marks two years since our school year was flipped-turned upside down by COVID-19. Last year, Happy Panda Day was created to celebrate all that we had accomplished in the year. A celebration of kindness, generosity, community, and finding joy when it felt most difficult. This year, we marked that anniversary again, another opportunity to find peace and happiness together. Last year, we all needed a reminder of the work we had accomplished in the face … Continue reading Happy Panda Day! (Year two)

New Years Education Resolution – Create Space, Don’t Fill It
A few months ago, I was fortunate enough to take part in a retreat for educational leaders. While it was a bit disappointing to have to meet on Zoom again, the group quickly reminded me how rejuvenating it can be … Continue reading New Years Education Resolution – Create Space, Don’t Fill It

Promises to Keep
The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. I don’t know what promises Robert Frost’s character needed to keep in his Stopping by … Continue reading Promises to Keep

Lost and Found
Today, I ran across two poems that reminded me of the importance of being lost, particularly in its ability to help us to be found. These poems spoke to me and I will share them here, without more commentary, so that they might speak to you in their own way. Continue reading Lost and Found

Two Ted Lasso Tangents
I think Ted Lasso is just complicated, simple, crazy, beautiful, and stupid enough for me. I also think this could be a useful criteria to gauge the quality of my own work going forward. Continue reading Two Ted Lasso Tangents

Be like Giannis (for educators)
Preparation is the key. When I am humble, I prepare more effectively. When I am egotistical or prideful, my awareness and self-awareness takes a back seat and my preparation suffers. Continue reading Be like Giannis (for educators)

Out of movement comes clarity
Today running was the movement that allowed me to accomplish my purpose. Continue reading Out of movement comes clarity