Principal Connections

I will admit that I was very concerned when I learned of the raging popularity over NetFlix's series 13 Reasons Why. Before even having watched a single minute of the show, I recall articulating how I felt it was so irresponsible to make such a show that kids so easily have access to. This is a difficult time to be in schools, where so many of our kids are hurting, are struggling with mental health issues and self-harm. Pop culture had just thrown yet another curve for those in the regular care of kids to deal with. Then my curiosity got the better of me. I watched the first episode and then another. By the time I was through my first sitting, I binged through the first 6 episodes and had it not been for the early hour of the morning, I might have continued. Don't misunderstand. My position hasn't completely changed. I feel a little less like a hypocrite now that I've actually watched the show. I don't have 13 brilliantly insightful observations, but I have a f...

The nature of leadership is changing. To be a leader is to be a learner and perhaps, the most vulnerable learner in the school. Being a connected leader involves taking risks in order to maximize influence in their schools, communities and beyond. For school leaders, it’s no longer a question of “are you connected?” but rather “just how connected are you?”   Connected leaders need to be engaged in active learning. This could be as simple as building a PLN (Professional Learning Network) on Twitter and connecting with other leaders in various systems and sharing in their learning experiences. It could also mean attending professional learning opportunities provided by the school board. “The Tech-Enabled Administrator” was a professional learning series that has been offered in our board since 2014 where school leaders lead professional learning sessions for other school leaders. An administrator sharing their learning with other administrators is a powerful strategy. It’s one ...