Finishing Strong #BostonStrong #satchat #bfc530 (@sguditus Steve Guditus)

Today in Massachusetts, it is Patriots Day - the remembrance of the Battle of Lexington - known as the turning point of the American Revolution.  Many hearty Yankee souls out there hoof it at 4am to participate in the re-enactment of the Battle of Lexington, while thousands of others hoof it 26.2 miles.  Me, I went for for a 6 mile run, made dinner, and am thinking about finishing the school year strong.  Here are a few ways that I plan to do so, and perhaps you can as well:


  1. Get into the classroom: Make it a priority.  It is easy to get bogged down in state testing, meetings, and more meetings.  Let's be honest: the center of learning and teaching is occurring the classroom - so go see what's happening and ensure you are the instructional leader you were hired to be.
  2. Talk to students: In my opinion, the #1 place for this to happen is lunch.  Sit down, say hello, and get a pulse on the building.  Here's how it will go: 6th graders will be a bit scared to say hello; 7th graders will not stop talking; 8th graders will not likely say anything.  Regardless, be present, make sure students know you care and are interested in their learning and their experience, and be the lead learner not just from your office.
  3. Provide effective feedback: It's not about the evaluation system, but about constant growth, authentic conversation, and a willingness to discuss learning and teaching.  Make an effort to get into the classroom and provide feedback to educators.  Have professional conversations, discuss learning and teaching, and show your willingness to discuss how to move student learning forward.  Learning and teaching happens through the end of the school year.
  4. Take a risk: You've read books, you've read articles, you've talked others who have done it, and now is the time.  Implement that new idea you've been tossing around in your head.  If you need to call it a pilot, that's ok - but try it.
There, I feel better.  I have down on paper, and publicly, what I need to do.  I encourage educators to create your own list to finish the school year #BostonStrong.  What will your list include?  What did I miss?

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