service
It Just Arrives
The first time I watched this video about a South African woman who knits warm things for babies she’s never met, I was moved by the power of her voice to speak to what matters. Read more…
school leaders
Worth the Reflection
“Don’t worry; you’ll grow out of it.” The boy looked back at my smile quizzically, with that, “Did he just encourage me or insult me?” look on his face. The truth is that it was Read more…
school leaders
The Welcome
Ask a lot of people what they are planning to do when they retire, and you’ll get the response, “As little as possible!” Were you to have asked that of my friend Cecelia a few Read more…
teaching advice
Training Ourselves
Several years ago I was told a story about how baby elephants are trained for the circus. Can’t say that I know how accurate it is or remember exactly where I heard it, but the Read more…
system
School and Purpose
This morning I watched a video that directly challenges how schools typically run. The video is called What is School For? by Prince Ea, who blends commentary with hip-hop delivery to explore why we do Read more…
teaching advice
Complex Projects and Seeding the Ground
Yesterday morning I talked with a teacher about a project that he’s done before – one he really enjoyed when he did it. It involved having students research charities, interview volunteers, and create videos telling Read more…
teaching advice
Difficult Moments are Opportunities
Teachers face challenges. Often. Some of our students work against our efforts to help them learn. Some of our students’ parents treat us as opponents rather than partners in their children’s education. Some of our Read more…
teaching advice
Distinctive Work and Avoiding the Obvious
Earlier this year, my nonprofit, Next Vista for Learning, was one of four organizations (along with ISTE, EdTechTeam, and WeVideo) running the Global Student Voice Film Festival. The theme was “In Another’s Shoes,” and as Read more…
service
Stocking the Shelf of Kindness
This week a story went viral of a young man working in a grocery store spending time letting an autistic boy help him stock shelves. Here’s the page on CNN, or click on the screenshot Read more…
teaching advice
Asking for Cool
Greeting students at the door is a well-known, positive practice. When you greet them, though, what do you ask? “How are you doing?” That’s more a social interaction than a request for information. Typical responses Read more…