Hannah Grannemann’s Post

The value of active listening for school leaders

https://lnkd.in/gFsaVbSA Rachael Gabriel explores this hot topic. All school leadership teams do to continually support teachers to grow their knowledge, skills and practices helping all kids meet their learning potential is our job. To critically and situationally embrace all sciences of learning, relational and personal wellbeing, communication, critical thinking, problem solving and logical thinking skills… the list goes on, in a faith based, values driven school environment is the work, privilege, opportunity! Rachael Gabriel explains, “It means positioning each teacher as the principal investigator of their classroom, someone who consistently inquires about the optimal balance of instructional practices for their current students-and positioning leaders to investigate how teachers are implementing reading instruction.” This means backing our teachers as talented, thinking practitioners! Amen

Today’s Task - February 5, 2024 Have you ever attempted to open a combination lock when you have forgotten the combination? Worse yet is not even knowing the combination in the first place. I always found it interesting in the schools when a student couldn’t get into their lock, the answer was always to get a tool to cut the lock off….rendering the lock useless. What does this have to do with anything you ask? Well, as impossible as it is to open a combination lock without the combination, it is equally impossible to open the locked mind of a student without knowing his or her combination….the code that opens their mind. In The Culture Code, author Dr. Clotaire Rapaille tells us that once we understand someone’s code….why they think the way they do….we will have unlocked the secret to helping them become successful. During my years of teaching I think I inherently understood the importance of finding a student’s code. I didn’t have some type of scientific research from which to work. I simply worked at finding ways to connect with them based on what I knew they liked and somehow, the locks magically opened. Make Today a Magnificent Day! Gary L Rupert Lead Mentor/COO II:Leaders Creating:IILeaders LCL Mentors @ Marching Arts Education

💡 Interesting opportunity to help shape the next generation of #creativeleadership through teacher education, pedagogical practice and research. #creativethinking #creativelearning #creativeleadership #leadership #headteachers #educhat #diverseEd #SchoolLeaders #LeadingForCreativeThinking

Leading through influence is always preferable (and more effective) to leading with authority.

Have you ever played the New York Times (NYT) puzzle game called Connections? In the game, you are given several words and you attempt to determine if the words are somehow related (connected!). The connections can range from the obvious to the obscure, but it is always challenging and fun. Take these words for example:  authority, energy, experiences, influence, outcomes, power, and trust. What is a possible thread that connects them all? Education! Educators are given the authority to educate (or teach, or train, or instruct, or school) other persons. Educators, therefore; are given the awesome authority, to influence (not to be confused with control, very common mistake!) the learning of other persons. This learning will involve the ongoing development of essential skills associated with the corresponding content. Empowered educators have the power and positive energy to affect amazing behavioral and academic growth of other persons. Thus, one educator has the authority, power, and energy to influence the learning of an untold number of other persons. Educational stakeholders are asked to trust that educators will use their authority, power, influence, and energy to ensure students have positive experiences and outcomes. Challenging and Fun?! So is education! #education #teachingandlearning #teaching #learning #leadership #edleadership #edleaders #publiceducation #publicschools #reform #schoolleaders #schoolleadership

Nine practical strategies #edleaders and administrators can use to lead by influence from Matthew X. Joseph Ed.D. and Edutopia - George Lucas Educational Foundation: https://ow.ly/lq4x50Smo6y

For the final few months of the school year, I was a substitute teacher and full-time paraprofessional, serving as a classroom aide. While I will not disclose where I served these schools, I will write about my observations and how they compare and contrast my leadership experiences. #1 - Faculty and staff want meaningful development and clear communication. I was privileged to meet many educators who have served for decades and those at the beginning of their careers. The common sentiment was that faculty/staff meetings were inconsistent, non-essential, and "pointless." Training opportunities lacked substance or were unrelatable to current situations and circumstances. Developmental pathways did not exist because many faculty do not have consistent one-on-one meetings and/or classroom evaluations. Regarding clear communication, the faculty indicated a desire for better and more effective communication. Important institution-specific information was not communicated to all faculty or staff. Event details were minimal. School calendars were not readily available or accessible online. Emails contained sensitive information that should not have been communicated to all staff. Interpersonal communication was also of concern as institutional leaders regularly berated and belittled faculty and staff. Colleagues powered up to one another. Guests were disrespected. Classroom etiquette was overlooked and dismissed. Are you an educator or do you know someone serving as faculty or staff in education? I would love to hear about your experiences that are similar and different from what I mentioned. Here are a few of the future topics that I will write about: 2. Student attitudes 3. Academic expectations 4. Parent involvement 5. Generational differences #education #teaching #leadership #communication #development

🫶 Empowering Students: Transitioning from Management to Accountability https://lnkd.in/gPEyFqxZ 🔑 The key is for teachers to move away from the role of disciplinarians and into the role of leaders who empower students to take ownership of their behavior. This book by best selling author Dr. Brad Johnson is a blend of empathy, understanding, and actionable strategies. You’ll find 🫶The impact of the Pygmalion Effect in the classroom 🫶Strategies for assertive teaching and positive classroom culture 🫶Techniques for fostering student accountability and self-discipline 🫶The benefits of focusing on student strengths & passions With practical advice and real-world examples, Dr. Johnson provides you with the tools to build meaningful relationships, nurture independence, and motivate students to take ownership of their behavior. #EmpoweringStudents

What is the most important characteristic of a successful school administrator? I believe that the #1 characteristic of a successful school administrator is the ability to communicate effectively. This means not only being decisive and assertive in a respectable manner but also being an attentive listener. Listening to understand, not just to respond! School administrators are responsible for leading a team of educators and staff, managing budgets, and ensuring the academic success of their students. Effective communication is essential in all of these areas. Without it, misunderstandings can occur, and goals may not be met. When school administrators communicate effectively, they create a culture of transparency and trust. They are able to build positive relationships with their staff, students, and parents. This, in turn, leads to a more productive and collaborative work environment, where everyone is working towards the same goal. #thoughtfortoday #schooladministration #communicationiskey #educationleadership