Makenna Henry’s Post

If you are wondering how to incorporate the power of student voice to drive the changes in policy we want to see in public education, here is a great example….

Red Apple EdCo and school leaders unite for a common goal – academic excellence. Our emphasis on community collaboration isn't just rhetoric; it's the driving force behind measurable results. Together, we navigate challenges, implement innovative solutions, and create a learning environment where students thrive. Join us in this synergy, where the combined expertise of Red Apple EdCo and dedicated school leaders propels educational standards to unprecedented levels. 📈🤲 . Visit our website to learn more 👉 https://buff.ly/3WIRW84 . #ChildhoodDevelopment #redappleseeds #school #parent #education #leadership #teacher #development #ChildWellbeing #EarlyEducation #ChildcareSupport #ChildSafety #NurturingChildren #HealthyChildhood #ChildGrowth #EarlyIntervention #ChildhoodLearning #PlayBasedLearning #ChildMentalHealth #SafeEnvironments #ChildEmpowerment #QualityChildcare #HolisticDevelopment #ChildhoodNurturing #ChildhoodEducation #EmotionalWellbeing #SupportingFamilies #ChildhoodExploration #ChildDevelopmentPrograms #ChildhoodPlay

September 7: Leading with Compassion Compassion is at the core of human and heart-centered leadership. It’s about recognizing the humanity in everyone we lead—our staff, colleagues, students, and parents—and meeting them with empathy and understanding. In the busy, often high-pressure environment of a school, it can be easy to focus on tasks and outcomes, but true leadership is about caring for the people who make those outcomes possible. Consider how you lead with compassion. Take the time to ask how the Teachers, Education Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Clerical and Custodial staff are doing; listen to the concerns of a struggling student, or offer support to a parent facing challenges at home. Compassionate leadership builds loyalty and trust, and it creates a sense of safety within the school community. When people feel seen and cared for, they are more likely to invest in the work and in the relationships around them. This week, how will you lead with compassion? #compassion #leadership #heartcentered #schoolleader #trust #mindfulleadership

Principals, especially those working in turnaround schools, are heroes. Not the ones in capes though. 🛑 We’ve romanticized the notion of educators as superheroes. While well intended, it communicates that they are invincible. They are whole humans. Let’s not forget that. 🤝 Humans in need of rest, championing, joy, coaching, and wellness support. As the school year comes to an end, I’m deeply grateful for one of my absolute favorite partnerships. Working alongside Leroy Roches Gaines and his district team, The Teaching Well has had the privilege of supporting his Network 4 Principals. These leaders, representing 16 Oakland Unified School District elementary schools, are fiercely committed. Through our innovative partnership, I support with: ✍🏾 human-centered design of the sessions 👭🏾 embedding in their professional learning days (twice monthly for 3 hours) to co-regulate real time 💞 providing coaching or crisis consulting, as needed, at and in between the gatherings. 🎉 Our collaboration is working! Over 80% of these leaders are being retained. 🎉 💡 The only way we’ll achieve stable schools, make the profession sustainable for teachers, and improve academic outcomes for our youth is keeping great principals. So yes, they are heroic humans. Healing, imperfectly perfect, and returning to lead our children to their full potential. ♻ Tag a Principal you love, write a comment to uplift these incredible leaders, or repost to spread the good news! #schoolprincipal #nonprofitleadership #educatorwellbeing #retention #wellnesssupport #Oakland #healingjourney #humanizing #heroic #professionaldevelopment #coregulation

🎓 Leadership in Education: Spotlight on Principal Mary Hatzimichalis 🎓 At SOLVED, we believe in showcasing educational leaders who are making a difference. Today, we're proud to feature Principal Mary Hatzimichalis of PS 131 in New York City's District 15. Principal Hatzimichalis' journey in education began at the tender age of five, playing teacher at home. This childhood passion blossomed into a lifelong commitment to education. Starting as a teacher at 19, she has dedicated her entire career to District 15, culminating in her dream role as a principal. Key Insights from Principal Hatzimichalis: Commitment to District: "I love our district and finally made it to my dream of being a principal of a school where I can then make a difference on more lives." Holistic Approach: "When you leave your child here, you want to know that people are sensitive to their needs and that they will be taken care of, not just physically but emotionally as well." Trust and Responsibility: "Parents give us their most prized possession - their children." Principal Hatzimichalis' leadership exemplifies how passion, perseverance, and a student-centered approach can create a nurturing educational environment. Watch the full video to gain insights into effective school leadership and the impact of dedicated educators. #EducationLeadership #PrincipalSpotlight #K12Education #NYCSchools #SOLVED

🌐 Future-proofing education: Cultivating Talent 🌱 The author recommends precision in teacher induction, open-door lesson observations, and instructional coaching for pedagogical excellence. Schools must invest in staff development to attract and nurture top teaching talent. 📚

Transitioning from classroom teaching to school administration demands a significant shift in mindset. Jason Wiks, Principal of Guthrie School, Sturgeon School Division in Alberta, advises new principals and vice-principals to embrace the unpredictable nature of school management by prioritizing students first, parents second, teachers third, and administrative tasks last. Embracing this variability and focusing on key relationships can help administrators manage their schools more effectively and improve educational outcomes. It's about adapting to the ebb and flow of the school day and making decisions that prioritize the well-being and success of our students. #Leadership, #Education, #Mentorship, #Restorative Practices, #Anti-Racism, #Conflict Resolution, #SchoolCommunity, #StudentEngagement Find out more about our work on restorative practices and leadership from stan@restorative.ca or check out our website resources www.restorative.ca https://lnkd.in/g9n_D2xp

As a curious learner, the "awe and wonder" start resonated with me. I crave teachers who ignite that spark, not just follow scripts. However, the author is correct: consistency matters. A blend? Strong induction to build a foundation, then freedom to let talented teachers personalize, creating a school where magic meets mastery. Now, that is a classroom I would love to learn in. 

On this School Principals' Day, let's go above and beyond to celebrate the remarkable leaders who infuse our schools with passion, purpose, and possibility. Behind every successful school stands a visionary principal, shaping futures and leaving indelible marks on the hearts and minds of all who pass through their doors. Here are some ideas: Acts of Kindness: Encourage students and staff to perform random acts of kindness throughout the day and dedicate them to your principal. Professional Development Opportunities: Invest in your principal's professional growth by providing opportunities for further training, networking, or attending educational conferences. Community Service Project: In honor of your principal, organize a community service project in partnership with your school to give back to the local community. Create a Wall of Gratitude: Identify a prominent spot in the school where students, staff, and parents can pen their heartfelt words and expressions of gratitude for the principal. Unveiling this wall will be a powerful testament to the principal's influence and the appreciation they command. #SchoolSpirit #ThankAPrincipal #SchoolPrincipalsDay

3 IMPORTANT THINGS LEADERS NEEDS TO IMPROVE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AT THEIR SCHOOL!! 1. Teacher Support and Development: a. Effective leaders build teachers’ knowledge about specific content and teaching methods. b. They align professional development with school goals and support teacher decision-making. 2. Equitable Environment: a. School leaders select and train teachers to create an equitable environment. b. Despite challenges, such as administrative burdens, they work to enhance learning outcomes, especially in disadvantaged schools. 3. Community Engagement: a. Leaders foster trust between families and schools. b. By engaging with families around needs, assets, and interventions, they aim to improve student outcomes.