FOCUS Walkthroughs

We all know that it is critical that we are training our teachers in the latest research based strategies to give them an opportunity to be great for our students. Pouring into a teacher the knowledge required to be successful helps ignite their passion, purpose, and pursuit of excellence. It is a fact that professional development is an important factor in student achievement. They also help improve a teacher's performance levels. Professional development opportunities should be ongoing and aligned with the district's and school's goals. It is important that we invest in our teachers. The investment have a return called student achievement.

So how would you know when your teachers need training? That's easy...visit classrooms and then provide feedback. Daily walkthroughs should be informal and are essential in being able to identify what teachers need to be their best in the classroom. Spend as much time in the classrooms as possible. Start your week with a list of at least 5 classrooms you will visit each day. Walkthroughs should be no longer than 5 minutes. Pick one or two focus areas and only focus on that during your walkthroughs. Your goal is to FOCUS on specific things that teachers can work on each week to become a better version of them.

In one of my PLN groups, I decided to participate in the 500 walkthrough challenge. That's right, complete 500 walkthroughs this year...in 180 days!  I decided to call these FOCUS Walks -nonjudgmental and non-evaluative opportunities for growth. 

Find a few things to focus your walkthrough on.
Observe your focus area of the walkthrough.
Create a list of strengths and weaknesses.
Utilize the students to share what they are learning.
Send the teacher specific feedback on the walkthrough

You can create a Google Form and use Autocrat to create a feedback form, leave a post-note, or leave feedback using your Rocketbook Everlast. Your feedback should be specific and over ways for teachers to grow professionally.

I decided to take our observations and break them down to use for the FOCUS Walks. Each week I will focus on a standard and integrate our district's CCRP to help grow teachers. Using the Google Form, I am able to use Autocrat to create an automatic feedback form to share with teachers.

#500walkthroughs

I am an aspiring educational leader. Please view my Educational Portfolio if you are interested in an innovative instructional leader to lead and inspire, feel free to contact me.

Copyright 2017 Felecia Young
All Rights Reserved

Leading with Coffee and PJs

As an instructional leader it is very important you are providing your staff with opportunities to learn and grow professionally. This summer I challenged myself to indulge in as much educational reading and online PD to grow as leader. I want to inspire others to become lifelong learners also.

In the book Lead Like a Pirate and one of my PLNs I learned of the digital newsletter Smore. The administrator who shared Smore stated that she uses it as her quickly newsletter and include an article for teachers to read. I started playing around with it to see how I could implement Smore this school year and it came to me...

I can use Smore to share mini PD to my staff. What a great way to provide them with things they can view or read to help them grow professionally. While trying to find the best title for the newsletter, I came across the picture...

It is not my own, but I decided to use it as the title for the newsletter: PD in PJs. So as I sit here writing a few blog post, I will end my "Me Time" this morning with a little PD and coffee (and yes I am still in my PJs).

What a great tool to use as a 21st Educational Leader to promote lifelong learners in your building! I will provide literacy, math, tech, and an article for educators to use to grow professionally. As we begin school, observations allow me to intentionally create the PD to share. Check our Edition 1:

Smore - PD in your PJs Series:

We are back with One Word - LIMITLESS

Took a little break to rejuvenate...my Vitamin Sea was the best.

I spent time basking in the sun and listening to ocean while reflecting on my 2017-2018 journey. While reflecting I decided to create one word that would be my focus word the remainder of the year and for the 2017-2018 school year. I needed a word that would intentionally drive me in all areas of life. Something that would get me through no matter what I was going through. My goal was to find a word that would keep me focus on my goals. 

Over the last several weeks prior to my reflection God provided hints through posts on a social media page, readings, thoughts, or conversations what my my one word should be.

It was not until I returned home that I realized the word was LIMITLESS. A word I used a week ago to promote a Young Panache sale. Although I already seen  and used the word, I didn't know it would be my "one word".

Many of us have experience ups and downs in our lives and have gotten to the place where we want to give up. We must remember that, we are LIMITLESS and that We Can Do All Things - Philippians 4:13.

Sometimes through our walk, we may feel that God is distant from us,  Joshua 1:9 reminds us that He is right there with us no matter what (LIMITLESS). Through all of the pain and suffering you are going through, there is hope. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

Limitless - Philippians 4:13

The Midnight Wrap - Joshua 1:9

If you are interested in the I Can Do All Things bracelet and Midnight Wrap, check out Elevated Faith:

http://efaith.co/2gV61zB 

Here is a code to get 10% off! Code: FYoung15

I challenge you to reflect and create one word that will be your focus word. Write it down, post it, wear it, do whatever you can to be able to remind yourself daily of your focus word. Share your one word with others on social media (#oneword) this is a create hashtag to check to get inspired. As an administrator this can be a great Back to School activity for your staff and even students. You can create a mural that have all of your school's one word to showcase. It can also be one word that provides your school with it's vision and mission.

Young Panache

Thoughtful Thursday

When I read The Principal 50 and Lead Like a Pirate, I began to reflect on my leadership...my purpose. I questioned my purpose and my passion. I asked myself many questions to ensure that this journey was not about me, but about the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students and teachers.  The question that I really struggled with was: Am I making an IMPACT? It took me a while to answer that question because I was unsure. Daily posting on social media is my way of providing others with an opportunity to share my journey. And it was social media that gave me my answer. In the book Lead Like a Pirate, the authors discuss the power of your words. Rather verbally or written, your words have power. I received an message in my inbox about the power of my words. It was at that moment that I realized that I lead not just the students I serve or the staff I support, I lead in my daily walk. I encourage you to be intentional about what you do and say because even when you don't think you are leading you are...and that is true leadership. 

Wordless Wednesday

Have you planted your seeds today? Water and nourish your seed and watch it begin to sprout. 

Talk About It Tuesday

It's Talk About It Tuesday and we are talking about the book 

The Principal 50 by Principal Kafele!

I will use the acronym FISH (c) to convey my thoughts...

First thoughts...

Impact of the reading on...
Summary of the chapters, reading, etc...
How will I use this to grow...







First Thoughts:
This was such an awesome read! I created a Book Study on Facebook of this awesome book and will share the link below under resources. The book was an easy read. The book is written for new administrators and those currently in administrator roles.

Impact of the Reading:
The book has 10 chapters that includes 50 different questions regarding the principalship. The definitely made an impact on my personal vision and the goals I would like to accomplish as an educational leader. Each question made me stop and reflect on thoughts and views.

Summary of the Reading:
I don't want to give away to much, but check out our The Principal 50 Book Study to get views from other administrators about each chapter! The Principal 50 Facebook Book Study

How will I use this book to grow?
This book has motivated me to begin preparing for the next phase in my educational journey. As an aspiring instructional leader, I need to make sure I take the content from the text to ensure I am doing whatever I can ti ensure student success.

I would strongly suggest any aspiring administrator to read this book. Reflect on these questions...

Some of my important take-aways: (In no particular order)

1. The mission of the principalship begins once you have made a decision to become a principal.
2. Your vision must inspire excellence by helping students and staff to envision it in action.
3. Despite the challenges our school will be successful because I am the leader!
4. Be guided by a set of beliefs about student learning rooted in sound research as well as genuine personal experience.
5. The mission is: Student Achievement and Improvement of Instruction
6. Helps teachers grow professionally with PD - Use staff meetings for PD!
7. You are the primary instructional leader.
8. Integral part of your day is classroom observations. Make it a priority to do it and provide feedback.
9. Feedback is what enables teachers to grow and improve.
10. Improvement is possible!
11. Establish a true collegial bond.
12. Morning messages should inform, inspire, and empower.
13. Give a "State of the School" address.
14. You must see yourself as the #1 determinant of success or failure of your students.
15. Your leadership is your mission.
16. Think and act with intentionality.
17. Create parent activities that are a powerful synergy with students achievement as the goal.
18. You must believe that every single student who walks through the doors of the school can not only succeed, but excel.
19. Everything that happens in your school is a data point.
20. Salient Data - Tardies, Attendance, Discipline, and Academic Achievement

Thoughtful Thursday

Remember, that it is not about the final destination, it's about the journey. What happens when you have reached a goal you have set for yourself? You celebrate, rejoice, and then that's it. You move on to set another goal to work on. The destination is just one moment in time. The amazing part is the journey. The journey is when you learn life lessons. When people speak about their success, they first tell you about their journey it took to get there. Many success stories include a journey filled with  struggles, mistakes, heartbreaks, disappointments, and trials. It is in those moments that creates  strength and resilience. In my journey in education, the struggle was...(and still) real. I don't let those moments of disappointments and struggles stop me. I realized long time ago, that I experience certain things for His purpose. This journey is not about me...and that is why it is not about the final destination. I live to inspire, motivate, and empower others through my journey. Through your journey walk tall and hold your head high. Even in the darkness...don't get discouraged...your journey is so much more!


Don't forget to #GETINSPIRED4EDU with the  THE INSP!RE BOX:
Check us out: THE INSP!RE BOX

An Intentional Leader

This has been such a busy month...but we survived!

I'm so excited with all the things that our leadership team is putting in place for our students.

Ms. Craven, Literacy Coach

Mr. Courtwright, Principal

This week, my Principal, Literacy Coach, and I created a schedule to listen to each of our students read for at least one minute. 

This week we listened to all 1st grade classes and part of our 2nd grade classes. It was such an eye opening experience. To know some of our students in 1st and 2nd grade can not read, was a wow factor for us. 

In this moment, I realized why I wanted to be an administrator. I want to make a difference...impact change. In my role, I have an opportunity to ensure students are provided with an a chance to be successful. 

Our leadership team is working together to create opportunities for students who can not read. Intentional tutoring, interventions, teacher workshops, programs...whatever it takes. 

This week gave me a new goal as an administrator...I want to become an Intentional Administrator. My goal is to identify moments where I can make a difference or impact change with our students, staff, and parents. I want to be an administrator that takes every opportunity as an opportunity to provide hope to our teachers, students, and parents.

Being an intentional leader will require me to always be able to make each situation an opportunity for us to learn and grow. Everything will have a purpose...good and bad moments will become an opportunity to teach, lead, model, inspire.

I'm excited...

Career Bucket List

We have officially completed our very first week of school. So excited! This is year 2 for me as an Assistant Principal. I really love my school, admin team, staff, and students...this have really made being an Assistant Principal amazingly awesome.

One of the things on my 2016-2017 Career Bucket List is...blogging. 

(Found on BER Facebook Page....)

For my blog, I will do a Flashback Friday to reflect on my week, sharing my week in review.

This week's most memorable moments...

First day back at school was Monday...YAY! This is my 15th year in education. I have completed about 782 weeks...5475 days...131,487 hours...7,889, 238 minutes... This year is my second year as as an administrator and I am super excited. My daughter is going to 8th grade and my son is going to 2nd grade.

 

Reading to our Kindergarten students. 

Our Kindergarten and Enhancement teachers had to go to a training, so I took their classes. I really enjoyed spending time with them. 

Learning Fun Ways to Spell with Ms. McNeil's 3rd Grade Class

What an amazing and fun way to learn spelling words. It is important teachers are making school fun for our students. I love going in our classrooms because it's engaging, fun, and a lot of learning going on. I can't wait to begin my walkthroughs next week. I love being in the classroom. As an administrator it is important that we are in the classroom making sure our students are learning.

And I can't forget yesterday's amazing news...I'm just going to sit this right here...

Our school Exceeded Growth for the 2015-2016 school year. 

🐾Bobcat Pride🐾

Here's a little fun:

http://youtu.be/fKE2XEsBEQI

Apple Watch for the 21st Century Administrator

It has been awhile since I blogged because of my new duties and role. I am busy trying to balance work, home, and me time! Thanks to Santa (and my family : )) I received a new Apple Watch for Christmas this year.

I got the black/grey sports band 42 mm. I must say that I am loving all the features thus far. I am still learning how to use it and what apps would help me with balancing everything. So far this is what I am loving about the watch...





1. Instant calendar notifications on my wrist. No more looking at my phone to see what meetings I have.

2. Speak to text feature...I can reply to messages and emails with the speak to text feature. This will make responding to all my emails I receive at work within seconds. It may look crazy of me talking to my wrist, but they'll get over it.









3. I can use Keynote and Powerpoint on my Watch to control my presentations. How awesome is that.

4.  The Apple Watch works well with Outlook...it allows me to view both my emails and calendar in one location.




5. The most amazing function of the Apple Watch is using IFTTT. This wonderful app is called If Then Then This. It gives your phone and Apple Watch the opportunity to be your personal assistant.

As an administrator, I am using DO Note with my Apple Watch to create Google Docs, add to my Google Calendar, and add to Google Spreadsheets using the speak to text feature. Check out this video from Paul Hamilton. This is where it all began...
This will definitely save me time, when I want to type a document for our staff or just a note for me. I am a fan of Google Drive, so this added feature is a bonus for me.

 I am using IF to give me instant notifications throughout the day for everything from meeting reminders, weather notifications, meditation reminders, and more.  I plan to be a 21st Century educator. It's a simple way to connect between products you use every day. So far I have created a connection when I Tweet, it is posted to FB; when I post a pic to Instagram, it is posted to FB and Twitter; a Google Spreadsheet that curates all Tweets from @God_Loved (you can choose whatever); a SMS to my phone when the weather calls for rain; and when I blog, it will automatically post to my FB and Twitter account.

I will continue to play around with the If-Thens later! I am just learning this, but I used YouTube Tutorials for ifttt to guide me through the process. It was very easy.





If you have an Apple Watch and have some other ways it can help administrators or educators, please
leave your best Apple Watch App in the comments below...