perpetual beta 2

cc photo by J. Delp I recently had the opportunity to attend a couple of summer cross-country practices for my hometown high school team. My brother is the coach, and I wanted to see how things had changed since my running days. In addition, I was curious to see what could possibly motivate a high school kid to get up at six in the morning, during their summer vacation, to run. I watched the kids run a few miles at an easy pace (one that would have been gut wrenching for me), and then proceed to run a series of two-hundred meter sprints, jogging two-hundred meters between each repeat. It was clear that there had to be a number of factors that would contribute to their ability to stick with such a grueling morning routine. Normal kids just don't do this to themselves. So, at the risk of writing another tired sports analogy, allow me to share a few ideas that I believe allow us to persevere ("us" being athletes, students in school, educators, or anyone who is in purs...

cc photo by J. Delp On Monday, our students return to school at Willis Junior High in Chandler, Arizona. Each year I try to share something encouraging with our staff to consider as they approach the first week of school. For what it is worth, here is this year's message. As we begin our first week of school, we are provided with an incredible opportunity. For each of us, and for each of our students, it is a new beginning--a chance to get a fresh start. As you prepare to meet our kids, please consider these five essentials (one for each day of the week) for our educational community. 1. Kindness Guard within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, and how to acquire without meanness. - George Sands The majority of our students will come to school on the first day a bit anxious. They will be focused on each interaction with an adult, listening to our tone and seeking reassurance. Let’s be certain that every student...

  cc photo by J. Delp Coming to school each day can become a hopeless task for some children unless they succeed at what they do. We teachers are the sentries against that hopelessness. — Robert DeBruyn As educators, we all bring our own memories and school experiences to our work and into our classrooms. Undoubtedly, those experiences are a wide variation of success, enthusiasm, trepidation, motivation, disdain, inspiration, and indifference. It is important to remember that our students are no different. They come to us with a wide array of feelings about school, based upon their individual personalities, home life, and past experiences. Not all kids will see the value in what they are asked to do. Many will lack motivation, or enthusiasm, and some will even be anxious, ambivalent, or even angry about school. There is no lack of emphasis given to differentiation in the classroom. Much of this discussion revolves around meeting the individual academic needs of students,...

cc photo by J. Delp In a few weeks (our school begins in July), I will begin my sixth year as a junior high school principal. In my opinion, the job has gotten progressively more difficult, but I think it has less to do with the requirements of the position and more to do with a clarified understanding of my roles and responsibilities. I remember my first year as principal being less busy and stressful, and I honestly believe that was because I didn't really know what I was supposed to be doing. Each successive year I have learned more and discovered more opportunities for improvement. With that knowledge has come an understanding that successful educators never truly arrive -- there is always room for growth and improvement. Lately, we have heard a lot about fostering a growth mindset with our students, but as educators we need to model this for their benefit and for our own professional growth and learning. It is so easy for us to push our kids to challenge themselve...