Every now and then, I’ll be sitting somewhere, lost in a random thought, and it suddenly hits me—oh yeah… I wrote a book.

a.co/d/hKiVhqc

I’ve learned to pay attention to the vibe people bring to conversations. I’m always willing to reflect, own my mistakes, and talk things out. But I’ve also learned that not every uncomfortable feeling is someone else’s mistake to fix. Sometimes the work is internal.

If I could do one thing differently as a principal, I’d be more direct with adults whose actions were hurting school culture. Strong relationships make honest conversations easier, but leadership means being willing to have them either way.

Deep thoughts brought to you by coffee

wsj.com/health/wellnes…

When the WSJ reached out, I thought for sure they wanted to highlight my educational career. But, alas, it was my old age. Great article, especially for those squinting to see a menu!

In June, Eddie broke his leg playing in a charity event. It's been a journey getting back, but here he is, doing what he loves again. Sometimes it's not even about the goal. It's about getting back out there. Although… that's a pretty great goal. ❤️⚽

I’m working with beginning teachers and would love some wisdom from veteran and retired educators!

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you when you started teaching?

I’ll go first… Start contributing to a 403(b) your FIRST year! 😂💰

Your turn!

Teachers want to do great work. Great leadership means making that work easier, not harder. It’s about listening, removing barriers, and giving teachers the time and support to do what they do best.

That’s the heart of Hacking School Leadership.

a.co/d/0g0AQuiN

Retirement has a beautiful way of slowing life down. Less rushing, more wandering, and more time to soak in the beauty of good places and simple moments. Turns out, slowing down might be the best part of living. ❤️

Sold a Story changed the conversation on reading.

Season 2 is looking at what happened to teaching itself and why an evidence-based approach (Direct Instruction) was sidelined for so long.

Trailer is below, new episodes tomorrow

youtu.be/4YDq-AB_d2c

Build yourself up. Build your beliefs up. Build others up. You don’t have to tear anyone down to do any of it. And if you lead others, remember: share the credit, own the mistakes, and never sacrifice someone else to save yourself.

That’s what’s on my mind. Thank you.

One of the things I’m realizing in this role is how much I love being connected to the ❤️ of the work. Leadership isn’t about being removed from the classroom, it’s about staying close enough to see, hear, learn, and understand what our teachers and students experience every day.

If the biggest evidence of instructional quality is whether the objective is posted on the board, we’ve confused compliance with teaching.

I care less about what’s written on the wall and more about what’s happening in the minds of kids.

There, I said it.

To educators like @flyingmonkey13 — thank you for everything you do for your students. 💜

A leadership lesson I keep coming back to:

I haven’t been in charge of a classroom in over a decade. I can read, observe, and even take over. But that doesn’t make me the expert.

The best thing I can do as an admin is remove barriers, support teachers, and get out of the way.

Go, O!

AWSP Summer Conference in Spokane WA. @flyingmonkeyDr

Hello Favorite Educators,

I need some help and would love yours. I am looking to create a progressive discipline matrix at both the elementary and middle school level. If you have one that you would be willing to share, would you please DM me. Please and thank you!!!

A new school. A new system. A new perspective. I’m loving the challenge of learning, watching, and finding ways to support.

Bonus: Pre-K lunch duty. Easily the best—and messiest—part of my day. ❤️

Who knew Davenport was such a vibe?

Coming in as a new leader can make you eager to jump in and change things. The agenda to change should never overpower the agenda to understand. Learn the culture, listen to the people, understand the climate, and honor what works. Change is better when rooted in understanding.

Teachers, if you had an assistant teacher what would you want them to do and what professional development would you hope for them to have?