April 2013 Issue
The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools
With Liz Wiseman and Elise Foster
Why are some school leaders able to double their team’s effectiveness, while others seem to drain the energy right out of the room? To explore that question, and talk about how to bring out the best in your colleagues and staff, we’re joined this month by Liz Wiseman and Elise Foster, co-authors of the new book, The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside Our Schools. Continue
Responding to Adult Bullying in Schools
When adult bullying occurs in schools, the results can be corrosive and demoralizing. Kathleen Sciarappa, an award-winning former principal with over 26 years of experience as a school leader, joins us to talk about adult bullying in schools, how it impacts the climate of the whole school, and offers a variety of suggestions for dealing with the problem. Continue
Social Media for School Leaders
Brian Dixon, author of Social Media for School Leaders, joins us to talk about how social media plays an essential role in helping school leaders to keep students, teachers, and the entire school community engaged in the educational process. Continue
A School Leader’s Guide to Improving Teacher Quality
Candi McKay, author of the new book, You Don't Have to Be Bad to Get Better: A Leader's Guide to Improving Teacher Quality, joins us to discuss how to bring out the best in teachers through strong instructional leadership, and to talk about the role that school leaders need to play if we are to create and sustain a learning environment where all students can succeed. Continue
3 Ways to Help “Loners” and Improve School Safety
After the recent tragedy in Newtown, CT many school leaders may wonder if some of the adolescents in their buildings are capable of similar acts. Dr. Nancy Rappaport, a child psychiatrist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, joins us to talk about "loners," and explain why it's imperative that schools reach out and support these shy, socially awkward students. Continue
Inspiring the Next Generation of School Leaders
The role of the principal is more critical than ever to the success of education and there is a real need for school systems to identify, attract and retain new principals who are strong leaders and understand teaching and learning. Melissa Patschke, a twenty-five year veteran of public education, joins us to discuss how current school leaders can inspire and encourage the next generation of principals. Continue
Stop Looking in the Traditional Places for Budget Savings
Nate Levenson, author of the book, Smarter Budgets, Smarter Schools, joins us to talk about how schools need to start thinking differently when it comes to budgets and discusses the big opportunities in three budget areas that tend to get the least amount of scrutiny in most districts. Continue
5 Tools for Principals to Increase Rigor
How can school leaders make higher expectations for all students a reality? It begins with making the classroom a far more rigorous place. Barbara Blackburn, an authority on rigor, joins us to provide her insights into the topic this month. Continue