Tiff4Tat

  “Before making any decision or attempting to bring about any change, great principals ask themselves one central question: What will my best teachers think of this?” Todd Whitaker asks that question on p. 87 in What Great Principals Do Differently: 18 Things That Matter Most (2012). As I reflect on the literacy moves made during the 2023-2024 school year, I think of the times great teachers have been involved in the decision-making process.  The times great teachers have shared ideas.  The times great teachers have had a voice and choice.  Great principals Do . Using that framework, I have included in this week’s blog three key themes to lead a literacy focused school: Be visible as a literacy leader, make reading and books accessible, and engage your greatest teachers (the rest will follow), all students, and your family and learning community.  What follows are practical, easy-to-implement practices for principals to make literacy come alive in your buildin...

I love school supplies. I always have. The sound of tearing into sealed plastic to click a brand new mechanical pencil has been my favorite sound since third grade. I love erasers. Sometimes I will write something just to erase it. These inexpensive necessities have always brought me such joy. I believe my obsession with school supplies developed because of my desire to perform well in school. In my grade school days, we used pencils and paper daily. Our classrooms were not filled with handheld devices, wall-mounted computers, or text-to-speech capabilities. Rather than typing on a machine, we hand-wrote assignments. I remember writing several rough drafts of essays before turning in a final copy. It was these experiences that taught me to love the tools that eased my work. As a principal, I believe it is my job to give my staff and my students tools to ease their work. These tools may include professional development opportunities, books, supplies, and even technology. It is my belie...