Thomas J. McKenna’s Post

What are the key enablers for effective professional conversations that support teachers to learn, develop and continue to have positive impacts on educational, social and emotional outcomes for students? Typically great work by Professor Helen Timperley amplifying the knowledge and expertise of teachers and school leaders engaging in deep professional learning and genuine improvements in practice. #improvinglearning #education #educationalleadership #professionallearning Australian Council for Educational Research #ACERPress https://lnkd.in/gpcy9cqM

Interesting insights from Education Week. This infographic, based on a national survey of more than 1,400 teachers and nearly 700 school leaders, illustrates a perception gap between teachers and school leaders. One key takeaway that resonates: Teachers should play a larger role in planning professional development. Full version here: https://hubs.ly/Q02r-rMd0

📣NEW POST!!! Teachers in Georgia called for a new evaluation system, one that values and elevates educators and ultimately supports student success. Thus, the Georgia Leadership and Educator Acceleration and Development System (GaLEADS) was created. In this piece, Vanessa Ellis explains her experience with this new pilot system. What are your thoughts? Is Georgia heading in the right direction in terms of teacher evaluation? What is your evaluation system like in your state? #tg2chat https://lnkd.in/eyYbYHYK

In all my years of leading professional development and training, this resonates strongly with me. My experience has been that, like students, adults want to have practical applications in their learning. Let's not just "talk at them" but engage them in a way that meets their needs. #adulteducation #adultlearning #professionaldevelopment #learning #leadership https://lnkd.in/eQiynYj8

High-performing schools tend to have a combination of many characteristics, which were narrowed into these nine areas: 1. A clear and shared focus. 2. High standards and expectations for all students. 3. Effective school leadership. 4. High levels of collaboration and communication. 5. Curriculum, instruction, and assessments aligned with state standards. 6. Frequent monitoring of teaching and learning. 7. Focused professional development. 8. A supportive learning environment. 9. High levels of parent and community involvement.

It's an honor to say that I bring almost 25 years of experience to the education world! Now, the question becomes, "What made me stay there that long?" The short answer is the support of amazing instructional leaders. From principals to directors to associate superintendents, I must say that I have had some amazing examples of what to do well. That said, my passion for supporting educational organizations is fueled by my experience in the field. Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek to teachers, but most importantly, to administrators who remove barriers to make room for their greatness! When I work with school across the nation, I leverage all of the moving parts to improve student achievement. We take a three-tiered approach: 1. Strategic Planning with Administrators 2. One-on-one coaching with school leaders 3. Whole staff professional learning with teachers My recent work with three schools within an urban district changed the trajectory of their school fate. In one year of working with my company, each school showed drastic growth, and the most mind-blowing was a school that ended the year in the top 5 compared to around the 25th of the previous year. This fostered what they already had without purchasing any additional curriculum or resources. Join our newsletter for tips, strategies, and resources! https://lnkd.in/eD-b3iJN Drop the name of your favorite teacher!

“We want our kids to be great students AND we want them to be happy, healthy human beings who can make a difference in this world. And that broader definition of success is not always part of how our kids view their education. ” Superintendent John Malloy Dr. Malloy’s long career in education includes executive leadership in Toronto (Canada) District School Board, professorship at University of Toronto, and currently the Superintendent of San Ramon Valley Unified School District in California. ALP’s Dean Shareski recently interviewed John about the work of change within public education. We want to share our top 3 takeaways from that interview. Listen to the full conversation–link in comments! ✅“Students are not sure they know how to be a great learner even though they are great students…That’s where our learner profile comes in. We are committed to ensuring that our kids really are thinking and creating and communicating and collaborating AND a really great learner.” ✅“Whether you are a district of 1,000, 20,000, 30,000 or 250,000 [students], you need a clear strategic direction, approved by your board and engaging the community. You need a clear road map for how to support staff to actually implement. You need to ensure the district office is aligned with what's going on in schools in a way that [it is] serving schools.” ✅“Our world of public education can't ever stop–it's evolving every day. If we as superintendents and directors aren't staying in front of that, I think we can lose our credibility pretty quickly. ” See comments for more resources related to the wisdom John shared. Which of these takeaways resonated with YOUR leadership? #leadership #education #alplearn

The Wallace Foundation recently published an article focused on busting five myths about the principalship. As a former principal at three different elementary schools, I certainly heard some of these myths in addition to others. For example, I often heard about the benefit about principals (and teachers) being off for the summer. For me, and likely most/all educators, even if we were on summer break, we were engaged in professional reading, professional learning opportunities, engaged in finding additional resources for our schools, and always planning for the new school year. I was always in "school leader" mode and never really "off" for the summer, even when I was on an actual vacation 😁 #humanresources #principal #principals #educators #learning #teachers #edtech #students #teaching #leadership #schools #education The Wallace Foundation Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendent Association of California School Administrators California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators CSUN- Eisner College of Education USC Rossier School of Education Are there other myths you have heard of? Take a quick read when you have a moment. https://lnkd.in/djpRnZHa

Why School and District Leaders Need Coaches... Coaching offers leaders a myriad of benefits that contribute to their professional growth and the overall success of educational institutions. Firstly, coaching provides leaders with a personalized and reflective space to explore their strengths, weaknesses, and leadership styles, fostering self-awareness and emotional intelligence. This self-awareness enables school leaders to make informed decisions, build stronger relationships with staff, and navigate complex challenges effectively. Additionally, coaching encourages continuous learning and skill development, helping leaders stay abreast of evolving educational practices and innovative strategies. Moreover, the collaborative nature of coaching establishes a supportive partnership, allowing leaders to receive constructive feedback, set goals, and implement actionable plans for improvement. Overall, coaching equips school leaders with the tools and insights necessary to create positive school cultures, enhance team dynamics, and ultimately drive student success. Time for you to connect with a leadership coach? Visit our website for more information: https://fayelewis.com/ Contact us at: [email protected]  https://lnkd.in/efCTamjM 

Improving pupil outcomes is a key mission for all schools. This article by ProgressTeaching explores a practical 3 step strategy for achieving that mission! #teaching #schoolleadership