SEEing to Lead

Dr. Maribeth Edmunds is an experienced principal and central office director with a demonstrated record of excellence in public schools. She is dedicated to high academic achievement for all students in environments that encourage, respect and nurture every child, in every class on every day. Dr. Edmunds’ career spans over 40 years, having taught secondary English and Reading for 20. After earning degrees in English Education, Reading and Administration, Dr. Edmunds successfully defended her dissertation to earn a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Management and Policy from Seton Hall University.

Dr. Edmunds is skilled in curriculum development, assessment, and coaching. As a former principal and director of professional development, she mentored aspiring administrators and novice teachers. She is highly experienced in supervision of instruction, strategic planning and talent management. Dr. Edmunds is a published author of numerous articles an blogs, with a recent publication in a book entitled Things I Wish I Knew ….. Dr. Edmunds is the creator and host of #EdmundsOut video series on social media platforms. You can view her videos where she shares her musings in order to inform and entertain. 

Lastly, Dr. Edmunds volunteers on behalf of children and adults with autism. She serves on the Board of Trustees of Eden Autism Services, chairing their Committee on Aging and Medical Needs. You can follow her on Twitter @DrMBEdmunds where she connects with educators from around the world.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding others and their differences is a key aspect of building community.
• Spend time working to build a relationship with your teachers.
• Create and utilize small acts that build value.
• Give yourself grace so you can keep showing up through mistakes.
• Capitalize on forced changes by utilizing the tools we have been given based on what teachers need and what makes sense.
• It's incredibly important to think about the way we know work and school.
• Help people find their purpose in work because people deserve to be heard.

Connect:

Twitter: @DrMBEdmunds

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Cameron is an experienced teacher with the past 11 years as a STEM Coordinator and Digital Learning Coach. His main focus is on educational technology and implementing digital learning in the classroom.  In Cameron's  role as a Digital Learning Coach and STEM Leader, he works with staff and students to provide opportunities to transform their learning experience with a range of different tools. He has a strong belief and mindset in life long learning with a Masters Degrees in Sports Business and Digital Learning. Cameron's also  a Team Leader with #aussieED, Level 2 Google Certified Educator, Microsoft Innovative Educator, and can be connected with on Twitter.

Key Takeaways:

• Virtual learning has to be individualized.
• Decide what your goals are first. Then select the tool that helps you achieve that.
• Adapting to technology requires explicit teaching.
• Build relationships by listening to needs.
• Good instructional strategies work for teachers as much as they do for students.
• Building trust takes authenticity.
• Social media is key for sharing and learning.
• Safety is key for taking risks.

Connect:

[email protected]

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Santos Gonzalez has spent the last 25 years working as a teacher and administrator at several schools in South San Diego. For Santos, education was a pathway out of poverty.  She grew up understanding that education held the promise of opportunity and choices.  She has spent her entire career making sure that her work delivers on that promise for every child she serves. She is now serving as a Leadership Coach with the L.A.E.P organization providing, coaching and professional learning opportunities to district, site, and teacher leaders at no cost to participants. Her work focuses on equity and meeting the needs of the whole child.

Key Takeaways:

• Achievement gap verse opportunity gap.
• Equity is only achieved by serving the whole child.
• Culturally responsive practices and social emotional learning contain instructional strategies to close the opportunity gap.
• Teachers are affected by trauma much like students.
• Leaders need to practice vulnerability to be authentic.
• Hire instructional coaches to do the work you can't get to.
• Leadership is never about you. It's not personal, it's about getting the job done the best way possible with the best person possible.
• Build capacity by having a compelling vision

Contact:

Email: [email protected]

Coaching Website: [email protected]/21csla

LinkedIn: Santos Gonzalez-Verardo

Facebook: Santos Gonzalez-Verardo

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Join me as I am a guest on William Parker's podcast Principal Matters.  Make sure you subscribe and follow him wherever you listen!

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Jay Billy is the proud principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School in Lawrence Township Public Schools in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Jay has been in educational administration since 1996. He was awarded the 2016 Exemplary Elementary Educator award from the State of New Jersey, Department of Education. As a PIRATE leader, Jay is passionate about school culture, continuous learning, innovation in school and supporting the whole child. He has presented at numerous conferences around the state and the country on subjects such as building positive school culture, becoming a PIRATE leader, using social media, classroom management, student engagement and equity. Jay is the author of the book, “Lead With Culture: What Really Matters In Our Schools” published by Dave Burgess Consulting.

Key Takeaways:

• Clearly communicate your expectations
• The importance of personal conversations.
• Model the behavior that you want.
• Give permission for people to be passionate.
• Ask authentic questions in your hiring process.
• Honor and encourage diversity of thought in your staff.
• Make sure to continue learning and sharing.
• Making connections is key to being the best leader possible.
• Be vocal about the purpose of whatever you are doing.

Contact:

Twitter: @jaybilly2

Email: [email protected]

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Christopher Dodge is the Lead Learner of the Orange Elementary Schools, a PreK-6 school district in central/western Massachusetts. Christopher has served the community of Orange for 7 years. In that time, the schools have worked to create collaborative structures and systems that bring stakeholder voice into school level decision making, as well as strategies that promote student success and achievement. Orange Elementary utilizes these systems to promote a vision of serving the whole child, ensuring that students social emotional and academic needs are being met. Aside from his role as principal, Christopher serves on DESE's Principal/Teacher Advisory Cabinet. He is passionate about supporting and mentoring leaders and educators, serving as a consultant with Seaside Educational Consultants and as an adjunct instructor at Assumption University in Worcester, MA.

Key Takeaways:

• You have to consider unintended consequences when modeling behaviors.
• Get accountability partners to keep you on track.
• Sometimes all teachers are looking for is permission.
• Block your time off in your schedule for better productivity.
• Create systems that lead people to do their best work instead of managing people to fit the systems you have.
• Make sure you lean towards yes whenever teachers bring you a suggestion.
• Don't waste time focusing on what could go wrong instead of focusing on what is great.

Contact:

Twitter: @PrincipalDodge1

Instagram: @PrincipalDodge1

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Christopher Dodge is the Lead Learner of the Orange Elementary Schools, a PreK-6 school district in central/western Massachusetts. Christopher has served the community of Orange for 7 years. In that time, the schools have worked to create collaborative structures and systems that bring stakeholder voice into school level decision making, as well as strategies that promote student success and achievement. Orange Elementary utilizes these systems to promote a vision of serving the whole child, ensuring that students social emotional and academic needs are being met. Aside from his role as principal, Christopher serves on DESE's Principal/Teacher Advisory Cabinet. He is passionate about supporting and mentoring leaders and educators, serving as a consultant with Seaside Educational Consultants and as an adjunct instructor at Assumption University in Worcester, MA.

Key Takeaways:

• Realize you don't have to do things the same way you have seen them done.
• Be who you really are instead of who you are expected to be.
• Focus on learning instead of the game.
• Support teachers in pursuing their passions.
• Teachers need permission to experiment.
• Passion projects as goals for evaluation.
• Create an environment for risk taking by by changing the structure instead of the expectations.
• It's important to remember we can't do anything without partnering with parents.
• Principles need to shield teachers from being overworked by prioritizing what is valued in education.

Contact:

Twitter: @PrincipalDodge1

Instagram: @PrincipalDodge1

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

As a current middle school principal Demetrius is committed to creating a climate and school culture that is welcoming and inclusive for all students and staff members and sees strong relationships as the key to helping students and staff thrive. Demetrius is constantly developing his knowledge and skills through connections and reflection.  Demetrius is a graduate of the United States Military, West Point, New York.  After graduation he served 5-years as a field artillery officer in the Army completing two tours in the Middle East.  He lives in Northern California with his wife, Valu, his West Point classmate, and 4 children.

Key Takeaways:

• Living in your community in which you lead is a way to increase authenticity and build relationships.
• If you can lead, you can lead.
• It's important to realize that you don't always see the big picture picture and yet you still have to move forward even if it isn't your idea.
• The people you lead take on your attitude whenever a new initiative is being implemented.
• It's critically important to have 1 on 1 conversations with staff as you move forward with your vision.
• Share student feedback with staff for impact and credibility.
• Hire people who have the skills in the areas in which you need to improve.
• Fight for the people you want to achieve the vision you have.
• You can't improve your situation if you don't try something different than what you've always done.
• You can't be a good leader unless you know how to be a good follower.
• You can only ask good questions if you are truly listening. 
• There's no point in having an open door if you aren't receptive to what people are saying.

Reach Out and Connect:

Twitter: @Demetrius_Ball

The Engage Podcast: https://anchor.fm/engagepodcast1

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Craig's been married for 25 years to an educator and is a father of three beautiful girls.  He has been in Bergenfield, NJ for 25 years with the last 10 as Principal of Jefferson Elementary School.  Craig is a former Physical Education teacher, Supervisor of Art, Music, and PE, Director of the Alternative High School as well.  He feels he has been blessed with the privilege to work with the children of Bergenfield and thoroughly enjoys each day in this profession.

Key Takeaways:

• It's important to model incremental improvement.
• Create a process for getting better in areas that you need improvement by reflecting.
• Have small conversations with teachers each day.
• Dialog needs to be personal before practice or process before it leads to outcomes.
• Being vulnerable allows you to connect with people and learn.
• Everything must be centered on your personal philosophy if you are to help teachers to the greatest extent.
• Look for, cultivate, and capture the "it" factor. You can teach the other stuff.
• Things don't get brought to our attention unless they're important to the person bringing them to us.
• Use your spirit use your freedom use your style. Own it.

Contact:

Twitter - @crvogt68

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.

Craig Shapiro is a teacher of K-12 HPE/Coach for 33 years.  He is also a speaker and upcoming author.

Key Takeaways:

• Simple steps for transformation are not just a classroom thing, but a life thing.
• The daily steps you take are super important for how you perform overall.
• Anyone can reflect, but that doesn't make it easy.
• It's important to get to know people, but more important to help them get better.
• Many things we do are simple, but people just do not think about it.
• Learn about and make use of habit stacking.
• What you do consistently creates the desire to do the same in others.
• We get what we model and expect.
• Leaders must have empathy and be authentic.
• Pay attention to where your ducks are swimming.
• Make sure people understand the vision and their role in it.
• Focus on the good instead of the small amount of negatives.
• Ask yourself if people say hi to you without being prompted.

Get in Touch:

@Shapiro_WTHS

@Positively_Well

CMSdreambig.com

We’re thrilled to be sponsored by Renaissance and IXL. 

Learn more about Renaissance:

As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.

IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:

• Simplify and streamline technology
• Save teachers’ time
• Reliably meet Tier 1 standards
• Improve student performance on state assessments

🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.