This is an amazing story of how Kimberly's district set them up for success so they could find time for the important things in life. What a cool and unique approach. 

Kimberly Dixon is principal in Toronto

• Took a year off to take some coursework.
• Mother had supported her at the beginning of her career.
• Lacking balance.
• Four over 5. Paid 80% over four years then paid 80% for fifth year.
• Typically accept about a dozen people for that in our district.
• Became principal and started coursework to become a superintendent at the same time.
• I realized I had been working really hard so travel was definitely a goal.
• I had to operate within the parameters of
• Principal of a summer school program in South Korea, kids met in South Korea and then went to the Philippines.
• Be present as a mother and take care of myself.
• The year was very unplanned.
• School seems very Eurocentric, but our schools are so diverse.
• Families are always excited
• The balance needed in life to be your best.
• Without balance, we run into issues of burnout
• It’s about putting myself well into the time I have.
• Not having that rushed approach. Respecting my time when I’m not in school and not “on.”
• Giving a lot of yourself to other people’s children.
• Having a purpose for my days.
• Be in each classroom before every major break in the day.
• None of my goals could happen unless I built the relationships.
• No more than one evening event each week.
• More balanced for my own kids and the kids at school.
• How to be a transformative principal? I’ve discovered who being me is! Try to center yourself in some way to figure out what makes you peaceful.

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Learn more about today's sponsors, Playworks, IXL, and Renaissance Learning:

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.

We’re proud to be sponsored by Playworks, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with evidence-based practices that help schools improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play.

If you’re a school or district leader struggling with the challenge of chronic absenteeism, as so many are across the U.S., you may not realize that structured recess is a research-backed approach to keep kids in school. In fact, a UC Berkeley study of Title I schools found that those partnering with Playworks had significantly lower chronic absenteeism rates. Further, Mathematica research demonstrated that Playworks schools spent 27% less time transitioning from recess back to learning, saving teachers valuable instructional time. 

These results are possible for your students, too. Learn how Playworks can help you improve student-educator relationships, belonging, and attendance by signing up for a quick no-obligation conversation.

We’re also thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. 

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.