Dealing with Conflict

Posted on February 20, 2024 Written by

In our last post, we explored four ways to deal with criticism. Developing this skill can help you deflect conflict and move toward a more collaborative school culture.

But even in schools with a strong, supportive culture, there still can be internal conflicts. So how can you handle those situations effectively and move forward productively? Stephanie Vozza offers four specific strategies for dealing with those challenging circumstances and bringing closure to conflict.

Ultimately, the ability to effectively embrace conflict can help us deepen interpersonal relationships … which not only opens the door for personal growth, but also for new collaborative opportunities.

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Tweak Your Triggers

Posted on February 6, 2024 Written by

Serving as an educational leader can be extremely stressful, especially in these challenges times when it sometimes seems you’re assailed from every side.

But putting up a shield to protect yourself isn’t the most productive approach. Instead, focus on managing your reactions. Learn to notice your triggers, then press pause, harness the narrative, and explore valid concerns and alternatives.

Here four ways to effectively address criticism, embarrassment, unresolved conflict, and other situations that can threaten your self-worth or credibility. As Marlene Chism notes, “With awareness and practice, leaders who learn to control defensiveness set the stage for open conversations that reduce conflict and promote a collaborative culture.”

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The Principal as Point Guard

Posted on January 23, 2024 Written by

Sports analogies are often overdone in P-12 education … especially in southern states where many principals started their careers as coaches.

But this article provides an interesting new slant (even for those who don’t really understand sports) about why it’s important for the principal to take the lead in literacy. And that mindset can be vital because “developing a culture of literacy in school and the community would improve access, opportunity, and equity for all students.”

As we’ve pointed out many times before, the decisions we make as educational leaders can truly impact student learning and outcomes … and that can change lives.

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10 Significant Studies

Posted on January 9, 2024 Written by

We’re kicking off 2024 with a look back at the 10 most significant studies (per Edutopia) of 2023.

It wasn’t a “normal” year to say the least. A rapid increase in teenage mental health issues raised major concerns, and the unexpected explosion of highly-capable Artificial Intelligence with its attendant challenges dominated many educational discussions. But there was plenty of good news, too … especially in the area of neuroscience.

The article above can help bring you up do date as it takes a quick look at the most fascinating studies (both good and bad) from last year. Enjoy!

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