Perception is Reality

I find the whole idea of perception so interesting and so frustrating.  It is amazing to me that 20 people can hear the same message and interpret it in 20 different ways.  Or, read the same email and create a whole different interpretation of what was said. My colleagues have said that we need better communication.  But, I'm wondering ... maybe we don't need better communication but better listeners. 
And then, there is the whole idea that everything you've heard and seen is filtered through  experiences to develop understanding.  Is it any wonder that we have miscommunication?  Today, I learned that even when you work so hard to be clear and concise, someone somewhere will interpret what you said in a whole different way.  And that's life in an elementary school:)   Have a great day.

Inspiring Excellence

I've been reading the book The Leader In Me by Stephen R. Covey.  And its got me thinking about how to inspire teachers.  I agree with the author when he says  "that we know all too well how a teacher can cement mediocrity or inspire excellence in a student regardless of subject area."  How can I prevent mediocrity and inspire excellence in my staff?   As I continue to read, A.B. Combs Elementary school culture sounds to good to be true.  Every year I do a book study with interested staff members.  This year, I think I might ask for teachers to join me in reading the book and then developing an action plan to promote excellence.  Wish me luck:)

Summer Time Inspiration

I start off every summer with  high hopes of getting lots of stuff done.  You know... spring clean the house,  clean out closets,  get organized,  read some good educational books that will help me be a better administrator.  Well,  I'm headed back to work Monday and I didn't get the house cleaned, nor the closets. But, I did have a great time with my grandson.  Just on the verge of turning 3, he spends the days exploring his world both inside and out.  One of his great explorations is my IPAD.   What is it, that small children and electronics seem to understand each other?  He can work the thing almost better than me.  He can turn it on and slide right to his page where the games are located.  Needless to say, he knows all his colors and several letters in his name.  Every time he comes to Nana's house he asks "nana where's your puter?"    Willard Daggett, author of Rigor and Relevance,  talks about preparing our nation's children for jobs that haven't been created yet.  Which makes me think, are we preparing our children for the future?  And what will that future look like?  In thinking about my interactions with my grandson and the IPAD,  I've learned that I need to empower my teachers to become as tech savvy as their young students. I would love to hear what you think?   And don't forget that each experience is a learning experience. So,  what did you learn today?