January 14

Constant Growth for Free!

Free Professional Books and Digital Note Taking

Hoopla is a great way to access professional education titles for free. Professional books can run $20 to $35 each. If you are on a mission to grow, then that adds up!  Often the public library has not been able to keep up with purchasing the professional titles in circulation. The library collection may be dated.  Hoopla runs through your local library and provides you with current digital books. All you have to do is download the app, log in your library card information, and you can open your world to more books. Professional books are not the only content available, but for this blog I want to feature what you can use to grow.

Many times I am in conversation with educators or see books mentioned on Twitter, and I want to access the book.  At first, I used to add them to my Amazon cart or wish list, and hope that one day I would be able to read it. However, now I have learned to see if a title is available on Hoopla.  Some titles are available in an audio format or digital book. Hoopla has allowed me to develop my knowledge and grow for free!

In talking with others about Hoopla, I had some educator friends complain that Hoopla would not work for them.  I asked why and it was shared, “I need to be able to take notes.” Yes, I remember feeling this same way.  You want to mark the ideas that have you excited to try or use to improve your influence.  If you cannot mark those inspirational spots, then you cannot grow, right? However, what I have learned is that you can screen shot digital text “thinking spots” and add them to a note in the Notes App.  The collection of ideas is actually easier in that you have all of the key ideas all together. You do not have to flip through the book looking for the spot.  You can also share your professional “thinking spots” with others if you are doing a school book club.

Do not get me wrong.  Hoopla does not have everything!  However, you can do a search and create a favorites list to go back to when you are ready to read or listen. Hoopla has expanded my professional learning and I hope it extends yours too!  Please know, there are still plenty of titles that I purchase, but this has been a satisfying way to grow.

Check out my video if you want visual support for the process!

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May 29

Shared Leadership Stories

As a graduate student at Butler in EPPSP, we have been able to listen, learn, and ask questions of leaders in our summer phase. Since EPPSP is experiential you get the chance to engage in person and connect with others further along in their leadership journey.  Today’s blog will highlight the presenters and my takeaway points.

Dr. Deb Lecklider, Director of EPPSP at Butler University, @deblecklider

Q: How do you define success in your different leadership roles?

A: “The people around me are successful.”

When a leader is in charge, the true sign of a leader is the success of others.  Are people growing and getting opportunities to grow. Dr. Lecklider allows others to share their expertise with her.  She is an example of being a constant learner.  It makes her a magnet for great people.  She will continue to draw the right future leaders to the Butler EPPSP program.

“I have to be inspired,” Dr. Lecklider.

 

Anila Dinn, Associate Vice President of Human Resources at Butler University

Q: What is your philosophy on working with others?

A: “Do NO harm. Meet people where they are at. We judge people from our own measure. Try and understand where a people are coming from and meet them there.”

When you have to have a tough conversation with someone, you want to show the person that you are hoping to increase his/her success. You relate that the gap area can be improved, which makes a person an even more valuable asset.  With Dinn, you are given respect and space to grow. However, this is not soft, you evaluate results and are metric driven in your leadership. You learn to “balance the needs of the institution and the needs of the people.”

Tina Seymour, Educational Consultant, @SLSConsultingEd

Q: What system “must haves” do you recommend?

A: “You must develop cultural systems and academic systems in a school. You have to be clear on what your lane is. Why is that a priority? Do you have data to support what you are doing?”

Principals and building leaders are responsible for making the systems in a building clear. The cultural systems allow students and staff to follow behavior guidelines and routines in the building. The instructional strategies allow teachers to know how to teach the content in effective, research based ways. With Seymour you learn, “Leadership is lots of strategy and emotional intelligence.”

Seymour’s Twitter Posts show her passion for education.

Lauren Franklin, Crispus Attucks High School Principal

Q: How do you adjust to a new school culture?

A: “You block off three days when you just take a role. You allow teachers to meet with you for 3o minute sessions. You have them share what was going well in the building and what changes they would like to see. You listen. I didn’t do this in my first positions.”

Principals and assistant principals have to stand up for kids. Adults do not always keep kids at the center and desire decisions that may not be best for kids. When you work for the interest of kids, you may not always be popular with everyone. However, you are able to be true to yourself and your values. Franklin knows building leaders work as a team when she states, “I shouldn’t say ‘I’. I should say ‘we’. I did not do anything alone.”

 

Category: Leadership | 2 Comments on Shared Leadership Stories