| SAIS Blogs of Note |
By: Christina MimmsPublished: May 2017, Vol. 2The 4 Pillars of a Positive Staff Culture Chris Wejr, principal at James Hill Elementary School in Langley, BC, commits to uplifting changes. Using Design Thinking to Solve Problems Connie White, director of learning design & innovation at Woodward Academy in College Park, GA, enables problem-solvers. How Coffee Can Change the World Karl Steinkamp, head of Dalat International School in Malaysia, writes about giving ideas some space. Arts Education Teaches Important Life Skills Laurie Wolke, head of Laurence School in Valley Glen, CA, advocates for an arts curriculum.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: May 2017, Vol. 1When "Me-First" is a Good Thing Tim Tinnesz, head of St. Timothy’s School in Raleigh, NC, writes about blame vs. responsibility. When Does a Retreat Help Your School Advance? Jeffrey Shields, president and CEO of NBOA, recommends an off-site gathering for leaders. I’m Not Texting. I’m Taking Notes. Student author Jonah Stillman uses his devices for good. Keeping the Bedtime Story Alive Jennifer Knauss-Hauck, 1st grade teacher at Montgomery School in Chester Springs, PA, advocates reading to kids from day one.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: April 2017, Vol. 2Margaret Moore, head of St. Michael’s School in Tucson, AZ, shares lessons learned from sports. Christy Johnson, director of communications at the Covenant School in Nashville, TN, writes about the gift of a small community. Lost in Translation: When Lesson Plans Go Wrong Educational blogger Tamra Dollar reflects on a fiasco with Flat Stanley. Helping Students Develop Creative Fluency Professor and author John Spencer shows some respect for the creative process.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: April 2017, Vol. 1Rabbi Ari Leubitz, head of Atlanta Jewish Academy, shows some teacher appreciation. Jill Cross, director of teaching and learning at Maclay School in Tallahassee, FL, ponders “improvement.” Erik Kreutner, head of Mason Preparatory School in Charleston, SC, writes about the benefits of taking students on a journey. Your School’s Digital Magazine: More Than Just a PDF Caitlin Garzi, associate director of digital marketing and communications at Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, CT, shares ideas for online publications.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: March 2017, Vol. 2Free Your Mind: Educational Agility in a Modern World Jacqueline Westerfield, head of Grandview Preparatory School in Boca Raton, FL, looks at a world filled with constant change. “The Voice in Our Child’s Head” Doug Norry, head of Triangle Day School in Durham, NC, writes about parental influence. Kate Burton, 6th grade science teacher at Trinity School in Atlanta, sets a directive for her classroom. Why did you go to the NAIS Annual Conference? Dr. Margo Isabel, head of lower school at Wakefield School in The Plains, VA, reflects on the NAIS Annual Conference.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: March 2017, Vol. 1The Rev. Daniel L. Leatherman, chaplain at ‘Iolani School in Honolulu, HI, shares thoughts about active responsibility. 6 Mistakes Parents Make Talking To Their Kids And How To Fix Them Writer Michael Q. Bullerdick reviews “Parent Speak.” Mark Crotty, head of St. John’s Episcopal School in Dallas, ponders the true meaning of innovation. What Student-Driven Learning Actually Looks Like Education consultant Janelle McLaughlin writes about strengthening the classroom.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: February 2017, Vol. 2You Don’t Need a Cape to Be a Hero Liz Maginnis, middle school teacher at Montgomery School in Chester Springs, PA, writes about the importance of character education. How Do We Start This Conversation? Jerry Beckman, associate head of school for academic affairs at The Randolph School in Huntsville, AL, writes about the responsive classroom. Student Broadcasting: A Path to Leadership, Teamwork, and Digital Literacy Patti Weiss, ed tech coordinator at The Fletcher School in Charlotte, NC, shares positive points about a student broadcast program. Sean Corcoran, head of Brainerd Baptist School in Chattanooga, TN, writes in support of diversity education.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: February 2017, Vol. 1"Dr. Rankin, Did You Have Fun Playing in the Snow?" Dr. Richard Rankin, head of Gaston Day School in Gastonia, NC, takes a little time out. New Year’s Resolutions: Will you make the cut? Dr. Jack Talmadge, head of Episcopal School of Knoxville, TN, writes about renewal. Developing a Process to Improve Philip Cummings, teacher at Presbyterian Day School in Memphis, TN, goes for more than a goal. Dr. Randy Watts, head of Brookwood School in Thomasville, GA, reflects on Gen X-ers who are school parents today.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: January 2017, Vol. 2Where Do Introverts Fit Into Group Work? David Cutler, teacher at Brimmer and May School in Chestnut Hill, MA, encourages introverts to collaborate. Seven New Year’s Resolutions for Youth Sports Parents Jay Watts, assistant athletic director at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, offers solid advice. Matthew Arend, principal at Sigler Elementary in Plano, TX, writes about building empathy among students. Martha Guarisco, teacher at Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, LA, takes on the Reading Without Walls challenge.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: January 2017, Vol. 1Dave Michelman, head of the Duke School in Durham, NC, cautions educators. Independent Schools: What Does Proximity to Injustice Mean to You? Allen Broyles, assistant head of The Children’s School in Atlanta, shares insights from the NAIS People of Color Conference. The Parent-Teacher Conference Dance Jill Singleton, head of All Saints Episcopal Day School in Hoboken, NJ, offers advice for conference days. Five Things Teachers Are Ready to Ditch in 2017 Professor and author John Spencer looks to the future.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: December 2016, Vol. 2Michael Ehrhardt, head and “chief storyteller” of Cary Academy in Cary, NC, writes about the challenges of speech-writing. How Can I Help My Child’s Grandparents Understand Dyslexia? Peggy Hendrix, Director of Admission at The Schenck School in Atlanta, offers advice for sharing a difficult diagnosis. Pernille Ripp, 7th grade teacher at Oregon Middle School in Oregon, WI, reflects on the importance of independent reading. Developing Student Passion for STEM Connie White, director of learning design & innovation at Woodward Academy in College Park, GA, focuses on all things STEM.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: December 2016, Vol. 1My Day with Sesame Street Writers Nishant Mehta, head of The Children’s School in Atlanta, offers his expertise to Elmo and friends. Leadership Reminders From a Torn Achilles Mark Crotty, head of St. John’s Episcopal School in Dallas, shares lessons he’s learned post-injury. Veteran educator Tom Olverson suggests do’s and don’ts for trustees. Rediscovering the Value of Dissension Jay Watts, assistant director of athletics at The Westminster Schools of Atlanta, considers opposing points of view.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: November 2016, Vol. 2Digging Deeply into ‘Portrait of a Teacher’ Grant Lichtman ponders what makes a great teacher. 5 Ways to Teach Students to Think for Themselves Former teacher Christina Lovdal Gil offers good advice. Two, Five, Ten Approach Revisited J. Ross Peters, head of St. George's Independent School in Memphis, TN, writes about change management.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: November 2016, Vol. 1Vanessa Robinson, K-8 counselor at The Randolph School in Huntsville, AL, shares ways for schools to help young children. Consultant Janelle McLaughlin writes about the importance of modeling behavior. Make Deep Work Your Superpower Dr. Colleen Worrell, director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning at St. Mark’s School in Southborough, MA, encourages focus without distractions. 7 Steps to Help Students Succeed on Assessments Heather Wolpert-Gawron, language arts teacher and author in San Gabriel, CA, offers some new habits for students.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: October 2016, Vol. 2Veteran educator Angela Maiers praises an oft-criticized group. Toy Savage, teacher and historian at Norfolk Academy in Norfolk, VA, observes a student come full circle. Taking Advantage of a Blank Slate Education consultant George Couros muses on the opportunity presented by a change. Sarah Dawe, 1st grade teacher at Brookwood School in Manchester, MA, is spending two weeks in Rwanda an Exchange Educator. Check out her blog posts here.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: October 2016, Vol. 1Maryellen Berry, upper elementary division head at Trinity School in Atlanta, channels experience into empathy. Gregory Schneider, head of Berwick Academy in South Berwick, ME, shares his thoughts about the school’s new Inspiration Commons. Dr. Steven Tobolsky, head of The Chestnut Hill School in Chestnut, MA, writes about the school’s theme for the year. Author Eric Sheninger encourages true school leadership.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: September 2016, Vol. 2Dave Michelman, head of the Duke School in Durham, NC, writes about passion and purpose. On Guardian Angels, Friends, and Enemies Mark Crotty, head of St. John’s Episcopal School in Dallas, shares thoughts about relationships among leaders. Stay on Target #EdChat #StarWarsEdu Blogger and teacher Nicholas Provenzano lets go of technology. Is Meditation the Game Changer Teachers Have Been Looking For? Emily Riley, blogger and Spanish teacher at Brashear High School in Pittsburgh, encourages teachers to meditate.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: September 2016, Vol. 1#ThinkPossible: Curbing the Fear of Failure David Cutler, journalism and history teacher at Brimmer and May School in Chesnut Hill, MA, eases his students’ angst. Dyslexia … it isn’t just for kids! Peggy Hendrix, director of admission at The Schenck School in Atlanta, writes about adult dyslexia. Teaching American History Amidst the 2016 Presidential Election Donna Lamberti, upper school history teacher at UMS-Wright Preparatory School in Mobile, AL, offers advice for a tough year. Supporting Participation in a Democracy High Meadows School’s Kate McElvaney shares a unique tradition for the start of school.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: August 2016, Vol. 2Dr. Randy Watts, head of Brookwood School in Thomasville, GA, writes about the true nature of leadership. 6 Ways to Build a Stronger Parent-Teacher Team Kathleen Brewer, 5th grade teacher and parent at Randolph School in Huntsville, AL, offers good advice. J. Ross Peters, head of St. George’s Independent School in Germantown, TN, issues a challenge to students for the new school year. Dear Prek and Kindergarten Moms The Covenant School in Nashville, TN, helps parents let go a little.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: August 2016, Vol. 1Drew Frank,associate head of school and principal at The Davis Academy in Atlanta, asks ‘Why blog?’ Summer Reflections: Shark Week, Jaws and Learning in Infested Waters How does the movie ‘Jaws’ relate to teaching? Mike Zavada, middle and upper school principal at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, AL, tells us. Connie White, Director of Learning Design & Innovation at Woodward Academy College Park, GA, writes about the anxiety associated with college applications.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: May 2016, Vol. 2Think Kids Aren’t Capable? Think Again Jay Underwood, head of High Meadows School in Roswell, GA, gives credit where credit is due. Why Aren't Students Allowed to Blog? Author Peter DeWitt finds a place for blogging in the classroom. Warming Your Website Welcome Letter Consultants at Crane MetaMarketing share tips for adding some wow to your welcome. Educational blogger Tamra Dollar reflects on a teacher’s error and the importance of a child’s name.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: May 2016, Vol. 1Reflection: 7 Questions to End Your Week Bo Adams, chief learning and innovation officer at Mount Vernon Presbyterian School in Atlanta, experiments with his experience. Patricia Kuhn, dean of student research and library resources at The Randolph School in Huntsville, AL, discusses memorable projects that help students learn. Chris Kennedy, superintendent of schools/CEO with the West Vancouver School District in West Vancouver, BC, cautions others about rushing into new programs. Educational consultant Janelle McLaughlin tackles a common question.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: April 2016, Vol. 2Philosophical Differences on Parenting Sean Corcoran, head of Brainerd Baptist School in Chattanooga, TN, advocates “keeping it simple.” 19 Big and Small Classroom Management Strategies Edutopia’s Assistant Editor Todd Finley provides teachers with some good advice. How to Read (and Enjoy) More Books Dave Stuart Jr., teacher at Cedar Springs High School in Cedar Springs, MI, rekindles the joy of reading. Michael Ehrhardt, head of Cary Academy in Cary, NC, writes about managing kids and technology.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: April 2016, Vol. 1Equipping Our Schools to Engage the Community Around Us Christine Swanson, principal of Edison Elementary, in Westland, MI, gets parents on board with school life. The Hunt for Authenticity: A Comparison of our 8th Graders and Presidential Politics Michael Zavada, middle and upper school principal at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, AL, leads students on more than a vacation in Washington, DC. Strategies for Reaching Quiet, Disengaged, Struggling, and Troublemaking Students David Cutler, journalism and history teacher at Brimmer and May School in Chesnut Hill, MA, shares tips for teachers. “The Shadow Knows”… A Day in the Life of a Student Arnie Bieber, director of the International School of Prague, Czech Republic, takes a walk in a student’s shoes.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: March 2016, Vol. 3Tips to Conquer the Big Bad Wolf of Imposter Syndrome Educator Megan Allen battles teacher insecurities. What Does Play Have to Do with Learning? Tim Elmore, president of Growing Leaders, advocates playful learning for young students. The Importance of Learning Languages Connie White, director of learning design & innovation at Woodward Academy in Atlanta, writes about connecting on a global level. Zac Leonard, teacher and co-moderator of #EdTechAfterDark, shares ideas for opening doors to learning.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: March 2016, Vol. 2Sticking and Sticky Points After #NAISAC 2016 Mark Crotty, head of St. John’s Episcopal School in Dallas, shares a recap of the 2016 NAIS Conference. 5 Things I Learned From Dr. Biddlecombe Ben Tieslau, middle school choral director at the Randolph School in Huntsville, AL, shares powerful lessons from his college professor. Incorporating Student Voices with Participatory Design Lisa Nielsen, director of digital engagement and professional learning at the New York City Department of Education, writes about the need to include students. We Need to Put a Woman On the Moon Author Tom Whitby encourages women in STEM.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: March 2016, Vol. 1Michael Ehrhardt, head of Cary Academy in Cary, NC, encourages continual momentum. English teacher Leah Slawson at Trinity Presbyterian School in Montgomery, AL, ponders the power of editing. What My Parents Taught Me About Leadership Eric Sheninger, a senior fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education, shares wisdom from mom and dad. Education blogger Jennifer Hogan offers advice for school administrators.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: February 2016, Vol. 2Are You Focused on the Center Ring or Side Show? Payton Hobbs, head of Ravenscroft’s lower school, Raleigh, NC, offers suggestions to avoid the “circus.” Jay Underwood, head of High Meadows School, Roswell, GA, ponders a more meaningful definition of rigor. George Couros, division principal for Parkland School Division, Stony Plain, Alberta, discusses teachers’ overfilled schedules. Craig Vroom, principal at Hilliard Weaver Middle School, Hilliard, OH, writes about the road to success.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: February 2016, Vol. 1Peggy Hendrix, director of admission at the Schenck School, Atlanta, writes about the social and emotional qualities of dyslexic students. Why The Best Lesson I Can Teach My Kids Is To Not Fit In Blogger Zach Brown writes about daring to be different. Experts weigh in on the role of schools in parent engagement. Top 100 Education Blogs for Educators and Teachers A list of helpful blogs for educators
By: Christina MimmsPublished: January 2016, Vol. 2Ross Peters, head of St. George’s Independent School, Germantown, TN, reflects on a Seinfeldian moment of Epiphany. Marion Knoll, director of middle school St. Andrew's-Sewanee School, Sewanee, TN, writes about letting young people blossom. Leverage the “Fresh Start Effect” to Generate Motivation Don’t give up on those resolutions just yet … author/blogger Annie Murphy Paul offers sage advice. Another Visit With an Old Friend Toy Savage, teacher and historian at Norfolk Academy, Norfolk, VA, takes a look at the honor system.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: January 2016, Vol. 1Following a Shared Vision Does NOT Mean We Share Compass Headings Consultant Grant Lichtman writes about finding a school’s collective North Star. Maryellen Berry, upper elementary division head at Trinity School in Atlanta, GA, ponders the legacy of teachers. Educational blogger Dawn Braa examines the importance of recess. Kimberly Hurd Horst, 5th grade teacher at Cambridge-Isanti Schools in Cambridge, MN, offers inspiration for the new year.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: December 2015, Vol. 2Justin Cahill, PE teacher at Trinity School in Atlanta, finds new ways to inspire kids and keep kids in motion. 4 Ways to Handle Stress Heading into Exams Mike Zavada, middle and upper school principal at Trinity Presbyterian in Montgomery, AL, offers survival tips for the season. What Makes a Great Independent School Teacher NAIS and Independent School magazine share some recent research on this subject. Should science notebooks and lab reports be graded for grammar and spelling? The National Science Teachers Association weighs in.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: December 2015, Vol. 1Amy Wasser, head of Hillel Academy in Tampa, FL, extends a personal touch to each student. St. John’s Episcopal School in Dallas Head Mark Crotty debates the pros and cons of a makerspace classroom. Campfire, Watering Hole, Cave and Life: A Metaphor for Learning Michael Ebeling, head of Summit School in Winston-Salem, NC, ponders the power of a metaphor in relation to the school day. Children Don't Change but Education MUST! At Poughkeepsie Day School in Poughkeepsie, NY, sixth grade humanities teacher Shirley Rinaldi looks at the changing world surrounding her students today.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: November 2015, Vol. 2Annie Murphy Paul writes about how to engage students with various types of feedback. Trusting in the Gifts of the Present The Rev. Peter M. Carey, chaplain at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, FL, encourages students to slow down and enjoy the here and now. Teaching as a Second Career: Getting the Job Jennifer Gonzalez shares insights about entering the teaching profession later in life. Educational consultant Janelle McLaughlin writes about a teacher’s true impact.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: November 2015, Vol. 1Practice makes Progress, not Perfect Jess Hill, director of the upper school at Harpeth Hall (Nashville, TN), writes about the growing epidemic of perfectionism. Why Do You Get Up in the Morning? Jeff Sandefer, co-founder of Acton Academy (Austin, TX), offers motivation to young learners. Jackie Westerfield, head of Grandview Preparatory School (Boca Raton, FL) points us toward success. Byron Hulsey, head of Woodberry Forest School, writes about the calendar-driven pace of school life.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: October 2015, Vol. 2 Hugh McIntosh, head of Episcopal School of Baton Rouge (LA), reflects on the words of Pope Francis and how they apply in school life.. Kevin Cullen, a teacher and coach at Black River Middle School in Chester, NJ, writes about sharing space with students. One Marine Commander’s Insights on Leadership: Implications for School Leaders Monie Hardwick, a partner with Greenwich Leadership Partners, talks with U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Brian Foster. Helping with Math Homework (when you don’t understand) Presbyterian Day School (Memphis, TN) teacher Philip Cummings offers a parachute for parents overseeing their children’s homework. Recent blogs on choice and achievement from Dr. Jay Greene of University of Arkansas
By: Christina MimmsPublished: October 2015, Vol. 1Welcome to the Responsive Classroom Randolph School (Huntsville, AL) teachers Henri Helstowski and Nichole Knapp take us inside a new classroom approach. What Jody Knew Jay Underwood, head of High Meadows School in Roswell, GA, reflects on the wisdom of the school’s co-founder. Three Mentoring Mistakes (from someone who knows) Amber Chandler, English language arts teacher at Frontier Middle School in Hamburg, NY, shares three mistakes you don’t want to make as a mentor. Challenges of communicating with students in ever-changing social media landscape Hannah Little, library director at The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN, writes about the ever-changing landscape of social media high schoolers use.
By: Christina MimmsPublished: September 2015, Vol. 2Where did my happy child go?
Peggy Hendrix, Director of Admission at The Schenck School in Atlanta, tells the story about her son’s diagnosis with dyslexia. Rites of passage
Remember Middle School dances? Read about this and the importance of traditions from Sarah Barton Thomas, Middle School Director at The Montgomery Academy in Montgomery, AL. When 2 + 2 = Trouble!
Sean Corcoran, Head of School at Brainerd Baptist School in Chattanooga, TN, gives advice about managing kids’ apps. Back to School … like a Pirate!
Beth Houf, Principal of Fulton Middle School in Fulton, MO, offers inspiration to start off the school year with a bang.
 Have a great blog? Contact christina@sais.org!
By: Christina Mimms Published: September 2015, Vol. 1
Steven Jackson, Head of School at Sumner Academy in Galatin, Tenn., writes about the importance of reading to children.
Michael Ehrhardt, Head of School at Cary Academy in Cary, N.C., muses on the death of LOL, the rise of the emoji and other thoughts for the start of the new school year. Rules of thumb for school leaders
Ann Klotz, Head of School at Laurel School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, shares leadership tips based on her 30 years of experience. To be a robot, or not to be a robot, that is the question
James Rainey, Head of School at Randolph School in Huntsville, Ala., discusses “technological unemployment.”
Have a great blog? Contact christina@sais.org!
By: Sarah Stewart Published: May 2015, Vol. 2 Ian Craig, head of Harding Academy in Nashville, TN, shares how seeing the best in others and cherishing each day can lead to a fulfilling life. Jill Gough, director of teaching and learning at Trinity School in Atlanta, GA, shares how teachers and schools can break familiar constraints to affect change. Gil Perl, head of Margolin Hebrew Academy in Memphis, TN, shares an infographic outlining the future of Judaic studies in the classroom. Jennifer Carey, director of educational technology at Ransom Everglades School in Miami, FL, shares tips for using infographics in the classroom. Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg, FL, shares five ways students and teachers can make the most of the summer.
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