The summer between high school and college, I worked as a lawn care specialist. What that really meant was I drove a big truck filled with fertilizer and applied it to people’s lawns. Because of the chemicals involved, I had to wear jeans, boots and a long-sleeve shirt. And being summer in Florida, it …
Stifle or Support
What do companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Netflix have in common? Aside from being widely recognized as some of the best organizations in recent times, these companies have implemented innovative workplace policies that provide employees autonomy and flexibility. Since 2004, Google has made it a priority to encourage its employees to spend 20% …
Creativity
The one thing that distinguishes human beings from any other life form (about which we are aware) is our ability to create. Well, sort of. A number of years ago, it was proven that using artificial intelligence applications, computers could write coherent fiction and non-fiction, compose original music, create original works of art and engage …
Inspire, Not Manage
In this video, the CEO of Netflix shares his thoughts about culture. How does this fit your current situation? What are the barriers? What are the opportunities?
The Culture Puzzle
I’ve been searching for the recipe for success for years. As a principal, I literally read, The Perfect School, believing it held the secrets to what it would take to have a high performing school. As a superintendent, I looked for ways to reimagine learning and found resources that enabled our district to implement new …
What will learning look like in the near future?
Someone recently asked me, “What do you believe schools will look like in five years?” Until recently, I would have had an insightful response that included something about individualizing instruction for all students, utilizing technology to bridge gaps, incorporating more authentic, project-based learning and blurring the lines between subject areas. Today, however, I am not …
Continue reading What will learning look like in the near future?
20 Seconds of Courage
I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve admitted to being moved to tears. One of those occasions was while watching We Bought a Zoo, a family drama/comedy starring Matt Damon. The film was actually based on the true story of Benjamin Mee. It’s definitely worth a watch, but that’s not the …
Gen What?
I recently attended a workshop titled, “Shenanigans, Tomfoolery & Nonsense–Ideas for Boosting Morale.” Walking toward the breakout room, I mentally pictured the presenters as a couple of boomers who were just past the point where using the words tomfoolery and shenanigans was socially acceptable. While it clearly seems I have a bias here, it was …
A Cornucopia of Creativity
When I was in the 6th grade, I took an interest in architecture. While my friends were drawing images of superheroes and playing video games, I liked to draw floor plans. I even had some drafting tools that allowed me to draw to scale and insert fixtures and appliances. I’d browse floor plans in magazines …
The Stapler
The first photo that I was able to publish was a retro-looking orange stapler that I found in a desk that I inherited from its previous occupant. It had a lot of vintage 70’s character and looked as though it should be proudly placed on top of one of those old metal office desks that …
IMPASSIONED PHOTOGRAPHY & ART 