In this article for MiddleWeb, I highlight how remote learning has shined a light on the importance of speaking and listening skills. Two examples of technologies + strategies are offered for teachers to consider as they prepare for the upcoming school year.
“What is labeled as ‘fluff’ is more often the stuff of leadership and culture.” —Terrence Deal, Kent Peterson, Shaping School Culture While the word “community” may be last in “Professional Learning Community,” it should be the first priority when schools start on this journey. Organizational leader Peter Block defines community as “the structure of belonging”. He … Read more
“What is labeled as ‘fluff’ is more often the stuff of leadership and culture.” —Terrence Deal, Kent Peterson, Shaping School Culture While the word “community” may be last in “Professional Learning Community,” it should be the first priority when schools start on this journey. Organizational leader Peter Block defines community as “the structure of belonging”. He … Read more
I wrote this column for our local newspaper, The Democrat Tribune. They do not have an online version of their paper, so I am posting it here. Thanks for reading! -Matt During these recent no school days due to inclement weather, it was hard to keep our own kids occupied, especially when it was bitterly … Read more
During a regional principal’s meeting today, our conversation steered toward the integration of technology within instruction. Smartphones were a frequent topic, especially from the secondary school leaders. Distractions and inappropriate use seemed to be the common reason for some of the administrators’ disdain for students’ mobile devices. I empathized, as a former junior high school … Read more
Consider these three steps for successful integration of technology in the classroom or a school. I’ll be facilitating a workshop on technology integration in West Salem, Wisconsin on Thursday, April 12. If you are in the area, sign up today (click here). “If math is the aspirin, what is the headache?” A high school teacher … Read more
I wrote an article for the AWSA (Association of Wisconsin School Administrators) Update related to my new book on digital portfolios. Below is the intro to this piece; follow the link to read the rest. Thank you, Matt A disposition toward lifelong learning is something we all want for our students to develop during their … Read more
I was out of town, having lunch at a local cafe when I noticed a young mom taking a picture of her toddler while eating. “Come on, look at the camera!” she pleaded. The toddler said “no”, shook her head. Mom took the picture anyway and probably posted it on Facebook and/or Instagram. The little … Read more
We should not judge people by their peak of excellence, but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started. ― Henry Ward Beecher (via Thoughtful Mind) As both a father and a building principal, education is a personal endeavor as well as a professional one. My two children have always attended the … Read more
It’s Saturday night, which means I start to wind down my connectivity. I try to take a 24-hour sabbatical from almost all things technology. Typically I would let the phone die and not recharge it. However, lately I have been using an app called Streaks. You can track your daily habits in order to develop … Read more
