Category Archives: Principals and Administrator Tools

September 22, 2024 · 9:11 PM

Engage, Explore, Elect: Non-Partisan Classroom Activities on the Voting Process for K-8

Figure 1: Created by Denise Ball in Collaboration with Dall-E, 2024.

A positive learning environment contributes to improved academic performance, and greater student engagement (Aldridge & McChesney, 2018). It is an essential reminder that as K-12 educators, we are called to develop the minds of students, helping build a framework to embrace critical thinking and learn how to focus inquiry and imagination to solve problems that just one day might help the betterment of mankind. As educators, we develop classrooms to foster creative thought and model in word and action what it looks like to be kind, to show tolerance, compassion, forgiveness, and mercy. What an awesome responsibility we take on when we choose to make a difference in the classroom for the students placed in our care.

In a world that can often promote chaos, our classroom and school environments must be one of safety and peace. Classrooms that prioritize emotional safety and inclusion help students build resilience and improve their academic skills (Ryzin, Roseth, & Biglan, 2020). Classroom environments that are supportive and structured promote not only academic success but also social and emotional development in students Quinn, 2017). As we walk through the presidential voting season, we must remember that parents are the first teachers of their children. The political season can be one of intense emotion. However, as educators, we do not embrace the emotion or give in to the chaos of the world. Instead, we focus on creating and modeling positive learning environments for our students, parents, and co-workers. Teachers who create a positive classroom environment by fostering respect, collaboration, and support tend to see higher levels of student engagement and achievement (Havik & Westergard, 2020).

I have provided below some recommended non-partisan activities for students to help develop and promote critical thinking, and engage in learning about the electoral process while fostering a sense of civic responsibility without the emotional weight of real-world politics.

For all those who have chosen education as a career, thank you. You make a difference!

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things,

Denise

References

Aldridge, J. M., & McChesney, K. (2018). The relationships between school climate and adolescent mental health and wellbeing: A systematic literature review. International Journal of Educational Research, 88, 121-145.

Havik, T., & Westergard, E. (2020). Do teachers matter? students’ perceptions of classroom interactions and student engagement. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 64(4), 488-507.

Quin, D. (2017). Longitudinal and contextual associations between teacher-student relationships and student engagement: A systematic review. Review of Educational Research, 87(2), 345-387.

Van Ryzin, M. J., Roseth, C. J., & Biglan, A. (2020). Mediators of effects of cooperative learning on prosocial behavior in middle school. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 66, 101084.

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Filed under Creating a Positive School Culture, Curriculum Resources, Educational Resources, Educational Websites and Resources, Positive School Culture, Principals and Administrator Tools, Sharing the Good, Sharing the Good in Education

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June 25, 2023 · 2:19 PM

Renewal of the Educational Conference Experience: Inspiring Teachers and School Leaders

As I reflect on the 2022-23 school year, I am so proud of the school leaders and teachers I serve. This was a year of not getting back to normal but developing a new framework to meet the needs of students and school communities. In the midst of a society inundated with negativity and despair, teachers and school leaders are called to be beacons of hope. Recognizing the importance of professional development, I had the privilege of attending a conference that not only inspired and renewed educators but also provided invaluable strategies and best practices. The NCEA Conference held in Texas last April brought together teachers from all over the United States, fostering an environment of excitement and growth.

Building Hope and Inspiring Change

As teachers, we hold a remarkable responsibility in shaping the leaders of tomorrow and influencing the future of society. The conference was a testament to the commitment of educators who understand the importance of their role. It was truly inspiring to witness thousands of teachers gathering in one place, united by their passion for education. Laughter filled the air as teachers immersed themselves in sessions, eagerly absorbing new knowledge and revisiting proven strategies. The energy and enthusiasm that emanated from the event were a testament to the collective dedication of educators to their craft and the need for educators to have opportunities to come together to share ideas and collaborate.

Renewing Spirit and Cultivating Excellence

Professional development plays a vital role in empowering teachers to be the best versions of themselves in the classroom. The conference provided a platform for educators to reflect, rejuvenate, and gather the necessary tools to establish a positive school culture. It allowed school leaders to introspect and equip themselves with the skills required to support and uplift their teaching staff. By embracing this opportunity for growth and renewal, educators could enhance the educational experience for their students.

Noteworthy Vendors

Numerous vendors contributed to the success of the conference by offering their expertise and resources. Here are some vendors whose offerings caught my attention:

ADAC – Professional Development Specialists (www.theadac.com):

ADAC specializes in providing professional development services to educators. Their workshops and training sessions offer valuable insights and strategies that enhance teaching practices and student engagement. By investing in continuous professional development, teachers can evolve their instructional methods and inspire their students.

Little Linguist Art Academy (info@littlelinguistics.com):

Little Linguist Art Academy offers a unique approach to language learning through artistic expression. By combining language acquisition and creative activities, they provide an engaging and immersive learning experience for students. Their programs help foster a love for languages and encourage students to explore their creative talents.

Silent Auction Pro (www.SilentAuctionPro.com):

Silent Auction Pro offers comprehensive software solutions for organizing and managing fundraising events. With their user-friendly platform, schools can streamline the process of conducting silent auctions, thereby maximizing their fundraising potential. This resource can significantly benefit schools looking to generate funds for various educational initiatives.

Loyola Press (www.loyolapress.com):

Loyola Press is a renowned publisher specializing in educational materials, particularly in the field of Catholic education. Their resources include textbooks, teaching aids, and faith formation materials. By providing comprehensive and high-quality materials, Loyola Press supports educators in delivering an enriching and value-based education to their students.

  • Catholic Teachers’ Lounge-www.catholicteacherslounge.com
  • Archangel Education and Technology-www.arch-te.com
  • Curriculum Associates-i-Ready Classroom (Mathematics) -www.curriculumassociates.com
  • Simple Solutions Learning, Inc. (Yearlong and Summer Academic Workbooks) -www.simplesolutions.org
  • RISE Education– (Providing Teachers to Enhance Educational Programs)-www.riseeducation.com
  • McGraw Hill Education– (Number Worlds)-www.mheducation.com
  • Hallow-www.hallow.com
  • HSPT Prep Student Achievement Associates-www.hsptprepprograms.com
  • Lenovo Education-www.lenovo.com
  • National Catholic Education Association (NCEA)-www.ncea.org
  • COGNIA-www.cognia.org
  • Sadlier-www.sadlier.com (Vocabulary and Writing Resources for K-12)

Attending the NCEA Conference was a truly transformative experience. Witnessing the dedication and passion of educators from across the nation served as a powerful reminder of the profound impact we can have on our students and society as a whole. The conference provided an opportunity to learn from industry experts, exchange ideas with fellow educators, and explore innovative resources offered by exceptional vendors.

As we approach the summer break, let us be inspired to build a framework for the upcoming school year that plants seeds of hope and fosters a love for learning among our students. May school leaders also reflect and renew their commitment to supporting their teachers in establishing a positive school culture and establish routines and traditions to help establish a dynamic team, thereby enhancing the educational experience for all students.

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things~

Denise

McGraw Hill Education
Wonderful teachers I met at the conference who traveled from Belize.
Curriculum Associates
Fr. John Belomonte, S.J. (Diocese of Venice)
ADW School Leaders-Principal Erin Meunier was a presenter.

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Filed under Curriculum Resources, Educational Resources, Inspiration, Math Resources Online for Grades K-12, Positive School Culture, Principals and Administrator Tools

January 16, 2017 · 7:43 PM

6 Simple Reminders for Effective Leaders in Education

leadership-pic

The six simple rules provided by Dr. Ramsey, are simplistic in nature and effective if remembered by educational leaders when looking to develop and implement “in the name of children”. I believe that to be an effective leader in education, we must remember our customer is not only the child but our parents. Parents, who have a voice and could choose any school. Given the many varied school options  available today, what makes your school the best choice for their child? Parents are looking for a collaborator, not a dictator or an organization that isolates and creates feelings of inferiority.

From conducting a needs assessment, drafting a strategic plan or developing a backward designed  curriculum utilizing a Universal Design Learning mindset, we must always keep the child as center focus. Programs that lose sight of the child have failed before implementation has even begun.

As a principal, I know how “busy” and unexpected a school day can be. However, the reasons why there are so many blogs and books that share best practices and strategies for principals and educational leaders alike to get out of their offices and into the classrooms, is because we all at one point or another get stuck behind our desks attending necessary managerial tasks and we need to be reminded that the reason we chose to be a principal in the first place was to be change agents for children and a champion of teachers!

It is so important to remember the “why”! We cannot allow ourselves to get caught up in the tasks at hand but read and research that strategy that will work best for us  to spend that necessary time in the classroom seeing learning in action on the part of both student and teacher.

We cannot discount the importance placed on the positive development and cultivation of a healthy team of faculty and staff. A healthy and effective faculty and staff are crucial in the development of our future, so it is essential that we as educational leaders get up, get moving and motivate, lead and develop our teams.

As second semester begins for many of us around the world, I encourage you in 2017 to seek out new ways to tell your faculty and staff, “good job” or “this needs some attention for the sake of our children and all those placed in our care.”

Be the educational leader you wanted to be when you first said, “YES” to the opportunity.

Seek to be the difference in the lives of the children, parents, faculty and staff placed in your care. When we choose to be  and see the good, it is simply life changing.

6 RULES FOR PRINCIPALS

By  Robert Ramsey, Ed.D

  • Rule 1:  Listen to parents; the are the kid’s first teachers.
  • Rule 2:  If it’s good for kids, it’s good.
  • Rule 3:  If there’s NO fun, there’s not much lasting learning happening either.
  • Rule 4:  Kids are more important than teachers.
  • Rule 5:  Teachers are more important than principals.
  • Rule 6:  Principals are ONLY important if they HELP kids and teachers.

May we continue to seek knowledge in all things~

Denise

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May 24, 2016 · 6:14 PM

We are Called to Inspire our Students even in the Last Few Weeks of School…Remember the “Why” in Choosing to Teach


(Picture posted on Facebook by Teacher2Teacher #T2T)

We have limited days left with our students.

What a blessing it has been to greet them each morning as they enter our building, our classroom. To be able to tell them they can learn the impossible and see that which is not visible. Be a caregiver, boo-boo healer, magician, entertainer, disciplinarian and mentor. To be a dispenser of hope and a well of motivation and inspiration. Provide them examples to model after and to strive to emulate.

What a blessing it has been to be all we are called to be to them this school year.

We as educational support staff, teachers and administrators  have modeled for those placed in our care more than we will ever know.

Hopefully, we have modeled positive conflict resolution, how to demonstrate and hopefully deal with disappointment and frustration, how to be kind in words and actions and how to forgive.

Our students have watched and listened to our words and actions.

As one who who chooses to work within the world of education, teach and inspire our future leaders of tomorrow, this is so very important for us to remember.
Let us have faith that the seeds and examples we have planted and provide will be watered to bear fruit for many years to come.

May the last few weeks of school be all that you hoped this school year would be …on the first day of school!
May we continue to seek knowledge in all things-

Denise

Principal

St. Augustine Catholic School

Twitter:

@dballwriter and @principal567

Sent from Mobile Device

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