Sandra-Lynn's Spin

Sandra-Lynn's Spin

Sandra-Lynn Shortall is an educational leader driving systemic change for inclusivity in public education.

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Sandra-Lynn's Spin © 2026
Published with Ghost and Paperleaf
Fuel for Life: Executive Functioning as the Spark

Fuel for Life: Executive Functioning as the Spark

In this latest spin, I’m exploring the connection between physical activity, my own experience of being anything but athletic, and the role executive function plays in turning intention into action. After realizing I had overlooked physical health and movement in my New Year’s predictions, I wanted to emphasize »

Crystal Ball Predictions: Canadian Schools in 2026

Crystal Ball Predictions: Canadian Schools in 2026

As midnight arrives, the crystal ball begins to glow - what does it reveal for public education in 2026? Here are my top five predictions, listed in no particular order, as I take my best guess at what’s ahead for Canadian schools. #1. Adult Behaviour: Boundaries and Resets As »

Lost and Found

Lost and Found

Sometimes getting a little lost is exactly what you need. It sounds cliché, but when you step off the familiar path, you see things differently, and that perspective can lead to something valuable. I am going to preface this spin by admitting that my husband was 100% right. I am »

Wrapped in Presence

Wrapped in Presence

There are some gifts that can't be bought. A few months ago, my younger sister made a joke about my consumer ways. In the moment it was a funny laugh we shared but it got me thinking about my retail habits as well as my gift giving ways. »

(be)Longing

(be)Longing

As holiday celebrations begin, the simple act of reconnecting with old friends brings to mind the profound role belonging plays in our well-being. The root of belonging traces back to Middle English bilangen (to pertain to) combining be as an intensifier and long as go along or be appropriate. While »

The Weight of the Poppy

The Weight of the Poppy

Leo Shortall had just turned 17 when he presented himself at the Church Lads' Brigade Armoury in St. John’s, the capital of the Dominion of Newfoundland, on October 23, 1915, for a medical examination. Unbeknownst to his parents and siblings, young Leo was declared fit for service. Just »

What if they're wrong?

What if they're wrong?

We often say, “Stick with it, persevere, and it will be worth it.” But what if it’s not? What if they have it wrong? What if we have it wrong, that the structures we’ve built into our educational redesigns aren’t quite right? Feeling uncomfortable? Good. Hold that »

Looking for the Fix-It

Looking for the Fix-It

I will be straight up, this spin is my latest amateur attempt to wrap my head around what generative AI is bringing to our world of inclusive, specialized education supports and instructional strategies. As I delve deeper into AI agents, chatbots, and so-called ‘super-intelligent’ supports, I find myself weaving together »

Smells Like... Teen Spirit

Smells Like... Teen Spirit

Nirvana's breakout album Nevermind rocked the music scene in the early 1990s as underground punk and indie vibes exploded into the mainstream. Despite the initial reluctance of radio stations across North America, Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit landed top ten spots on international billboard charts disrupting »

Beyond the Polish: Leadership Lessons from the Nail Salon

Beyond the Polish: Leadership Lessons from the Nail Salon

Leadership is like a manicure, full of chipped edges, unexpected shine, and lessons revealed in every layer of polish. While a nail salon might seem removed from educational leadership, this spin is about the surprising connections between what happens when the polish comes off and on. Straight up, I will »

The Budget Line That Starts in the Sandbox

The Budget Line That Starts in the Sandbox

I need to be thoughtful, respectful and reverent in the writing of this latest post. I also need to acknowledge this week has been a big week. So the spin of emotions, facts, frustrations, hopes and dreams are swirling as I share this post. Honestly acknowledging that is important, just »

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Sandra-Lynn's Spin © 2026
Published with Ghost and Paperleaf