This fourth Spin Spark explores why leadership vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, even scary, for many of us, especially in the public sector. The truth is that leadership is not for the faint of heart. Authenticity and vulnerability are essential to leading well, yet they often require us to step into »
I was going to start this latest spin by saying that I’m taking a risk in publicly sharing my top five inclusive leadership priorities for this school year. Then I realized I’ve already kicked open the vault of vulnerability, having presented them four times to four different audiences. »
Kindergarten is not about having all the colours inside the lines. Like a box of crayons, children do not arrive sorted with perfectly sharpened tips and wrinkle-free boxes. They come as they are, bringing the beautiful vibrancy of real life. Our opportunity is to welcome them, let their brightness »
Don't let September steal August. Every year educational leaders come back from the summer refreshed, refocused and jazzed to go. But too soon, the summer refresh slips away as we quickly we drift back into the busyness, urgency, habits. Why do we let this happen? I am going »
After having the privilege of spending a few days with Yong Zhao at our summer BCSSA gathering, I am writing this spin to consolidate my thoughts and consider a few potential next steps as I move into the new school year. I have always used writing as a tool to »
This summer has been an awesome collection of train, plane, and automobile adventures. I've travelled a lot and logged plenty of miles in the air, on the rails, and behind the wheel. Spending that much time in transit left me with some solid space for reflection. One thing »
I am going to start this spin by sharing my reluctance to write it, but there is something deep that is pushing me to do so. Over the past two days, I have composed this spin several times in my mind, failing, however, to put pen to paper. I could »
Ego is a term fraught with negative misinterpretations. Being called egotistical or told that your ego is too big are messages that no leaders want to hear. But there is an important place for leadership ego and this latest spin spark is going to unpack why. Recently I revisited Ram »
System disruption is a fascinating consideration when, in public education, we are so often tasked with remaining stable and steady. I want to balance this notion with the reality that, while fiscal pressures are beyond tight, there is still much we can and do to address the needs of students, »
How do we carry inspiration into action in a landscape where finances are tight and educational priorities shift along a sliding scale of urgency? This spin is intended to keep early learning at the centre of the educational agenda, to ground our thinking in where learning begins and to consider »
As another school year comes to a close, the longer days bring time for gratitude, for the many people who have gifted this past year with positivity, kindness, intelligence and compassion. The work in schools moves at a relentless pace; it is intense and exhausting, uplifting and inspiring all at »
