Leader 2 Leader

Where can you find the best teachers? By Jayne Ellspermann The best teachers are right in front of us! Several years ago, the school where I was principal was struggling to find teachers, especially in hard to fill positions like math, science, and special education.  We had a building full of bright students who we were doing a great job preparing for countless professions. Teaching was not one of them. Teachers are often the first profession students encounter and see in action.  When you ask students in elementary school what they want to be when they grow up many of them will tell you they want to be a teacher.  Years go by and those same students move on to different careers, often because we do such a great job in our schools of promoting other careers. Every day I saw potential teachers in our classrooms, and knew with a few changes we could create an outstanding teaching force with the students in our school.  There were things we nee...

Seth Daub, FAEMSP President-Elect,  Catalina Elementary School  Principal , Orange County LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! Professional development based on individualized needs and interests is the motivational drive for teachers at Catalina Elementary School to receive their Ph.D. in professional growth.  “Willingness to grow”, “continuing to master their craft” and “wanting to support student learning” are just a few phrases that describe the dedicated team at Catalina Elementary School.  Catalina Elementary, in Orange County, serves over 750 students each day in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, all qualifying for free and reduced lunch. WHAT IS HOT AT THE BOX OFFICE, THIS MONTH?   Each month teachers select a professional development training that best fits their needs based on the offering of that particular month.  School-based monthly professional development opportunities are for teachers led by ...

Al De Jesus, Principal, Orange Park Junior High School FASA President Elect As the heat of summer begins to warm the air with the break of dawn, the breezeways begin to bustle, the copier makes its familiar sound, laughter and talk fill the buildings! The heart of the school is beating again! The possibilities again become endless for experiencing a year of success, new areas of opportunity to explore, and growth reflected through student achievement for these are the elements that drive our school. With 20 years of education looming, three of which having been spent in the principalship, I find my mindset changing with the ebb and flow of the needs of the student. However, the feelings that the opening of each new school year brings is unchanging. With each opening, I am reminded of the awesome responsibility that I have to the students, staff, and the school community to ensure they have academic and social-emotional growth, a positive climate, and clear and intentional norms. T...

Lauren Hobbs , Education Strategist, Dell EMC @laurhobbs Creativity isn’t something that is turned on and off like a light switch nor does it happen in a certain space during a scheduled “time”.  With a shift to more learner centered experiences, providing the opportunity to create not only empowers students, but helps build the skills students need to thrive in our world today.  Therefore, when defining success within the teaching and learning space we need to have a stronger focus on the process of learning. It is success throughout the learning process that truly creates meaningful opportunities for deeper understanding.   The chart above  clearly depicts what can happen if we shift our thoughts toward learning environments that foster creativity.  As a former educator and administrator in Pasco County, I had the opportunity to ask hundreds of Title I students “How do you learn the best?” Notice this question did not focus on the “what” but the “...

Bill Lee ,   Director of School Leadership Managment, Facilities &Transportation Services, Washington County ; Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA) President I have spent over 40 years in public education in Florida as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal (22 years) and district staff administrator (12 years and counting). My experience has all been in small and rural districts. One could describe me as a true believer in the value of public education and the opportunities it affords to the children and families who live in these areas. These school districts and the schools within them provide students with the best opportunity to move beyond their present circumstances and stations in life. Over the last few years, it seems that many elected leaders have chosen to ignore the value of schools and the work they do in preparing students for the future. Instead they focus on non-traditional educational programs like charter schools, virtual ed...

Allen Shirley, Principal of South Sumter Middle School; Florida Association of School Administrators (FASA) Central Region Director What does S.T.E.M. mean to you?  What does that look like in your school?  This is a pertinent question because it truly does look different, and have a different meaning, based on your setting.  As principal of a middle school in a rural farming community with 73 to 75 percent free or reduced lunch, introducing a STEM elective was a pretty big deal, and the “talk of the town.”  This implementation would not look the same as a technology magnet program in an urban area, but would carry every bit as much importance.  For many of our students, this could be their first experience with any significant technology other than a television at home, and classroom computers at school.  The course could not be exclusive to a particular “type” of student, but rather inclusive of all students.  As the principal of South Sum...

Starting Early Sets the Stage for Success By Margaret P. Kring, FAEMSP President Principal of Moseley Elementary School, Putnam County Public Schools "The earlier, the better" is something that we often hear both inside and outside of education. In the case of preparing our students to be college and career ready, starting early with learning experiences in literacy, oral language, social skills, and math is certainly a key to success especially for children in high poverty areas. The importance of oral language development and literacy cannot be emphasized enough. Oral and written communication skills are basic life skills.  However, a child’s ability to communicate through oral language can be a barrier to academic success or an asset to academic achievement. In designing early childhood programs (PreK to Grade 2), oral language experiences should be priorities for a number of reasons. In Title I or high poverty schools, many children come to school in ...

Earl Johnson, Principal, Matzanas High School, Diversity Committee member For years educational professionals have been trying to close the achievement gap. The achievement gap, which exists between Caucasians and African Americans, Caucasians and Hispanics, Economically Disadvantaged and the Non-Economically Disadvantaged, Students with Disabilities and Students without Disabilities, and English Language Learners and Non-English Language learners. Through the years, there have been improvements; however, the achievement gap still exists. There have been several types of reforms put in place including the addition of preschool,There has been a slight change over the past 50 years; however, the achievement gap disparity still has educational professionals wondering how to mitigate that allusive gap. Before I continue, I would like to pose a question. If your doctor diagnosed you with a broken femur bone, and he prescribed over the counter aspirin, will the aspirin heal ...

Brent Brummett Principal, Ransom Middle School, Escambia County FASSP President Connection with students is very important, acceptance of students is just as important, and d ecisions made for students is supreme.   This month we celebrate Mid Level Education Month.  I have spent over half my career in middle schools as a teacher, assistant principal and principal.  Here are a few things I have learned along the way.  Connection with students: Recently a principal friend of mine went to step in as the lead administrator for a school when both administrators for that school had to be off campus.  As he walked down the hall a student asked him, “Are you our principal?" Middle school students are all about connection. As the leader of a middle school it is very important that students know you, see you, and respect you. This can be strategic. Here are a number of ways that I have accomplished this. 1.        Go to ...