REFLECT A positive leader, in the purest form, is someone who influences the people and environment around them for the better. In John G. Miller's book, QBQ! The Question Behind the Question, he explores and outlines how to eliminate blame, victim thinking, complaining, and procrastination and walks through how you can apply this both in... Continue Reading →
Here’s the Reminder You Need to Finish Strong
INSPIRE In a recent post, 6 Tips to Get You Through Mile 20 Like a Champ, I reflect on how the school year is like a marathon. Through this journey that requires perseverance, everyone hits "the wall" at some point. After breaking through this challenging moment, one might be tempted to stop and celebrate. After all,... Continue Reading →
10 Things Our Mom Taught Us About Being a Teacher
LOVE One defining characteristic of our family, in addition to an abundance of love and humor, is education. All of our immediate family, including our husbands, are educators. As you might imagine, all things teaching, leading, and learning are common if not constant topics of discussion any time we gather. For me and my sister,... Continue Reading →
5 Reasons You’re Better Off Blogging
INSPIRE After becoming interested in blogging several years ago, last year, I finally summoned up the courage to start my journey. Twenty posts later, I am more passionate than ever about the benefits this platform brings. As I've pushed myself to balance my own creation and consumption, the reasons behind why I blog and why... Continue Reading →
6 Tips to Get You Through Mile 20 Like a Champ
INSPIRE A marathon is 26.2 miles. No matter how quickly or slowly you run it, it's still 26.2 miles. As grueling as those miles are on your body, the true struggle happens in your mind. When does this happen? When do most marathoners hit "the wall?" Mile 10? Mile 13? No. Most marathoners quit at... Continue Reading →
What’s Your Brand?
INSPIRE brand /brand/ noun a type of product manufactured by a particular company under a particular name. "a new brand of detergent" I don't know about you, but making detergent isn't on my list of things I typically do during the day. So as educators, what does having a brand mean for us? And why is it... Continue Reading →
Speak Into Possibility
INSPIRE A co-worker approaches you after a long day and starts complaining about ________ (you can fill in the blank). You heartily agree and begin adding to the story with your own rendition of said complaint. In the blink of an eye, not only are the two of you venturing down a rabbit hole of... Continue Reading →
5 Days, 5 Stories + 5 Tips
INSPIRE My official title: Melody Stacy, Principal My preferred titles: Melody Stacy, Believer-in-Chief, Lead Learner, Head Culture Creator, Chief Energy Officer, Chief Storyteller Chief Storyteller? Yes! I believe in the power of stories and realize the responsibility we have as educators and leaders to tell our stories to help change the narrative and create a... Continue Reading →
What Is School For?
INSPIRE In my last post, What Is Your Why?, I reflected on the first of two questions from Seth Godin's manifesto (also featured in his TEDtalk, Stop Stealing Dreams). Danny Bauer kicks off his book, The Better Leaders Better Schools Roadmap, by asking and challenging others to answer these questions. Why do we do what we do? What... Continue Reading →
What Is Your Why?
INSPIRE In a recent post, How Morning Affirmations Help You Take on the Impossible, I referenced the story of Colin O’Brady who, to many's amazement, accomplished the incredible feat of walking solo across Antarctica. As Colin shared his story, he spoke of his purpose, wanting to do something bigger than himself and inspiring others to take on the impossible... Continue Reading →