Hey Reader, Somehow it's already October 1 👀 which means life is busy. (or am I the only one sending babysitter voice notes about the 4 overlapping games this Saturday morning?) Which brings me to my first thing: This solo mom has a sitter coming this weekend because I am headed to Vegas for the Teach For America 35th Anniversary Summit! If you're going to be there, hit reply and let me know or text me at 312-373-0315. Would love to meet up IRL! The second thing is... I published an essay on...
16 days ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! Chances are pretty high you've heard me share something like this before-- In a Leadership Lift, at a conference, on a date, on the the sidelines at a flag football game... I talk about this all.the.time. I was a casual fan until a fateful night in 2007, when I had an epiphany about leadership that shook my world--and shaped the way I have led since then in every way. (in addition to inspiring an expensive-but-worth-it-in-every-way hobby of seeing Bruce as many times as I can--29...
24 days ago • 2 min read
Dear Reader, A few weeks ago I went to the grand opening of the new building for the school I founded, which opened in 2013 with 113 fourth and fifth graders. When the first class graduated from 12th grade in 2021, I graduated as well, starting my small business working to help PK-12 school leaders navigate organizational shifts and transitions, ensuring their teams are aligned and effective so their students thrive. I’ve been in touch but I tried to give my amazing successor some space: when...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
I’ve been a big reading nerd since I was in single digits —and as I packed for the end-of-summer trip , I brought so many books I got from recommendation lists— so many my oldest complained (rightfully 🤣) about how much weight my books added to the suitcase. It inspired me to share the love and write a similar book recommendation list for you: I'd love to hear if you've read any of these, what you thought, and what you'd add to the list! The Correspondent: my best friend heard about this and...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hey Reader! Last Thursday, my kids and I flew to Chicago to celebrate my dad's birthday on Sunday before we left for our bigger summer adventure Monday. But Friday--the middle and high school I founded hosted the grand opening of their new building--- and their first all-class Alumni Reunion--organized and funded by alums. 😊 The first class graduated a little over five years ago-- which is when I transitioned to my coaching and consulting business and I deliberately stepped back-- as Founder...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Reader! Yesterday I talked to 3 school leaders: two on calls and one I ran into at a bris. In all those convos, the feeling of this time of year came up--the finish line is in sight, yet the to-do list feels unending. End of year testing, field trips, graduations, ceremonies, staff plans changing for next year suddenly.... plus we've caught Knicks fever over here, and the NBA finals are keeping me up wayyyy past my bedtime. (Worth it but wow I am tired.) Some of you have ended the school...
4 months ago • 3 min read
Hey Reader, Chances are high by now you've heard of May-cember: that busy time of year with end of year trips, performances, plays, recitals, .. all the joyful end of school year activities that on their own are great, but can add up to be a lot. As a solo parent with three kids who are all "seniors" at their schools (if 5th grade or 8th grade can be a senior), this year for me brings award ceremonies for all kids, new school orientations for the 3 new schools they are attending in the fall...
5 months ago • 3 min read
Hey! Reader! How are all my Perennial Plus signs doing this last day of April? (whoa, right?) Since next week is the first full week of May that means it's Teacher Appreciation Week. (If you're a school leader and this just gave you a heart attack, I'm so sorry. I have a Teacher Appreciation Week Planning Guide here you can use that I promise you can work even as last minute as Sunday or Monday--DNR, but I've been in your shoes and get it!) I feel like 👵🏻 saying this, but back when I first...
6 months ago • 2 min read
Exciting news today! Over the last few weeks, we've been voting on what to call the lovely group of leaders who are here-- 🗳️ We voted...then we voted again when it was close. (yay, democracy!) 🥇We have a winner! Super excited to share the news that from here on out, you are now... a Perennial Plus Sign! Let's break it down; Perennial: You come back, season after season. Committed to growth, resilient though change and showing up for the long game. Leaders who understand that real...
6 months ago • 2 min read