Uncorking leadership, learning, and the conversations that move schools forward.
Why I Started This Blog
I’ve spent my career (and still do) leading schools, opening schools, coaching leaders, building systems, analyzing data, navigating crises, celebrating wins, and learning hard lessons.
I’ve sat in board meetings.
I’ve sat on kindergarten carpets. At this age, I have needed help getting up from Kindergarten carpets.
I’ve been schooled by an 8th grader in Algebra I. A lot.
I’ve coached struggling teachers and veteran teachers who struggled.
I’ve identified and nurtured coaches and Assistant Principals. I’ve supported Principals.
I’ve celebrated student growth that seemed impossible. I’v mourned the lack of growth I was confident we would see.
I’ve made great decisions. I’ve made terrible decisions. Usually, the terrible decisions taught me more.
Throughout all of it, I kept noticing something:
The most valuable conversations about leadership that grew us happened in meetings, professional development sessions, collaborative planning, learning walks, and one-on-one coaching conversations. Those spaces shaped our thinking, challenged our assumptions, and gave us tools for the work.
The conversations that grew me usually happened after someone said, “Want to grab a drink?” or “Can I get you a coffee?” or “Can I ask one more thing? it should be quick.”
That’s when the real processing began. Not because the meeting wasn’t useful. It was. The meeting gave us something worth talking about. The conversation afterward is where we figured out what it actually meant.
That’s when people admitted:
“I don’t know what to do next.”
“This initiative isn’t working the way we hoped.”
“I’m exhausted.”
“This student deserves better.”
“Our staff deserves better.”
The formal conversations were incredibly useful, but after a little time and thought passed people connected the learning to their lived experience. When strategy met reality. When they had a moment to think. When leadership became less about having answers and more about asking better questions. That’s where some of my deepest learning happened.
Edutipsy was born from those conversations.
This blog is simply an extension of those moments.
A place for thoughtful leaders who care deeply about students, believe systems matter, and know the work is far too important to take ourselves too seriously all the time.
I’ve learned a lot over the years. I’m still learning.
I figured I’d invite you into the conversation.
What do you want to talk about? Let me know in the comments.