#NASSP14 Ignite

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in NASSP ’14 in Dallas over the last few days.  The conference was inspiring to me because it was the first time I have seen, heard and interacted with so many other principals.  As I reflect on my experience I notice that the sessions I chose to attend all fell into the following categories: Innovation, Creativity, Culture & Climate, Mindset and Digital Leadership.

Innovation: I was inspired by Erik Burmeister and his school and desire to see schools like that in Minnesota.  While our school won a recent award for Innovation, we have so much more we could do!  Innovation like that in Minnesota is a possibility!

Creativity: I was inspired by Dwight Carter’s school, the light, the color, the personalization all speak to the environment that I desire for my students.  We have a bit of this energy in our school.  I couldn’t stop taking and posting pictures so much that my niece tweeted that I was a tweetaholic!

Climate & Culture: There were multiple sessions that discussed climate and culture that reminded me of my mission and vision for the work that I do.  It is my vocation.  I appreciate the multiple reminders to work on my branding.  I also appreciate Baruti Kafele’s many questions for reflection.  I am going to need some time to work through those in future posts!

Mindset: It was inspiring to see Carol Dweck speak in person and the connection to Daniel Wong and his book the happy student.  Daniel Wong offered that administrators have a few typical blindspot: sharing their love of learning.  This was encouraging to me as I have intentionally lead from this place.  I am a learner and an achiever so this spoke to me.  Carol Dweck spoke to me when she said that it is normal to have a fixed mindset about some things but the trick is to catch yourself in that moment and adjust.  Finally, they challenged us to think about: What is one thing that you can do to make your students happier on Monday?

Digital Leadership: I was also able to attend various sessions that has grown my pln and learn from my colleagues about how to further my digital leadership.  I have just started on this journey but I am excited to keep carrying on.  Thanks to my new colleagues on social media for helping me reach my professional goal this year!

Finally it was inspiring to have time to reflect on my practice.  It was inspiring to hear from Laurie Barron and her journey in leadership.  As a female educational leader, it was important to feel validated as a mother, a young leader and a strong woman.

Thanks for the inspiration at #nassp14 : @LaurieBarron @JasonMMarkey @DaisyDyerDuerr @mrbprincipal @PrincipalKafele @Dwight_Carter