Danny Steele
@SteeleThoughts
Educator / Motivational Speaker / Leadership Coach / Author / I love students, teachers, culture, leadership, and public education. That’s what I tweet about.
If you are currently discouraged… because you have not yet gotten that job… this is for you.
New @WiredEducator podcast episode dropping soon with @SteeleThoughts & @kellycroy Do you subscribe? ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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Kids don’t want to be bad. They want to have their needs met. It’s always a good thing when we can focus on understanding the students and meeting their needs… rather than just reacting to the “bad behavior.”
I think it’s important for us to assume that students want to succeed. I think when we give them the benefit of the doubt, it makes it more likely that they will rise to our expectation. I could be wrong; I just don’t think many humans enjoy failing.
Took a break from writing my next book to follow a thought that wouldn’t let go. 🎨 What if we led like the masterpiece was already within us? Not something to chase. Not something to prove. But something to uncover together. In my latest #PrincipalLinerNotes blog, I share a…
One of the best things a teacher can do in the course of the day is to have a conversation with a student about something other than school.
Inspiration does not need to be a fleeting feeling. I think an inspired teacher is a teacher who comes to work mindful of their true purpose. And that ultimate purpose is not found in their lesson; it is found in the students they are teaching. It’s HARD… but so worth it.
Effective teachers are not just “gifted educators.” They work hard to plan meaningful lessons. They work hard to connect with their students and inspire them. Their level of commitment always matters. And I’m so grateful for it!
Learning is voluntary. That’s a sobering thought when you consider it. So our goal is to create a classroom environment where the students think the learning is worth the effort and worth the risk.
No program in the school will ever exceed the passion of the adults implementing it.
Kids want to be heard. Whatever the situation… they usually respond better when they feel like their voice has been valued and their experiences have been validated.
Sometimes students need great roles more than they need great lessons. Teachers should never lose sight of the fact that their impact on kids often transcends the lesson.
Curriculum, pedagogy, and technology have all changed. But the qualities of great teachers have been… and will always be -- timeless.
Administrators recognize a positive classroom environment as soon as they walk into the room… and so do the students. Effective teachers do so much more than just plan great lessons!
I know we’re in it for the kids. I get it. But you can’t be a great principal if you don’t love teachers too. They do the core business of the school, and it’s crucial that they feel valued.
It’s important that educators find ways to be around other educators who are equally passionate about their job. We all need to be encouraged, inspired, and validated in what we do.
You don’t build rapport with teachers through emails. You do it by walking the halls and being in their rooms…. connecting with them where THEY are. You build it through conversations.
Every teacher deserves a principal who will inspire them… encourage them… support them… and trust them. Leadership matters.
It’s hard for adults to ask their boss for help when they are struggling in their job. We should not be surprised when students are reluctant to ask their teachers for help when they are struggling in school. It’s hard for most humans to ask for help. Something to remember…