Hey gang! I want to share something that can transform your school community and elevate morale: building a culture of gratitude. Let me take you on a little journey and show you how simple, intentional actions can create a ripple effect of positivity. 

Cap, Gown, Tassel, and a Thank You...

As I walk through schools across our nation, I see an unsettling trend: talented educators leaving the profession. The problem isn't a lack of capable teachers—it's our struggle to retain them. Retaining great educators requires more than acknowledgment; it demands...

Gang, returning to the classroom can be hard after a long winter break.  January is a vital time to reset your classroom and set the tone for a fantastic return to learning.  I’m excited to share three simple yet powerful communication tips you can implement in your classroom...

Exploring Student Learning Pathways  

When we think about education, we often picture a straight and narrow path—a singular road traveled by all, leading to the same destination. Yet, as teachers and learners, education is rarely a one-size-fits-all experience. Each student has...

The Co-Teaching Connection

I promise this is a school climate and culture blog, not a relationship blog! But there are certainly some common themes. Co-teaching brings a fresh dynamic to the classroom, one that’s driven by teamwork, trust, and adaptability. More than just two teachers in a...

As a former student, educator, and administrator with dyslexia, overcoming learning challenges has always been a part of my life. Over the years, as I’ve worked with students, families, and other educators, I’ve come to realize just how complex and vital this field truly is....

Efficiency and effectiveness are two concepts that often get thrown around together, yet they can feel like distant cousins in the world of education and leadership. For many of us, these terms create tension, like a marriage that constantly needs counseling. When we strive for both...

Who Are We?

In life, no good stories start with eating a salad.  Great success stories begin with a bold move, a moment of courage, a creative risk, or a leap of faith.  Many of you have tuned in and read the blogs for “Stand Tall Leadership Show” and now “The School...

I am back from my Stand Tall Summer Tour, and boy are my arms tired! You know I can’t let a Dad joke pass me by.  Fresh off the last stop on the Stand Tall Summer Tour 2024 and eighteen speaking locations later, here I am.  My next stop in the fall is a self-care weekend in the...

The mood changes if you say the word ‘evaluation’ around classroom teachers.  The word evaluation has the stigma of a four-letter word, but it does not have to be that way.  Depending on your district’s evaluation model, it can include so many components. ...

Gang, I have exciting news to share! The National Speakers Association (NSA) designated me a Certified Speaking Professional at Influence 2024 in Denver, Colorado! I am honored to be among the top echelon of professional speakers who have earned this international designation, which only...

Welcome to the School Climate and Culture Show!

Welcome to the "Climate and Culture Podcast" with my co-host Meg Diede from IntegratEd! So happy you made it! We are thrilled to introduce this engaging and insightful podcast specifically designed for educators, administrators, and leaders...