equity

  • Just Stop Using “You Guys”

    It’s time for me to write this post, since I’ve been thinking about it for over 10 years. I kept hoping it would catch on. It hasn’t. So here goes… I wish everyone to stop using the term “you guys” when referring to a mixed gender group of people. I get why people use it.…

  • Microaggressions: They’re Real and They Hurt

    “Where are you from?” “I guess you wear the pants in the family.” “You won’t have the natural authority to be a school administrator, so maybe you should think about a different career path.” Perhaps you’ve heard the term microaggressions and wondered what it means. Maybe someone has brought it to your attention at work when speaking…

  • Listen and Be Honest

    I attended ICSEI, the International Congress for School Effectiveness and Improvement last week. I listened to powerful keynotes by Russell Bishop, Charlene Bearhead, and Warren Simmons. These passionate and articulate educators from New Zealand, Canada and the United States shared themes of equity, caring and action for indigenous, black and latino students which resonated strongly with me.…

  • My Name Is…

    Back to School posts are everywhere! It’s that time of year after all. It’s great to read about caring, relationship building, visioning. That is all super important. We know that if students and teachers don’t feel valued at school or if there aren’t good relationships, success for everyone goes waaaay down. But I think there…

  • Canadian Experience?

    Canada officially welcomes newcomers. At Canadian immigration offices around the world, we tell people their gifts, talents, training will be valued and respected when they arrive on our shores. Every week, our school registers newcomer families. School councils in Ontario have an essential role in advising school staff and bringing parent, student, family and community…