My friend Brian Dassler never missed an opportunity to send a heartfelt, handwritten note. He treated his correspondence as a disciplined practice; a way to provide feedback, congratulations, condolences, or inspiration. I know I am not the only one who is reminiscing about Brian today. It is hard to believe March 20 marks five years …
With the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the traditional educational experience and creating the most complicated learning environment of our time, the University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning launched a virtual listening tour in May to learn more about the effects of the pandemic on teaching and learning. Impact Florida partnered with the Lastinger Center to …
The reach of our schools goes far beyond academics, as we have witnessed more during this global pandemic than ever before. Florida was an early national leader in ramping up distance learning options for students, and sharing the lessons learned from that experience will help ensure that all students are able to receive a high-quality …
Experiences During COVID Highlight Need for Stronger Social-Emotional Supports Read More »
It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week again, but this year feels a whole lot different. Parents everywhere (this one included) are hitting the wall trying to recreate the elements of a productive learning environment that existed in our children’s schools just a few months ago. As we attempt to successfully navigate the matrix of information and …
It’s hard to believe we officially turned 1 year old on February 28! As we reflect back on this past year, we are amazed and humbled at the passion and hunger with which Impact Florida has been embraced by practitioners, leaders, and other important education stakeholders. Not only did we establish our mission, values, and …
In February, Impact Florida held its fourth Learning Walk in the School District of Palm Beach County. On this visit, cadre leaders came together to learn about how Palm Beach County schools are increasing access to high-quality instructional materials – one of Impact Florida’s Five Conditions That Support Great Teaching – to empower each student …
Palm Beach increasing equity through course access and strong materials Read More »
In early December, I attended our second Districts for Impact Learning Walk in Osceola County, joining leaders from our five participating Florida districts. Our visit gave the Osceola district a chance to share its Data Stocktake Process, which empowers leaders to scale great teaching beyond individual classrooms – one of Impact Florida’s Five Conditions That …
Learning to Empower Leaders through Data Stocktakes in Osceola County Read More »
Teachers want to experience the joy of seeing their students succeed. For many great teachers, it’s their primary motivation. Impact Florida shares Gov. DeSantis’ goal of moving Florida to the top of the salary rankings nationwide. Yet, as important as financial rewards are, they are only part of the support that teachers need to be …
Salary Raises Are Among Many Ways Florida Can Support Its Teachers Read More »
Everyone loves a great teacher. This is an indisputable maxim of our culture. Each school year, we seek them out for our children and shower them with ceramic apples, gift cards, and more mugs than they can count. Very rarely, though, do we as a culture invest in what teachers do to become great at …
In his book Leverage Leadership, Paul Bambrick-Santoyo notes, “Exceptional school leaders succeed because of how they use their time: what they do, and how and when they do it.” Summer is a great time to take a step back to reflect on your successes from the past school year and plan with intention for the …
Four Tips for Leaders to Boost
Their Planning Process Read More »
