A Chance to Serve More Kool-Aid...Change is Good!

For years, I have been talking to teachers about embracing change.  Now it's my turn.  I've been blessed with an amazing opportunity to work as an assistant principal in Fulton County (Metro Atlanta).  The coolest part of my new job is that I get to place emphasis on math instruction.  It's my dream job (one of them)!  I've been in my new position for about six weeks now, and it has been full throttle the whole way (which is why I haven't posted in a while).  My biggest challenge is learning how to strike the perfect balance between administrative duties and instructional work. 

My new teachers are great.  They are willing and eager to make a difference.  They are a stellar group of professionals who "go hard" for the students.  They are a true family, and they have invited me in with open arms.  Plus, technology and resources are plentiful here.  The perfect storm, right? 

So, I have been issuing out the "Kool-Aid" in small, palatable, but very regular doses.  Guess what?  They're sipping!  (For those of you who don't know, click this 30-second video.)  They are even giving me some juice to sip on myself because I just started work on a cohort with the teachers to earn my Reading Endorsement!  Yep, I am one tired, but happy lady.  I am so excited about this new chapter of my journey.  Let the new adventures begin! 




My new home...










On Fridays, I get to be the "Math Fairy"...











Conley Hills teachers engaging in performance task stations...

About This Summer...

This summer has been a whirlwind.  I had the amazing opportunity to be one of the facilitators for the Summer Mathematics Academy sponsored by the Georgia Department of Education.  I traveled all around our wonderful state and worked with teachers on Common Core Math. 

Over a two-day period, we engaged, discussed, shared, collaborated, and discovered Common Core mathematics in ways one could only imagine.  It was a beautiful and refreshing experience. It was an awesome privilege and tremendous responsibility to execute the task of promoting mathematics instruction across Georgia. I loved being an agent of positive change for the right work, all in the name of quality math instruction and what's best for students. 

Special thanks goes to all of the wonderful teachers who attended my sessions.  You all were spectacular group of professionals.  May this school year be full of wonderful learning experiences where both you and your students experience fresh new approaches to teaching math.  I hope you and your students embrace and internalize the value of the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practice, and purposeful struggle.  I am also grateful for visionaries at the Georgia Department of Education (you know who you are) for the opportunity to learn, grow and spread the goodness. 

All resources from the 2014 Summer Mathematics Academy can be found here.