http://lessonslearnedinthemiddle.blogspot.com/
In my search for a Middle Level blog, I came across one that had been developed by a middle level principal. I think it is always good to see principals who take an active role, and put themselves out there as learners themselves. This blog deals with a variety of topics ranging from professional development, to what his students are doing, to how they can improve their school and create the best environment possible for middle level learners. This blog is aligned with many of the "This We Believe" characteristics. I really love the 'Favorite Moments of the Week' post. This post addressed the NMSA Culture and Community characteristic of guiding every students personal development, and meeting the needs of young adolescents. The blogger, Tom Saunders, is posting about how he can provide positive reinforcement with his own children who are at that critical middle level, preadolescent age. A Favorite Moment of the Week can be used in the classroom to identify positive happenings that go beyond academics. This idea fits perfectly into the Progressive idea of what a middle school should provide for preadolescent learners. Tom Saunders also posts about which resources and professional organizations are truly beneficial to him as a principal. This follows the NMSA Leadership and Organization characteristics that "ongoing professional development reflects best educational practices", and that "leaders are committed to and knowledgeable about this age group, educational research, and best practices." I enjoyed reading this blog, and I plan on coming back occassionally for any new information!
Oh, man! I found this blog, too, and wrote up a whole response to it! Serves me right for not checking our blog first to make sure there were no repeats. I'm going to post mine anyway, just because I loved this blog so much, but I'll do another one to make sure we have variety. I really loved this guy's tone of respect and pride in his work and his students. Very inspiring stuff.
ReplyDeleteI think it's so amazing to see a principal on fire like this one. I feel that most of the times principals have a not so good ring to their name, because when I think of principal I think of discipline first. However, this princial is absolutely just avid for his school. Like Amanda said, his tone of respect and the pride of his work was touching.
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