While in training to be a school leader, I visited a Fashion-themed school to observe a teacher’s practice.  The goal was to practice teacher feedback and share our teacher feedback with our leadership mentor.  In other words, we were to practice evaluating teachers.  

What I got instead was a MasterClass in student-driven assessment practices that changed me as an educator.

Learning often stops for assessing progress. There are processes and tools that limit the impact on learning time. Students can focus more time on creating artifacts that display their learning and progress. Can we assess in ways that honor feedback, enable more agency, and give the teacher a chance to document learning progress in authentic ways?

Stepping into a leadership role is a huge commitment for all who make that move. Stepping into the role of a Principal is another level of leadership that is extraordinary, inspiring, stressful, and exhausting. The decision-making intensity is more than many will ever know. You are leading a group of adults both instructionally and logistically to create a community whose focus is supporting the learning and development of young people. The work impacts families, local businesses, local electeds, and the surrounding community. It also impacts the future of the local community and our greater society.

I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. It was intense and powerful. It pushed me close to breaking, and it made me a better person. It also taught me an important lesson — to know when to step down as a leader.