What is the purpose of the Labyrinth of Leadership?
Leadership is a winding path with many intricate aspects which one must continuously study and reflect. I created the Labyrinth of Leadership to encourage educational leaders or those interested in developing their leadership skills. My purpose is to help remind each of you of the importance of developing a self-reflection routine.
When you begin to truly examine you current practices with the intention of strengthening critical areas and transforming the way you lead teachers and students, the results are increased academic achievement and instructional practice.
Tweet
How to Use the Labyrinths of Leadership Tips
- Go ahead select a couple of the past Labyrinths of Leadership below.
2. Read the guiding question.
3. Study the accompanying bite-size piece of Professional Development
4. Commit to returning her to widen your view of leadership and adding us to you self-reflection regimine.
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What processes have you put in place to begin planning for next school year? Thanks @dailystem (Chris Woods) for the reminder! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/UCX9mmOAqq
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) April 15, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How intentional are you about prioritizing making connections and conversation with your school community a part of your daily routine. @PrincipalProj via @tyleramidon suggests using a mobile desk. Imagine the impact this could have. @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/h1QtrZ2PQp
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) April 14, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What are you doing each day to intentionally connect positively with your teachers? These positive connections make a huge impact on your culture and ability to retain teachers. Thanks @InsightADVANCE for the reminder!! @DigitalPd4You @JjJj821 https://t.co/nz2Hby7ef5
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) April 12, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What measures are you using to track strategic improvement planning at your school? @ELmagazine suggests using short cycle plans. My school uses nine-week CPLs (Cycles of Professional Learning) as our short-cycle plan. How about you? @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/mWJG2aT066
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) April 11, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What is your mindset regarding the vision statement at your school? If you aren’t excited about it, can you really expect your staff to truly embrace it? Thanks @Robyn_Mindsteps & @ELMagazine for the reminder! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/A1NiJKng8q
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) April 6, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Have you created systems for you and your staff committing to getting to know each of your students to ensure they know that they are seen, valued, and cared for? Thanks @casas_jimmy @JulieCuocci & @JjJj821 for sharing! @DigitalPd4You #EyesOnCulture https://t.co/MKgYq0jrpg
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) April 4, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What’s does your racial autobiography convey? Have you asked your staff to write their own? Analyzing and Identifying implicit biases are essential. Thanks @ELmagazine for the reminder!! @DigitalPd4You @JjJj821 https://t.co/MERUaNIUSN
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) April 3, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What strategies are you using to authentically connect & check-in with with your Instructional Leadership Team? @InsightADVANCE co-founder, Jason Stricker offers a powerful but impactful one. Start with it! Thanks for sharing! @JjJj821 @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/rWYEJ9xSIi
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) March 30, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How do your teachers track equity of student voice? @ELmagazine shared a simple strategy that could help. @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/e82mybRheT
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) March 25, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What strategies have you and your team provided to teachers to increase cognitive demand, reverse learner perception,& help them become more engage in the classroom? @DigitalPd4You Thanks @ELmagazine for sharing! https://t.co/kFAypzxhDw
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) March 17, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What methods do you employ to build authentic relationships with your staff? Leaders should model their expectations. Relationships are vitally important to the overall culture of a school. Thanks @CMSPrincipal1 for sharing!! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/LiAjuStRtf
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) March 16, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How does your staff feel about virtual professional development sessions? What measures do you have in place to keep a pulse on their perspective? @PrincipalProj offers strategies to help keep your PD impact on an upward swing. @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/uTBPZ6jil8
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) February 27, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What approach will your staff take when students ask questions about yesterday’s events? @DenaSimmons compiled a few ideas to help. Thanks for sharing! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/gEXuGQ9usL
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 7, 2021
@fdwhite02 and I are excited to announce the publication of the 2nd Edition of The Skin You are In: Colorism in the Black Community. This edition contains a companion guide for schools to discuss race and implicit bias. Get your copy here: https://t.co/e61uEMnVan @DigitalPd4You
— Jami Fowler-White, NBCT (@JjJj821) January 8, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What teachers need now has nothing to do with what’s on the lesson plan. How to often do you conduct SEL check-ins with staff? Meeting teachers SEL needs is critical for school leaders & the academic success of students. @DigitalPd4You @JjJj821 https://t.co/H3JsDrL4st
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) February 25, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you encouraging your staff to provide innovative ways for students to express their voice? @teachbetterteam offers a few creative suggestions below. Thanks for sharing! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/2QB2AuTi8p
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 6, 2021
Labyrinth of Leadership: How will your staff ensure students learn to self-regulate their emotions? While we have been “on break”, many students have endured trauma we could only imagine. How will your staff identify these students? @DigitalPd4You Thanks @MikeHynes5 for sharing! https://t.co/DRMAVsiAl3
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 4, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How often do you celebrate small wins/seemingly minimal accomplishments with your staff? Success from small things encourage us to seek, set, & persevere towards achieving bigger and better goals. Thanks @JonGordon11 for the reminder @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/9rqfRvsLa7
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) February 20, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What does your leadership language convey to your staff, parents, st, & community stakeholders? @WSroufe & @ERobbPrincipal shared a list of questions & phrases which remind your staff that you are a team & a servant leader. @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/d6zgrQrk2u
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) February 15, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you emphasizing the “REG” mindset at your school to remind staff to lead with respect, empathy, and giving grace when possible? @DigitalPd4You @JjJj821 https://t.co/NObVOZZ4V2
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) February 11, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How often do you discuss mental health and well-being with your faculty? @DigitalPd4You Thanks @ELmagazine for shining a light on this pivotal topic. https://t.co/05UzJ54FNE
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) February 4, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How do you empower your staff to “raise the own bar” & strive for excellence? @DigitalPd4You Thanks @Erik_Youngman for the reminder!! https://t.co/eGVHWq6arH
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 31, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you aware of your leadership blind spots & how do you intentionally work to avoid them? Power words by @teachbetterteam & @curriculumblog!! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/EQGrqPSa07
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 30, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What affirmations do you use to keep you & your staff focused on what’s important—-educating children? Thanks @EricaHogan & @PrincipalProj for sharing!! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/SzhArXXQsb
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 28, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you promoting “affective” habits within your school? Thanks @ELmagazine for the reminder to be intentional about all practices. @DigitalPd4You @ERobbPrincipal @treclarkleads @PrincipalColli1 @PrincipalTam @BodnarPrincipal @PrincipalMossJr https://t.co/rmccqW7c6g
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 3, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What measures does your school have to support new, novice, and struggling teachers on your staff? #retention Thanks @ELmagazine for the reminder!! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/myE2Vagpum
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 19, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you truly providing the support that your staff need? Teachers should not be afraid to do what is best for students when administrators visit their classrooms. Powerful words by @_cwconsulting. Thanks for sharing! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/bsOBolAJht
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 26, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How intentional are you and your staff about helping students connect with the world and find their purpose? Thanks @NAESP for the reminder. #CatalystForChange @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/mULNHQD8WC
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 25, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How self-aware are you regarding your leadership capacity? Do you knowingly acknowledge your leadership “Kryptonite” and work to strengthen these weaknesses? Thanks @Dr_ChrisHobbs for the reminder & suggestions. @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/zzwoqx5l56
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 20, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How often do you thank/celebrate your staff & remind them of the impact they are making each day? Everyone needs to be reminded. How will you celebrate teachers next week? Thanks @teacher2teacher for the reminder. @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/DWhnTS06Fe
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 16, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What will you focus on today? I’m going to work on “being present” and “expecting joy”. How about you? Thanks @JoannaB0608 for the reminder! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/XTlIg0Hyuq
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 12, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What approach will your staff take when students ask questions about yesterday’s events? @DenaSimmons compiled a few ideas to help. Thanks for sharing! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/gEXuGQ9usL
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 7, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you encouraging your staff to provide innovative ways for students to express their voice? @teachbetterteam offers a few creative suggestions below. Thanks for sharing! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/2QB2AuTi8p
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 6, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you integrating these simple qualities into your leadership practices? I’m working on pragmatism. Which one are you looking to strengthen? Thanks @GordonTredgold for the suggestions. @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/w3NV1M9kTQ
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 5, 2021
Labyrinth of Leadership: How will your staff ensure students learn to self-regulate their emotions? While we have been “on break”, many students have endured trauma we could only imagine. How will your staff identify these students? @DigitalPd4You Thanks @MikeHynes5 for sharing! https://t.co/DRMAVsiAl3
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 4, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you promoting “affective” habits within your school? Thanks @ELmagazine for the reminder to be intentional about all practices. @DigitalPd4You @ERobbPrincipal @treclarkleads @PrincipalColli1 @PrincipalTam @BodnarPrincipal @PrincipalMossJr https://t.co/rmccqW7c6g
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 3, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How will you advocate for your school, community, teachers, and students? Great #OneWord2021 @IleneWinokur! Thanks for sharing! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/1mYBHCpNTD
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 1, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How will you amplify your leadership, provide opportunities for your teachers to amplify their voices, & promote student agency by helping students learn to amplify their voices? Thanks for sharing @JjJj821! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/PdrPHssL6s
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 30, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How do you preserve your health and prioritize your own self-care? I exercise, put together jigsaw puzzles, & enjoy time with family. Thanks @FrankDaniellf for the reminder! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/n8NxDe7CgB
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 29, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: As you reflect on 2020 & create goals for next year, which servant leadership pillar do you think is the most important to focus on? I’m going to “put people first”. Thanks @MrGroethe for sharing!! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/eYHP6fhyVS
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 28, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Does your virtual professional development model build efficacy? Teacher learn best from peers. Consider providing time for teachers to connect, practice collaborative problem solving, & model strategies. @DigitalPd4You Thanks @ELmagazine for sharing! https://t.co/1l7KRsOKUG
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 27, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: You never know the impact that moment you stop & listen will have on others. As this year winds down, what processes can you put in place to ensure that you are fully present when needed? @DigitalPd4You Thanks @JeffMWaller for sharing! https://t.co/WAeTBYtDSD
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 25, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What leadership goals will you set for yourself in 2021? @JjJj821 offers these words of wisdom for leaders. Thanks for sharing! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/NGwgPLGNQQ
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 23, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you using effective methods to motivate your staff? Read as @JjJj821 walks us through the principles of motivation. Thanks @InsightADVANCE . @DigitalPd4You @casas_jimmy @daveschmittou @EdumatchBooks @teachbetterteam @UnlockTheMiddle @NBCTNAME https://t.co/sOsyGrcYNp
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 15, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: What leadership goals will you set for yourself in 2021? @JjJj821 offers these words of wisdom for leaders. Thanks for sharing! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/NGwgPLGNQQ
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 23, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How will you amplify your leadership, provide opportunities for your teachers to amplify their voices, & promote student agency by helping students learn to amplify their voices? Thanks for sharing @JjJj821! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/PdrPHssL6s
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 30, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How will you advocate for your school, community, teachers, and students? Great #OneWord2021 @IleneWinokur! Thanks for sharing! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/1mYBHCpNTD
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) January 1, 2021
The Labyrinth of Leadership: As leaders, we say that all of our students feel connected to our school. What data are you using to measure it? Thanks, @MelissaSadin for sharing these measures at #AMLE2020 & @JjJj821 for capturing these notes. #TraumaInformed https://t.co/XMCgSrQVTl
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) October 24, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: You never know the impact that moment you stop & listen will have on others. As this year winds down, what processes can you put in place to ensure that you are fully present when needed? @DigitalPd4You Thanks @JeffMWaller for sharing! https://t.co/WAeTBYtDSD
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 25, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Does your virtual professional development model build efficacy? Teacher learn best from peers. Consider providing time for teachers to connect, practice collaborative problem solving, & model strategies. @DigitalPd4You Thanks @ELmagazine for sharing! https://t.co/1l7KRsOKUG
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 27, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How do you preserve your health and prioritize your own self-care? I exercise, put together jigsaw puzzles, & enjoy time with family. Thanks @FrankDaniellf for the reminder! @DigitalPd4You https://t.co/n8NxDe7CgB
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) December 29, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How often do you revisit your school's mission & vision with your staff? How can you be sure that everyone shares the same purpose if they aren't collaboratively discussed often? Everyone needs reminders, even leaders. Thanks @casas_jimmy!! https://t.co/Ao0ADXcZzC
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) October 30, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: How do you map out trauma within your school? Being a trauma informed educator involves more than just learning strategies. Do you know how your students are feeling at school? #MappingTrauma #Connectedness #HowAreTheStudents https://t.co/1BRLWskhK4
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) October 27, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: These four practices are extremely important for school leaders during the pandemic. Reflect on whether you are practicing patience, empathy, grace, & flexibility with parents, students, and your staff. #LeadershipTips https://t.co/L0j3LzKbp8
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) November 12, 2020
The Labyrinth of Leadership: Are you using your students strengths & empowering them to lead? @RACzyz offers an ingenious method of including students in professional development opportunities. Consider starting small by asking students to share educational apps they use. https://t.co/qSJKhd0l4f
— Frederick D. White, Ed. D (@fdwhite02) November 13, 2020
Educator Reflection Tip #64: Are you giving “focused feedback” to students?
How focused is your feedback? Have you been wondering how to assess learning loss, or what I call impermanent learning? If so, having a focused feedback loop is essential. When you think about all of the skills/concepts that are taught towards the end of the year…new skills, review of all skills, vertical teaming skills to […]
Share this:
Educator Reflection Tip #74: Are you effectively managing student behavior?
We can’t hold kids accountable for things we’ve never told them we expect. Behavior should be treated like academics. Students have to be taught the skills the need. ~Erin Green, Director of National Training at Boys Town New beginnings are hard for all of us. Usually, we are able to practice before being publicly […]
Share this:
Educator Reflection Tips, Volume II (A Look Inside)
For those of you who are new to the Educator Reflection Tips book series, I wanted to create something to help give you an inside look at the topics discussed within the second volume. Below, you will find a video which will provide you with a deeper dive into 5 of the Reflection Tip topics […]
Share this:
Educator Reflection Tip #79: Is your instruction “inclusive”?
Have you ever stopped to think about what inclusive practices look like in the hybrid classroom? As I reflect on 2020, I am amazed at how quickly things can change while at the same time stay the same. In the wake of vaccines that are being promoted as the miracle cure for the COVID-19 pandemic […]
Share this:
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
The Purpose
Subscribe to My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
