Best of the Blogs
School Administrator, November 2021
“When I’m reading a professional book, I prefer to have a paper copy, where I write marginalia, put post-it notes all over, underline, highlight and generally just mark my thinking all throughout the book as I read. … [B]ut I rarely go back and look over my notes again, which means that if I happen to have a great idea that could apply to my work while I’m reading, it often gets lost in the pages of the book, never to be seen again.”
From “Revisiting Professional Books” by Amy Illingworth, assistant superintendent of educational services, Encinitas Union High School District, Encinitas, Calif., on her blog Reflections on Leadership and Learning
“Rather than consider what they have done over the long term, bosses are being judged on their most recent actions. Whereas these individuals may have a stellar professional track record, today’s ‘instant gratification’ culture shows them no mercy.”
From
“What Have You Done For Me Lately” by Jared Smith, superintendent, South Tama County Community School District, Tama, Iowa, on his
eponymous blog
“The pandemic weather pattern has meant countless changes in school leadership across the country. There were planned and accelerated retirements, fresh starts and even some departures for careers outside of education. I am one of the many ‘pandemic leaders’ who is now beginning a new journey in new schools.”
From
“Winds in the East, Mist Coming In” by Matthew Montgomery, superintendent, Revere Local Schools, Richfield, Ohio, on his blog
Basics of Leadership
“There exists a blurred line within every child (adult too) that lies somewhere between mental toughness and mental illness. For myself as a child, I was fueled by mistreatment. It made me want to be better. It made me want to prove folks wrong.”
From
“Winning at What Cost?” by Travis Jordan, superintendent, Beulah Public School District 27, Beulah, N.D., on his blog
Beyond Measure
Read the full postings of these and other members’ blogs at
www.aasa.org/SAblogs.aspx.