Tom Waters

We don't really use business cards as educators. The people we run into on a daily basis usually work with us. The "resume" is used as just one piece in online applications, but after submitting who really sees it? What gatekeepers or computer programs limit the reach of the resume? Is the resume dead? No. But it has changed. A blog is the new resume for educators . A LinkedIn page is great, but some educators underestimate its value. ( Have we connected? ) A Twitter profile is great for connections and discussions. But a blog, which is free and easy to set up ( WordPress.com ), is the standard for educator resumes. A blog makes it easy for a school leader or for district personnel to see if you are a good fit. It allows you to share your learning and work ( here's where I share mine ). It also displays your ability to communicate and provide valuable resources to the education profession. I recently toured a few blogs and found valuable insights an...

Many teacher and principal evaluation systems are evolving more and more into growth vehicles. And that's a good trend. However, there's a major problem haunting evaluation systems. Evaluation systems will never equal growth systems. I know that's superlative, and there's no room for mistake in my claim. So let me explain. Evaluation Does Not Equal Growth Evaluation is judgment. It's a stamp in time on your performance. Evaluation is a rating. A score. It's not a discussion that promotes thought, reflection, or creativity. Therefore, it does not equal growth. That's not to say evaluation is unnecessary. Of course, it's needed for many reasons. But it's not to be confused with growth tools. Evaluation is about Employment An evaluation measures your performance as an employee. It doesn't gauge you as a professional or as a person. It compares you to the expectations of an organization. It's used to make employment decisi...

In my previous post, Very Few Teachers Ever Quit Teaching , I proposed the idea that teachers never quit teaching. They quit their principal. If this is true, for the most part, then here are some easy to use strategies to keep your star teachers from quitting you. 1. Say Thank You to Your Teachers No, don't go there...not in a general email. That's not good enough. It's practically boss spam. Instead, make it personal. I was leaving Kroger's the other day, and the manager was cleaning the entry area. An employee was leaving his shift, and the manager said, "Thanks for your hard work today." That's it. It's not magical. It's leadership, and it says how much you value your teachers. Here are 23 Tips to Boost Staff Morale . 2. Be a Treasure Hunter It is so easy to point out every flaw and detail of imperfection. Or should I say, perceived  flaw? Make it a habit of walking through classrooms and finding treasure! Organiz...