The 30-Second Challenge Every Leader Should Accept

Reposted from Inc.:

Connecting with others, making others better as a result of your presence, and making sure the impact lasts are at the heart of leadership.

But the problem is that leaders tend not to have a lot of free time on their hands. So how can you engage in meaningful and memorable leadership with zero hours in the day to spare? That’s where the 30-second challenge comes in. It turns out, there’s a lot you can do with a tiny sliver of time.

So whenever you want to engage and make a lasting impression, commit to spending 30 seconds to make a big impact. You could…

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Standardized Testing is Not Teaching [VIDEO 3:31]

Chris Tienken makes the case that standardized testing is being given too much emphasis in public education. “Using the results from commercially prepared standardized tests to make important decisions about educators and children is education malpractice,” he contends. “For example, elementary school students will spend more time taking state standardized tests this year than a law school students spends taking the bar exam…and more time than the exams required to become a police office, teacher, and school superintendent.” Through these persuasive comparisons and thoughtful commentary, this video brings the issue of standardized testing of students to the forefront in the dialog among public education stakeholders.

Teachers Work 11 Hour Days [INFOGRAPHIC]

Created by Knewton http://www.knewton.com

Teachers regularly juggle schedules that include lectures, classroom activities, one-on-one tutoring, grading, administrative meetings, parent interaction, coaching and extracurricular activities, and professional development. As any teacher knows, every activity that occurs in the classroom can require a good deal of preparation and grading outside of class. The What Does It Take To Be A Teacher? Infographic shows that teachers’ realities are growing increasingly complex. Today they face massive challenges ranging from expanding class sizes, an increased diversity of student needs to consider, and a peer and pop culture that is not always supportive of school. And already, they are charged by society with tremendous responsibilities that range from inculcating democratic values to ensuring global competitiveness and preparing students for 21st century workforce needs.

Relax, You Have 168 Hours This Week!

Reposted from the Harvard Business Review:

“There are 168 hours in a week; this is immutable truth.  That sounds like a lot, but is it really enough time to cover the demands of a successful career, family involvement, and everything else that makes up a fulfilling life?

I’m surely not the first to point out that your week contains 168 hours. It’s a staple of time management books and courses, as seen here and here. But until you go through the exercise yourself of adding up your weekly commitments, you probably won’t find the almost three hours per day potentially left over. Of course, all our situations differ, and some face more challenges and time commitments than others, but knowing that you have 168 hours might be the motivation you need to prioritize and make the changes that will make life more satisfying.

Why are we always so stretched? Why doesn’t 168 hours actually feel like enough time?  I can name three culprits: time sucks, time confetti, and technology. And those suggest three ways to get your life back…”

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Thank You, Colleagues!

Congratulations educators everywhere beginning a summer respite; you’ve earned it! Thank you for everything you’ve done on behalf of your children. You make a true difference. And now it’s your time to rest, relax and recharge. Drink up every moment!

-Walter