Simple

There’s a simple lyric from Michael Franti that’s been echoing in my mind lately: “Work hard and be nice.” I play this song for my kids quite often in the mornings as a reminder at the start of their day. On the surface, it doesn’t sound like much, just five words strung together. But if you let them sink in, you realize they carry the kind of wisdom that could transform not only classrooms, but entire communities. When you think about it, life is rarely smooth. Every one of us is carrying something that others can’t always see. Could be a worry, a past mistake, a health concern, a family struggle, or even just the weight of showing up every day and giving our best when our best feels stretched thin. We all have our cross to bear. Sometimes it’s obvious, but most of the time, it’s invisible. And yet, in the midst of all that, we still bump into each other. We share hallways, meeting rooms, playground duties, and countless conversations. Those interactions can either add to someone’s burden or help lighten it. Too often, without even realizing it, we slip into criticism: “You didn’t finish this.” “You should have done that.” “You always…” or “You never…” Those little “you” statements can sting, especially when someone’s already carrying more than they let on. But what if we tried something different?

What if we shifted from “you” statements to “I” statements? Instead of, “You’re not listening to me,” we try, “I feel unheard when I’m talking.” Instead of, “You need to step up,” we say, “I would appreciate more help with this.” That simple shift changes the tone. It takes the edge off and opens the door to understanding. It invites dialogue instead of building walls. So back to the song and the lyrics. Here is where Franti’s lyric hits home. Working hard is essential and none of us are strangers to effort. But being nice is the piece that transforms effort into impact. Kindness is not weakness. It doesn’t mean lowering standards or avoiding accountability. It means approaching others with encouragement before criticism, with support before judgment. It means remembering that everyone is fighting battles we can’t always see. In schools especially, this message matters. Our students watch how we handle conflict, how we talk to one another, how we respond when we’re frustrated. They’re learning not just from our lessons, but from our lives. When they see us practicing patience, offering encouragement, and choosing to lift each other up rather than tear down, they’re learning what real community looks like. 

It is my personal challenge to notice the way I communicate. To pause when I am speaking and pick my words. To pay attention to moments when criticism may be a first impulse and then ask, “How can I make an impact with this?” Because at the end of the day, our legacy won’t just be measured by the test scores or the programs we implemented. It will be measured by how we treated the people we worked alongside and the students we served. 

If you haven’t heard Michael Franti’s song, it is worth a listen. Work hard. Be nice. It is universal in application and so simple. 

Until next time...

Pay It Forward

Last spring, a small moment reminded me how the simplest acts can ripple outward in ways we might never fully see. A teacher walked into my office with a gift bag saying, “I thought you’d enjoy this,” she said, handing it to me with a smile. I opened the bag and found one of her favorite books. There was no special occasion, no hidden agenda. Just a thoughtful gift from one reader to another. Now, if you know me at all, you know that books are my weakness. A good story or a fresh perspective is like oxygen for my brain. I accepted it with genuine gratitude, then immediately began flipping it over to read the back cover. That book became the next on my reading list and it was wonderful. That simple gift reminded me that reading is more than just a skill we teach, it’s a bridge we build. Every book is a doorway, and when we hand one to someone else, we’re not just passing on paper and ink, we’re passing on possibility. So, I decided to pay it forward.

I chose a different teacher, someone who didn’t know this little chain of kindness had already begun. I told the teacher I was bringing the book. No reason, no celebration, it was just because. I then told her the story, and stated “I’m paying that gift forward. I’m asking you to do the same when the time feels right.” That’s the beauty of paying it forward. You can’t always predict where the gift will land next, but you can trust it will keep moving.

In our world where our days are jammed with making plans, deadlines, and a thousand small fires to put out, we sometimes forget that one of the most important things we give our students isn’t on any official curriculum. It’s an example of kindness in action. Whether it’s lending a hand, offering a listening ear, or sliding a book across a desk, we are teaching them what community looks like. And when that kindness comes in the form of a book? Well, now you’ve got a double win. You’re modeling generosity and you’re fueling the love of reading. So here’s my challenge for you this year. If you receive a book from another, pay one forward. Pick one you’ve loved, or one you think someone else will. Tell them it’s part of a chain. Tell them the only catch is that they have to also pay it forward. Ask them to keep it moving. As far as the book is concerned, you never know if it will inspire or if it will be loved as you intended. You simply need to take stock in the fact that your kindness has been delivered. Throwing the unknowns aside, I can promise you that when that person takes up reading the book, they will turn a page, pause, and think of you. And that is a story worth writing.

Until next time...

Empowering Educators: Professional Development in the Age of AI

Let me be honest, even for seasoned educators, the rise of AI in the classroom can feel a bit like stepping onto a spaceship. Except instead of closing the hatch and preparing for launch we are inviting our teachers aboard and charting a shared course. Professional development in this era becomes not just helpful but essential and when it is designed with care it gives teachers the ability to treat AI tools not as replacements but as collaborative instructional partners.

We begin by building teacher confidence. When a prompt returns a skewed or fact inaccurate response, what the technical world calls a hallucination, it provides an opportunity to model critical thinking. Encouraging students and educators to ask does this align with history diverse viewpoints or community values fosters ethical awareness that helps everyone learn to question AI outputs and trust wisely.

Of course there are real concerns around equity access and privacy. Not every school enjoys reliable wi‑fi and not every teacher shares the same familiarity with AI technology. That is precisely why development must be ongoing and responsive. The need to safeguard sensitive student information is real and without layered training teachers risk exposing data inadvertently. Those issues are woven tightly into effective professional learning.

Up to now we have described the what and why but professional development with AI must also include the how. Educators become interpreters and learning coaches guiding students to use tools while nurturing empathy context and judgment. AI can take over repetitive tasks handle grading help plan lessons or personalize practice, but only when teachers remain at the center of instruction offering that human spark.

When teachers thrive students thrive. Equipping educators with knowledge tools and ethical guardrails enables AI to extend, not diminish, their expertise. The message we send is powerful even as technology transforms teaching human insight compassion and wisdom remain the heart of learning.

That combination of innovation and ethics is the promise and responsibility of professional development in this age of AI. 

Until next time…

The Summer Slide: Not Just for Students Anymore

As the school year winds down and summer break approaches, there's a familiar phenomenon that educators, parents, and students alike dread: the "summer slide." This term refers to the learning loss that occurs when students take an extended break from academic activities. Studies have shown that students can lose up to 20–30% of their school-year gains in reading and math during the summer months. But here's the twist: it's not just students who are affected. Educators, too, can experience a form of the summer slide. After months of intense planning, teaching, and assessment, many teachers find it challenging to maintain their professional momentum during the summer. Without the daily structure and collaboration, it's easy to lose touch with the latest educational trends, strategies, and technologies.

For students, the summer slide can be particularly detrimental. The loss of academic skills over the summer months can lead to a significant achievement gap, especially among students from low-income families who may not have access to enriching summer activities . This gap often compounds over time, leading to long-term educational disparities.

For educators, the summer slide manifests as a loss of professional development opportunities. While summer break offers much-needed rest, it also presents an opportunity for teachers to engage in professional learning, collaborate with peers, and reflect on their teaching practices. Without intentional efforts to stay connected and continue learning, educators risk falling behind in an ever-evolving educational landscape.

So, how can we combat the summer slide for both students and educators? Here are some strategies:

1. Summer Learning Programs

Offering summer school or enrichment programs can help students maintain their academic skills. These programs provide structured learning opportunities that keep students engaged and prevent learning loss.

2. Professional Development for Educators

Providing teachers with access to professional development opportunities during the summer can help them stay current with educational trends and strategies. Online courses, webinars, and workshops are excellent ways for educators to continue their learning during the break .

3. Community Engagement

Engaging the community in supporting summer learning initiatives can make a significant difference. Libraries, local businesses, and community organizations can collaborate to provide resources and activities that promote learning during the summer months .

4. Family Involvement

Encouraging families to participate in their children's learning can have a profound impact. Simple activities like reading together, visiting museums, or exploring nature can reinforce academic skills and foster a love of learning.

Embracing the Summer

While the summer slide presents challenges, it also offers opportunities. By proactively addressing the learning needs of both students and educators, we can ensure that the summer months are a time of growth and development, rather than regression.

As we approach the end of the school year, let's commit to combating the summer slide together. By staying engaged, continuing to learn, and supporting one another, we can make the summer a time of enrichment and preparation for the year ahead.

Until next time...

Future-Ready Schools: Strategic Planning for AI Integration

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Back to the Future, it’s that the future is full of surprises. But unlike Marty McFly and Doc Brown, we don’t need a DeLorean to prepare for what’s ahead. In education, we have the power to shape our future by strategically planning for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in our schools.

Before we can travel to the future, we need to ensure our current systems are ready for the journey. This means evaluating our existing hardware, software, and network capabilities to determine if they can support AI applications. Are our devices up to date? Do we have reliable internet access? Are our data storage solutions secure and scalable?

Just as Doc Brown had to learn how to operate the flux capacitor, our educators need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively use AI tools. Professional development should go beyond basic training; it should include hands-on workshops, collaborative learning communities, and ongoing support to ensure educators are confident in integrating AI into their teaching practices.

To navigate the complexities of AI integration, we need a roadmap. This means establishing clear policies that address ethical considerations, data privacy, and the responsible use of AI. Policies should outline acceptable use, data protection frameworks, and staff training requirements to ensure a safe and effective AI environment.

Just as Marty had to convince his parents to believe in the future, we must engage our community in the process. This involves transparent communication with parents, students, and staff about the benefits and challenges of AI integration. Hosting information sessions, surveys, and feedback channels can help build trust and ensure that all voices are heard.

The future is unpredictable, and our plans must be flexible. As we implement AI tools, we should continuously assess their effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. This iterative approach allows us to learn from our experiences and ensure that AI integration remains aligned with our educational goals.

As we look ahead, let's remember that integrating AI into our schools is not about replacing teachers or traditional methods; it's about enhancing the learning experience and preparing our students for a rapidly evolving world. By strategically planning and working together, we can ensure that our schools are truly future-ready.

So, as Doc Brown would say, "The future is what you make of it, so make it a good one."

Until next time...

Building Trust: Communicating AI Policies to Parents and the Community

As educators, we’re no strangers to change. From chalkboards to smartboards, from paper report cards to digital dashboards, we’ve adapted time and again. But the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into our classrooms feels different. It is more transformative, more immediate, and yes, a bit more intimidating.

I often liken it to the first time we introduced calculators into math class. Remember the debates? “They’ll never learn to do math without them!” Fast forward to today, and calculators are standard tools, not crutches. AI is on a similar trajectory, but this time, we must be more deliberate in how we integrate it.

When it comes to AI in education, transparency isn’t just a best practice, it’s a necessity. Parents and community members need to understand how AI tools are being used, what data is being collected, and how their children’s privacy is being protected. Without this clarity, we risk eroding trust and fostering skepticism.

A recent initiative by Ohio State University underscores this point. The university announced that all incoming students will be required to become "fluent" in AI as part of their education. While the goal is to prepare students for a rapidly evolving workforce, the move also highlights the importance of clear communication about AI's role in education .

Developing a clear AI policy is the first step in building trust. This policy should outline:

• Purpose: Why are we using AI? Is it for personalized learning, administrative efficiency, or both?

• Scope: Which AI tools are being used, and for what purposes?

• Data Privacy: What data is being collected, how is it stored, and who has access to it?

• Ethical Considerations: How are we ensuring that AI use is fair, unbiased, and inclusive?

Once the policy is in place, the next step is communication. It's not enough to send home a letter or post a policy on the website. We need to actively engage with parents and community members through:

• Information Sessions: Host workshops or webinars to explain AI tools, their benefits, and how they align with educational goals.

• Feedback Channels: Provide avenues for parents to ask questions, express concerns, and offer suggestions.

• Regular Updates: Keep the community informed about new AI initiatives, policy changes, and any incidents or issues that arise.

To make the concept of AI more relatable, I often draw parallels to pop culture. Remember the movie The Matrix? In it, humanity is trapped in a simulated reality controlled by machines. While it's a dystopian view, it serves as a cautionary tale about the unchecked use of technology. On the flip side, consider Big Hero 6, where AI is used to enhance human capabilities and foster positive change. These stories highlight the dual-edged nature of AI and underscore the importance of responsible integration.

Ultimately, building trust is about fostering a culture of openness, collaboration, and continuous learning. As we navigate the complexities of AI in education, let's remember that our goal is not just to teach students how to use AI, but to teach them how to use it responsibly and ethically.

By being transparent, engaging with our community, and continuously evaluating our practices, we can ensure that AI becomes a tool that enhances education rather than complicates it.

Until next time...

Personalized Learning with AI: Opportunities and Challenges

I like to think of personalized learning as having a GPS in your classroom. You know where you’re going, maybe mastering multiplication or crafting stronger sentences, but AI can help chart a route tailored just for each student. When it works well, it can turn broad highway learning into a scenic, engaging road trip that keeps every learner interested and growing.

AI tools, like intelligent tutoring systems or adaptive math practice, are already making that GPS dream come alive. They can assess student performance, detect where someone is stuck, and deliver the right challenge or support precisely when it's needed. Programs like Khanmigo and Khan Academy use AI to simulate tutoring for learners; students can work at their own pace, with hints and guidance modeled after expert teachers. 

Teachers also gain traction. AI can analyze homework or quizzes, highlight common misconceptions, and free up time that used to go to grading. That means more time for creative lesson designs, individual check-ins, and even better, playtime in the recess yard.

But here’s where the road gets a little bumpy. To fine-tune learning, AI systems collect lots of student data: what questions they get right, how fast they learn, sometimes even behavioral patterns. That creates a treasure trove for teaching, but also serious questions around privacy and data security .

We have to ask ourselves: How is this data stored? Who can access it? Do students and parents understand what’s happening behind the scenes? California districts, including ours, regularly check compliance with laws like FERPA and implement encryption protocols, privacy isn't optional, it's mandatory .

Then there’s bias. AI learns from past data, and if historical data reflects inequity, AI may reinforce it. That could mean unintended favoritism or penalizing students from underrepresented groups. We must stay vigilant. AI shouldn’t be the final word. Educators need to ask why a student is being assigned certain tasks and check for hidden patterns.

Another big concern: relying too heavily on technology. AI can suggest a prompt for a story, but it shouldn’t prevent teachers from sharpening student imagination or conversation. We don’t want classrooms where students sit silently while software does the thinking .

I’m reminded of a vivid scene: a fifth-grade teacher used AI to create a personalized reading plan for a student who lacked confidence. The program suggested text calibrated to that child’s reading level. But when they met to talk about the story, the student used rich, expressive language, something AI couldn’t generate. That human connection transformed what might have been just another lesson into a moment of empowerment.

We also must recognize the digital divide. AI tools are only meaningful if students can access them. That means districts must advocate for broadband in rural areas, device programs for families, and inclusive design so every learner benefits.

What does it mean to move ahead thoughtfully? First, pilot with clear purpose: small-scale trials in one grade or subject so we can evaluate impact before scaling up. Second, develop learning agreements with students and families that explain data use, consent, and what we do. Third, regularly review AI tools for bias and effectiveness, putting teachers and families in the decision-making loop .

AI-powered personalized learning holds real promise. Students who once struggled can thrive. Educators can refocus on connection and creativity, and classrooms can flex to each child’s pace. But like any powerful tool, it comes with responsibilities. We need strong privacy safeguards, training for teachers, equitable access, and ongoing oversight.

If we do it right, personalized learning with AI doesn't replace human educators, it enhances them. It lets us bring our best to every student, helping each to flourish. And that, after all, is the heart of teaching, no matter how smart our software becomes.

Until next time...