Leading with Purpose

  Finding Calm: The Role of Mindfulness in Schools Lately, I’ve been reflecting a lot on the emotional and social needs of students, especially after spending time in classrooms where stress and anxiety seem to affect both learning and behavior. One thing that keeps coming up in my reading and fieldwork is mindfulness —the practice of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment. Mindfulness isn’t just meditation or yoga in schools. It’s about creating space for students and teachers to pause, notice their thoughts and feelings, and respond rather than react. As I watch teachers juggle lessons, behavioral issues, and testing schedules, it’s clear that helping students manage stress is just as important as teaching content. Why Mindfulness Matters Research shows that mindfulness practices in schools can improve focus, emotional regulation, and even academic performance ( Zenner, Herrnleben-Kurz, & Walach, 2014 ). Students who participate in mindfulness programs often...

Leading with Purpose: Using Technology in the Classroom Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how we use technology in schools. As part of my administrative program, I’ve had a chance to observe classrooms where tech was used really well—and a few where it honestly didn’t add much. What I’m realizing is that it’s not the device that makes the difference; it’s how teachers and leaders use it to support learning. During my hours on campus, I’ve seen how quickly a new app or tool can take over the lesson, but sometimes the learning gets lost in the process. That’s what pushed me to start reading more about what makes technology meaningful in the classroom. Tech as a Tool, Not the Goal The idea that really stuck with me came from the TPACK Framework (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge). It reminds us that the best teaching happens when technology, pedagogy, and content all work together ( Mishra & Koehler, 2006 ). Technology should never lead the lesson—it should support t...