February 16, 2020
It’s true. You don’t need artifacts in order to reflect. You could go sit on the side of a mountain, along a peaceful stream, or in a room somewhere by Read more…
January 31, 2020
Not unprecented, educators today are being expected to set goals, project plans for meeting their goals, and then reflect upon their progress to demonstrate their learning. More than checking a Read more…
January 26, 2020
I’ve never known the kind of love like the kind a father has for his child. Until two years ago. And it’s been quite the ride so far… For the Read more…
December 31, 2019
It was the Saturday afternoon after Thanksgiving of 1995, in that forsaken 2:00-4:00pm window, the time when no one wants to be in the gym working. Not the coach. Not Read more…
Oh my… I can’t believe how much has changed. Over the last five years, I’ve celebrated several successes and peaks. We got married, bought a house and a minivan, and Read more…
I love blogging. It’s here–in my #HamstraHighlights reflections–where my most meaningful learning happens. There are so many reasons why I blog, and it’s by far the best professional learning I’ve Read more…
November 21, 2019
At a recent conference, I was lucky to be surrounded by the best in the business. We were talking about how much the education landscape has changed over the years Read more…
November 15, 2019
Relationships are everything. They’re so valuable and important. Precious. And at the same time, even the most cherished, heartfelt, well-intended relationships can be challenging. Still, the relationships with people who Read more…
October 27, 2019
I absolutely love professional learning experiences. I love connecting with people. First, there’s the hype of the event itself. Then, there’s the anticipation of attending a quality session. Finally, it’s Read more…
October 5, 2019
This is important. Do it today. Right now… To those who matter to you–tell them. Don't let another day go by without saying:I love you.I appreciate you.I'm happy that you're Read more…
October 3, 2019
There’s a lot going on here… What are your takeaways? As a parent, I can't wait for our baby to start talking. As an educator, I'm really thinking through this Read more…
September 30, 2019
Video is powerful. I believe in video. I’ve posted about video, here: Best Advice Ever–Part I (record videos of your kids) Some Assembly Required (video directions over printed directions) Playback, Read more…
September 23, 2019
I’m reflecting on some great conversations with classmates, colleagues, and friends today. After many AHA moments, hypotheses, and healthy debates, I’ve finally come to a place of peace… And bold prediction: Read more…
September 14, 2019
Experiencing life through the lens of a parent has really convicted, challenged, and rerouted me as an educator. Striving to address the needs of the whole child is so different Read more…
September 6, 2019
I turn 40 this year. And that has me thinking. Again. Have I fulfilled my purpose by this stage in life? What really matters? What’s meaningful? What have I gained? In a Read more…
August 19, 2019
As I entered the building to hand over the most precious thing in my life to nearly complete strangers, a part of me died. I know change is hard, but Read more…