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The Blog


Why Restorative Practices Begin with the Adults
Restorative practices only work when adults lead by example first. If we want schools to be spaces where students feel safe, connected, and accountable, we must first build that same culture among the adults.
Dianne McKinley
Aug 112 min read


Helping Families Navigate Indiana’s 3rd Grade Retention Law
The recent changes to Indiana’s 3rd grade retention law are prompting important conversations between schools and families.
Dianne McKinley
Jul 241 min read


Strengthening the Principal-Teacher Connection in December: Preventing Burnout and Building Team Unity
The holiday season is upon us, and while it’s often filled with joy and celebration, it can also bring heightened stress levels,...
Dianne McKinley
Dec 12, 20233 min read


Boosting Staff Morale in Schools: Introducing Our Staff Appreciation Solution
In the world of education, the well-being and motivation of teachers and staff play a crucial role in the overall success of our schools....
Dianne McKinley
Nov 16, 20233 min read


5 Simple Ways to Improve Teacher Morale & Decrease Principals’ Stress
Just when we thought education was one of the most stressful jobs on the planet, BOOM, it got more stressful. Educators are reporting...
Dianne McKinley
Nov 6, 20235 min read


Nurturing Resilience: Tips for School Leaders to Prevent or Treat Burnout
Working closely with students who have endured trauma can have a profound impact on the mental and physical health of educators. This...
Dianne McKinley
Oct 4, 20234 min read


Ignite the Spark: Overcoming Student Apathy
In the realm of education, one of the greatest challenges faced by teachers, parents, and students alike is student apathy. Apathy can...
Dianne McKinley
Sep 14, 20233 min read


6 Tips for Retaining Teachers
Let’s face it. Recruiting, hiring, on-boarding, and training new teachers is time consuming, expensive, and exhausting. Schools with a...
Dianne McKinley
Sep 6, 20233 min read


5 Steps to Become an Impactful School Leader
As school leaders, there are many things that are added to our plate in a school year. Some are delegated to us by district leaders while...
Dianne McKinley
Aug 4, 20233 min read


Why Instructional Coaching is Critical
If you want teachers to grow, thrive, and stay at your school, instructional coaching is critical. Research is conclusive that the most...
Dianne McKinley
May 22, 20233 min read


Creating a Strong Mentoring Program
As leaders during these difficult times, it can be hard to attract, hire, and retain great teachers. One way to do this is by creating a...
Dianne McKinley
Jan 4, 20233 min read


Employability Skills: Mindset
Employability skills are a set of skills outside of technical or academic competencies that are desired by potential employers and...
Dianne McKinley
Dec 9, 20228 min read


Mentors: People Who Point Us In The Right Direction
As you begin your career, mentors are invaluable. They help you stumble through all that you do not know when you start. They are there...
Dianne McKinley
Dec 9, 202210 min read


Mentoring to Prevent Burnout- 6 Wellness Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Mentoring Program
As one school year comes to an end, another is soon to begin! First things first, filling vacancies with the hope that the upcoming...
Dianne McKinley
Jun 13, 20228 min read


Principals’ End of School Year Checklist
As a school leader, there are many loose ends that you will want to tie up at the end of the school year. This is a great time to pause...
Dianne McKinley
May 23, 20222 min read


How to Facilitate an Effective Meeting
Let’s face it, most people hate meetings and that is because most meetings are a waste of time. No matter how much a leader may want a...
Dianne McKinley
Jan 13, 20224 min read


Prioritizing Physical & Mental Health Despite Ongoing Stress
I was recently asked to come have a conversation with the staff at a non-profit agency about managing personal stress as they continue...
Dianne McKinley
Dec 16, 202111 min read


Indiana Math Textbook Adoption
Back in 2011, Indiana Public Law 73-2011 altered state and local textbook adoption procedures. Under this law, Indiana no longer follows...
Dianne McKinley
Nov 15, 20214 min read


Value-Based Living, Working, and Leading - Swapping Resolutions for Reflection in the New Year
On December 31st, 2019, I was full of energy, excitement, and anticipation. We were heading into a new decade! I had multiple activities...
Dianne McKinley
Jan 15, 20218 min read


School Turnaround
School turnaround is an intervention directed toward a low-performing school that delivers considerable gains in achievement, and readies...
Dianne McKinley
Nov 4, 20203 min read
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