The Assistant Principal Podcast

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The Key Ingredient in New Teacher Support with Cathy Lacey

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Teaser:
The title for this episode is The Key Ingredient in New Teacher Support. We don’t actually use that language anywhere in the episode and I only decided on the title after we were finished recording. Instead of making you wait in suspense, I’m going to share the key ingredient right now – it’s you. You are the key ingredient to the success of your beginning teachers. You don’t control what the mentor teacher does, you don’t control what the district does, the only thing you control is what you do. And when the top reason teachers say they leave the profession is because of a “lack of support” they are talking about you. I recognize this is not a popular view, not because people necessarily disagree, but instead because we have some mistaken (my opinion) notions of who is responsible for supporting beginning teachers. I hope by the end of the show, Cathy and I will have convinced you that you are the key ingredient in your BTs’ recipe of success.

Sponsor Spot 1:I’d like to thank Kaleidoscope Adventures for sponsoring today’s show. Lots of companies can help you organize class trips, but Kaleidoscope helps you organize adventures – because isn’t that what student trips should be? Kaleidscope is a full-service tour company offering a range of adventure opportunities and they excel at customizing trips based on your unique context, needs, and goals. Kaleidoscope offers exceptional travel experiences for students (and their group leaders). Thinking about student travel? Reach out to Kaleidoscope using the link in the show notes.

Show Intro


Guest Bio:
Cathy Lacey is a Curriculum Resource Teacher and professional learning leader in South Carolina. A Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, Fellow, Certified Coach, and South Carolina ASCD Emerging Leader, she creates practical, teacher-driven professional learning rooted in evidence-based strategies. She’s a national presenter and founder of Blazers, LLC, where she supports educators through coaching, training, and microlearning.  Cathy was a guest back on episode 257 in June of this year.


Warmup questions:
  • We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?
  • Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?


Questions/Topics/Prompts
  •  Three biggest challenges new teachers face: classroom management, curriculum management, and feeling supported


Sponsor Spot 2:I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…
Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions.
And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more. It’s no wonder that IXL is used in 95 of the top 100 school districts. Ready to join them? Visit ixl.com/assistant to get started.


Closing questions:
  • What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?
  • If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?
  • Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?
  • Where can people learn more about you and your work…


Summary/wrap up
  • Three big needs, but we focused on feeling supported
  • AP is the frontline support person for new teachers!
  • Clarity of role
  • Four Patterns of Observation (episode 65, October 2022)
    • Evaluative
    • Formative
    • Normative
    • Performative

Special thanks to the amazing Ranford Almond for the great music on the show. Please support Ranford and the show by checking out his music!


Sponsor Links:


Close
  • Leadership is a journey and thank you for choosing to walk some of this magical path with me.
  • You can find links to all sorts of stuff in the show notes, including my website https://www.frederickbuskey.com/
  • I love hearing from you. If you have comments or questions, or are interested in having me speak at your school or conference, email me at frederick@frederickbuskey.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.
  • If you are tired of spending time putting out fires and would rather invest time supporting and growing teachers, consider reading my book, A School Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose. The book is available on Amazon. You can find links to it, as well as free book study materials on my website at https://www.frederickbuskey.com/reclaiming-purpose.html 
  • Please remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.
  • Remember the secret to good leadership:
    • Be intentional in choosing how you will show up for others
    • Be fully present
    • Ask reflective questions
    • And then just listen
    • Don’t overcomplicate it, the value is in the listening.
  • Have a great rest of the week!
  • Cheers!

Cathy’s Links:


Frederick’s Links:
The Strategic Leader’s Guide to Reclaiming Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWRS2F6N?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520


The Key Ingredient in New Teacher Support with Cathy Lacey

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