Dr. Wottawa's Educational Blog

       Mentorship is crucial to the work we do as teachers and leaders. Over 50% of teachers leave the profession within the first five years and since the current educational landscape has currently shifted, retaining new and veteran teachers has never been more vital. It is important to recognize that teachers may require different supports that are crucial for sustainability.  Why is it critical for school districts to invest in building strong foundations for new teachers that will lead to long meaningful careers?      Educators have limitless possibilities for shaping and developing the mindsets, actions, and choices for many future generations over the course of their career timelines. They have unique opportunities to create experiences that empower learners to choose a lens that paves the way to purposeful pathways of happiness and success. Since education is in a constant state of transformation, it is critical that educators are provided with the essential tools and support t

Jargon Killing our Leadership Style? #BlogginthruIt Preface/Planning:  Recently, I have been encouraged to write more and my friend Dennis Schug reminded me that we "get to write," that it is a privilege and should be fun.  In his Voxer message he explained how he has not had the time to write due to planning events for his moving up ceremony and various other planning activities.  I then opened our blogging chart of topic ideas and "Leadership from home" caught my eye, I then began thinking about my blog...  I'm up to J... "J" for Justice...  "J" for Jealousy...  "J" for Jargon...  Yes, think of all the new "jargon" we hear, but this Jargon has shifted how I am leading, how I am connecting, and how I am communicating... essentially killing my style of leadership because I am a connector.  Right?  Well, is it really?  If so, then, Why? Note to self: You probably will go back to "JK & L" after this pa

       Schools are closed, so we are on early summer vacation right?!  With integrity, our educators responded by turning their "normal" classroom upside down, transformed learning for students, created ingenious ways to stay connected, and took this opportunity to focus on the learning because we are in this together and it is the right thing to do!  The question is whether our state and federal leaders will do the right thing for education?      Our state assessments have been canceled, graduation requirements have been modified , AP Exams have been adjusted , SATs/ACTs have been canceled , and final exams are canceled.  Without missing a beat, our teachers recognized the opportunity to turn to online platforms to teach anyway.  Working together, students, teachers, parents, and administrators have maintained an educational routine for children across our nation because we value learning.  We are no longer being asked to "teach to the test," so we can focus

     On a #Read2Lead Twitter chat last night, I answered a question to continue my work on this blog page.  Today, I sit at my dining room table as my new office space "humbled" at the work our field has done over the past two weeks.  The COVID-19 epidemic proved that our educators across our country can pull together, support the varied needs of our children and families, and share resources with one another so others can benefit.      I began this journey working through the cancelation of our students trip to Italy, I immediately made my recommendations to my leadership team and teachers.  To my surprise, the parents and students humbled me by (although disappointed and frustrated with the travel company) expressing empathy towards our leadership team in making the decision to keep our students safe.  Soon after, the COVID-19 wave quickly moved towards the U.S. and this is where the real inspiration humbled many.      When schools began closing, teachers immediately

     It has been sometime since I have written on my blog due to medical and family concerns.  I thought it would be appropriate to continue where I left off to express how grateful  I am to have such wonderful educator followers, friends, and of course family.      In education, we often forget to express our gratitude  towards the people who assist us, teach us, lead us, and support us.  Recently, I had an interaction with an individual that left me feeling troubled and I began to doubt myself.  A few days later, an onlooker to the interaction found me and "checked in" with me and my feelings.  This person was kind and empathetic to the situation and expressed many positive feelings about me as a person and leader in regards to the previous interaction.  Afterwards, I took a step back and thanked this person for taking the time to recognize my struggles and I expressed how grateful  I am to have someone who cared so deeply.  After expressing my gratitude , this person sha

     This week's post was difficult to develop and I struggled with the letter "F" when thinking about education.  Then, while I was driving to school this week it came to me; we have to facilitate learning for our students, not bestow knowledge upon our students!      When examining the definition of the word "facilitate"  it is not a word, by definition, that seemingly pairs well with education.  Yet, as educators our goal is to bring out the best of our students and through growth and knowledge make their lives easier.  How can we facilitate learning that will be lasting for our students?      In order to make many parts of our lives easier repetition is required.  I love to cook; so after I completed my doctorate, I asked my wife for the pasta attachment for our mixer to make homemade pasta.  My first attempt was a challenge; I read several recipes, explored the mechanics of the machine, read about the various flours and their purposes, and then I gave it