Reading, Research, & Reflection

• Synopsis: The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt explores the concerning rise in mental health issues among adolescents since the early 2010s. Jonathan Haidt links this trend to the pervasive use of smartphones and social media, which he argues have replaced traditional play-based childhoods with screen-centered experiences. This transformation, Haidt contends, has contributed to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm in teenagers.  This book looks at a lot of research and data and has a very persuasive narrative.  It was easy to jump into and hard to put down once started.

• Synopsis: Learning Leadership: The Five Fundamentals of Becoming an Exemplary Leader by James M Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner is a comprehensive guide to developing effective leadership skills. The authors refine decades of research into five essential practices that can help anyone become a strong, impactful leader. These fundamentals include taking initiative, believing in one’s ability to lead, challenging oneself to grow, seeking support from others, and focusing on continuous learning and improvement. Kouzes and Posner emphasize that leadership is not an inherent trait but a skill that can be nurtured and refined through dedication and practice. With practical exercises, personal stories, and actionable advice, the book provides a roadmap for aspiring leaders at all stages of their careers, inspiring readers to approach leadership as a journey of growth and commitment.

• Synopsis: Building Minds: Designing Learning Spaces for Connection & Coherence by Dr. Parul Minhas and Prakash Nair with Kevin Bartlett: explores the intersection of architecture, educational philosophy, and school design. The book argues that traditional school layouts and classroom designs are often outdated and do not align with the needs of modern, student-centered learning. Instead, it advocates for the development of learning environments that foster connection, engagement, and coherence, both academically and socially.  Key themes include human-centered design, flexible and adaptable spaces, community and connection, sustainability and efficiency, and innovative learning hubs. 

•  Synopsis: The Impact Cycle by Jim Knight offers a structured, research-based approach to instructional coaching designed to help teachers improve their practice and ultimately impact student learning. Knight’s cycle is centered on three phases—Identify – coaches help teachers identify specific areas for growth, Learn – teachers learn new strategies to address the identified areas for improvement, and Improve – teachers apply new strategies and reflect on their effectiveness with the coach—which guide coaches and teachers in collaborative, goal-focused work.

• 5) Synopsis: Cultures of Thinking in Action: 10 Mindsets to Transform our Teaching and Students’ Learning by Ron Ritchhart provides educators with actionable strategies to cultivate classroom environments where thinking is valued, visible, and actively promoted. Building on his foundational work around cultures of thinking, Ritchhart outlines ten key mindsets that can shift the focus of teaching from simply covering content to fostering deep learning and intellectual engagement among students. The ten mindsets are: 1) For classrooms to be cultures of thinking for students, schools must be cultures of thinking for teachers. 2) We can’t directly teach dispositions; we must enculturate them. 3) To create a new story of learning, we must change the role of the student and teacher. 4) Students learn best when they feel known, valued, and respected by both the adults in the school and their peers. 5) Learning is a consequence of thinking. 6) Learning and thinking are as much a collective enterprise as they are an individual endeavor. 7) Learning occurs at the point of challenge. 8) Questions drive thinking and learning. 9) The opportunities we create for our students matter to their engagement, empowerment, and learning. 10) We make thinking and learning visible to demystify, inform, and illuminate these processes.

• 5) Synopsis: The Art of Coaching: Effective Strategies for School Transformation by Elena Aguilar is a practical guide for instructional coaches and educational leaders aiming to foster meaningful growth among educators. Aguilar presents a transformational coaching model that emphasizes the development of trusting, supportive relationships, empowering educators to reflect on their practices, beliefs, and underlying behaviors. The book highlights key skills, such as active listening, asking powerful questions, and using data to guide discussions, all while addressing adult learning principles. Aguilar also stresses the importance of equity and social justice, encouraging coaches to help educators examine their biases and work toward culturally responsive teaching.

Currently, I am deeply engaged in my EdD studies, focusing on innovative leadership strategies in educational settings. My research delves into transformative practices that enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. I am particularly interested in how technology can be leveraged to create more inclusive and effective learning environments.

Discover the milestones of my career in school administration and explore how my experiences at St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju shape my educational philosophy. Connect with me to learn more about my commitment to fostering future leaders in our vibrant community.