EDUCATOR INSIGHTS

Hello Insightful Educators

One of my favorite things to do is grab coffee with someone and catch up on the books, podcasts, TED talks, articles, shows, and people influencing them.

So, alongside the full newsletter, I push out a weekend edition of insights I think you will find influential in your journey as an Insightful Educator.

Think of it as you and I grabbing coffee and jamming on what’s influencing us at this time.

Feel free to reply with what you are finding helpful and invite a friend to subscribe! The more people around the table…the better!

Thought Leaders Worth Reading

A Principal’s Reflections

Eric Sheninger is an award-winning principle, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and coach. His most recent publication is called Disruptive Thinking In Our Classrooms: Preparing Learners for Their Future, and his most recent blog posts consider what it means to be an equitable leader, upgrade a KWL chart, and optimize feedback for student learning.

Here’s a snapshot read of his post on Your Mind is Your Masterpiece

1. Mindset as the Architect of Reality

Sheninger begins by asserting that our mindset isn’t merely a viewpoint—it’s the invisible architect of your reality. It shapes not only what you perceive, but how you interpret events and respond to them, directly influencing resilience and personal growth.

2. Belief Shapes Behavior

He observes that our deeply held beliefs—whether conscious or not—have a profound impact on actions, perceptions, and outcomes across educational and leadership contexts

3. Self-Efficacy Matters

Drawing on Albert Bandura’s theory (1977), the post highlights that a teacher’s belief in their ability to teach effectively—known as self-efficacy—is closely tied to student motivation and achievement. A strong self-efficacy fosters persistence; a weak one risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy

4. The Pygmalion Effect

Sheninger references the Pygmalion effect (Rosenthal & Jacobson, 1968), showing that higher expectations from educators toward students can elevate student performance—a compelling example of how belief in others' potential shapes their actualization

5. Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

The concept of a growth mindset (coined by Carol Dweck, 2006) is central here: those who believe their abilities can grow with effort are more likely to embrace challenges, learn from failure, and flourish. By contrast, a fixed mindset can foster avoidance and limit potential

6. Collective Beliefs Shape Culture

Eric emphasizes that it's not just individual beliefs that matter—shared beliefs can define whole organizational cultures. Beliefs rooted in collaboration, innovation, and learning build thriving environments; those rooted in scarcity or resistance to change can stifle progress. Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping these communal beliefs through communication and actions

7. A Reflective Invitation

Finally, Sheninger invites readers to reflect on the beliefs that drive their actions. He encourages you to ask:

• “What do I truly believe is possible—for myself, my colleagues, my students?”

• “Are there limiting beliefs holding me—or others—back?”
  Then, identify one belief to consciously shift toward a more empowering, growth-oriented outlook. In doing so, your mindset becomes your masterpiece .

Read the full article here:

Thought I’m Pondering

New Resource for School Leaders!!

The Flourishing School Leader Field Guide is your essential guide to leading with vision, hope, and humanity—without losing yourself in the process. Blending practical tools with soul-nourishing reflection, this resource equips school leaders to thrive personally and professionally. Inside, you’ll find self-assessments, thought provoking practices, mini-retreat guides, and proven strategies to rekindle passion, restore purpose, and create an ecosystem of trust and flourishing in your school community.

How Can I Help?

My passion and purpose is to help see education reimagined so that everyone flourishes and thrives

I have vast experience leading professional development workshops, retreats, keynotes, plenary sessions, and conference breakouts

And I do 1-1 coaching and whole school consulting

If I can be of any help to you on your journey towards flourishing in education, just let me know!

You can book a free call with me at anytime