FocusED Show Notes with Guest Vicky Essebag

Vicky starts by defining “relationspaces” as the way that we bring ourselves to the spaces where we develop relationships.

Vicky tells us that we have preconceived notions about how we’re communicating and sometimes it’s effective and other times it’s not.

Vicky gives us an example of where our communication as teachers to students might be landing wrong in a way that only supports more misbehavior.

It’s better to minimize our noticing of the behaviors that are not desirable and maximize our noticing of the desired behaviors.

Solution-Focused is a strength-based approach. And, the future aspect of it asks the question, what does the person want?

Vicky says that success happens in small increments. Change happens gradually. Her advice is to take a few steps back when things aren’t going the way we want them to and then to become more inclusive.

She tells us that relationships have to be the foundation of everything we do and have to be prioritized as important in the minds of every leader.

Vicky explains that Solution-Focused has a premise that “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it; if it’s working, don’t change it; and if something is wrong, do something about it.”

Don’t miss what she says about future-oriented types of questions.

Vicky talked about a scenario and exercise that she did with students who were refusing to come to school, and they built hypothetical machines to help bring them back to school.

She talks about her own growth and a program she’s in right now to gain a certification that she wants for more international credibility.

Vicky says that the most important part about commuting with others is our presence.

We asked Vicky to give us some techniques for asking questions. She says that the best questions are open-ended and up to the person being asked to provide their answer versus searching for the right ones.

If we can inspire people with hope, why not. ~ Vicky Essebag

This is Episode 77 of FocusED, and it features our guest, Nason Lollar; Joe and TJ interview Nason about educator professional conduct, human resources, managing and sustaining a positive culture, school leadership…and so much more.

FocusED Show Notes with Guest Christina Hidek

Christina starts out with some suggestions about how school leaders can get on the same page with the PTO/PTA President by meeting on a regular basis. The key is to meet ahead of the actual PTA meetings and separate from them.

School leaders should explain their vision for the school and the school year to the parent groups, starting with the PTA President.

School leaders and PTA Presidents should have a clear understanding of how they want to communicate.

Christina describes the strongest relationships that she had with principals and the trust and openingness that it takes.

School leaders should attend their PTA meetings and the measure of success is a lack of turnover in the group.

Every parent group should have at least one teacher liaison; the main point of the role is to bring the parent group information back to the teachers so that it doesn't fall on the principals.

Christina reminds us that parents are volunteers, and they may need training. As soon as a group is formed, they need to be empowered and equipped with the right tools and information to go in the right direction.

There’s no PTA school. ~ Christina Hidek.

Christina consistently brings the conversation back to professional learning for parents. They can’t be a resource if they don’t know how.

She talks about her parent group raising $26K and what that means to the school community.

She hates the movie Bad Moms.

A tip for school leaders is to celebrate and highlight the work of their parent groups.

Christina tells us that there aren’t enough resources for PTOs/PTAs and school leaders who want to engage parents in the best way.

PTOAnswers/principals.com has resources for principals who want to better engage parent groups.

Check out FamilyEngagementTools.com.