Author Archives: Jhuricks

There’s no way for us to see what’s around the corner in our lives. We live, make the best decisions possible, and constantly adjust to the challenges that come our way. It’s usually when things are going well that we get the wind knocked out of us. I recently had an experience like this. InContinue reading “Sucker Punched”

If you’ve been in education for a while then you’ve probably had experience with a number of programs. Some are around for a few years, while others come and go in a years time. The implementation of new programs seemingly is done with good intentions. There’s one common element that produces success in our schools,Continue reading “People, Not Programs, Make Our Schools Successful”

One thing about life is that some days are better than others. It’s a common part of the human experience. The more variables in your life, the greater the chance of things not going your way. In spite of it all, we must push through and make the most of each day that we’re given.Continue reading “Some Days You’re The Hammer, Some Days You’re The Nail”

With anything that you want to get better at doing practice is required. When learning to play a video game there’s a certain amount of time needed to master the game. Learning to play an instrument or playing any sport requires a time commitment and repetition. I view homework the same way. In order toContinue reading “Is Homework Still Relevant?”

There are many schools of thought when it comes to grading. Teacher’s approach to grading can vary widely within the same building. Are there any grading practices that are wrong? Should there be a standard way of grading for all teachers? Is there really a need for grades? Grading can be subjective. If you giveContinue reading “The Great Grade Debate”

Throughout our days there are a multitude of things that we deal with. Some of these things are planned and some come out of nowhere. Having a plan of attack helps take some of the stress away when it comes to dealing with the unexpected. The reality of working in a school setting is thatContinue reading “Calendaring Your Days As A School Leader”

The last month of the school year is usually filled with one activity after another. Students and adults can begin to feel anxious about the impending end of the academic year. While it’s great to break from the normal curriculum, teachers still need to incorporate classroom structure. Somewhere along the line, some students and teachersContinue reading “Instruction Doesn’t End After State Assessments”

There’s a long standing joke in the education community that when a teacher decides to pursue a path into administration that their “crossing over to the dark side”. I know you’ve probably heard this countless times. Why is this the perception? Why the division between teachers and school leaders? Teachers sometimes feel as though noContinue reading “The Perceived Disconnect Between Teachers and Administrators”

Every aspect of our lives can be tied to relationships. From birth, we begin establishing relationships. Relationships are at the root of it all. Our relationship with people, food, money, all affect who we are. In the world of education, relationships are the currency that shape a school’s culture. The relationship that administrators have withContinue reading “Relationships Matter”

All things come to an end. Sometimes, what you think is a good place to be in is not where you should be. In order to get to where you want to be you have to do things that push you out of your comfort zone. I have a few thoughts to share about professionalContinue reading “Sometimes You Have To Go To Grow”