Alyssa McCool

IGNORE THE CRITICS; DO THE WORK Positive leaders don’t lead because they want recognition or enemies. They lead because there is something they must do, build, create, transform, and change. They lead because it’s who they are and what they are meant to do. However, with leadership comes scrutiny, praise, critics, and attacks. A leader could find a cure for cancer and would still have some people criticize them for it. There was even once a leader who transformed the world by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and loving the unlovable, and yet he was killed for it. If you are a leader, expect to be attacked. Positive leadership doesn’t mean you won’t be criticized. It means you have the grit and belief to overcome it. Positive leaders don’t lead in a tranquil sea of positivity, but through the storms of adversity and negativity. Leadership is knowing that the critics will criticize you while still saying what needs to be said and doing what needs to be done. History doesn’t remember the critics. It remembers the one who withstood criticism to accomplish something great. In our modern social-media–driven world, you will have more fans and critics than ever. The keys are: Don’t let praise go to your head and don’t let critics into your head. Be so invested in your craft that you don’t have time to listen to the naysayers. No time for negativity. You’re too busy creating the future. If I would have listened to the naysayers and critics, I would have stopped working on my craft years ago. I want to encourage you to never let the opinion of others define you and your future. Your identity doesn’t come from what the world says about you. It comes from who you are on the inside. Your work, leadership, and mission are too important to allow others to define your destiny. No matter what anyone says, just show up and do the work. If they praise you, show up and do the work. If they criticize you, show up and do the work. If no one even notices you, just show up and do the work. Just keep showing up, doing the work, and leading the way. Lead with passion. Fuel up with optimism. Have faith. Power up with love. Maintain hope. Be stubborn. Fight the good fight. Refuse to give up. Ignore the critics. Believe in the impossible. Show up. Do the work. You’ll be glad you did. True grit leads to true success. - Jon

A new class, and another great kid-written mission statement (all I did was help with the final crafting of the sentence)!

I haven't been this excited in a long time! Interested in joining me in this journey? Message me! vimeo.com/993183033

1 of 2 When I start working with kids many of them often say to me that they "hate reading" and that "reading is boring"... But what they are trying to say to me is: "I have failed and struggled to learn how to read so consistently and that I don't have the emotional capacity to engage in learning how to read because it makes me feel like a failure and I don't believe I will ever learn how to read". We must distinguish teacher boredom from student boredom.

Another Google classroom but for those using UFLI! All resources are embedded into the document & are FREE. Thank you @Playful_Class for putting together so many resources in the Google Drive (pic of drive). @UFLiteracy docs.google.com/presentation/d… PDF: tr.ee/Xv1uQXtpAs

Today we wrote our mission statement. Some pretty great thinking by these amazing leaders!

If there is one practice that does not help novice or struggling readers is this one. Remember: silent reading just makes their struggle silent. This practice satisfies the souls of proficient readers, but it gives kids little support to develop their skills emerging skills

You should read this. Especially if you’re involved in teaching reading, creating reading curriculum, or making decisions about reading instruction and curriculum. From ⁦@markseidenberg⁩ seidenbergreading.net/2023/05/26/dec…

Reading Recovery is finally getting the exposure it deserves. It's trending here on Twitter. Let's get #ReadingRecoveryFails trending too. I'll start by reposting my account of the first time I saw a Reading Recovery lesson. Check the comments too. lifelongliteracy.com/reading-recove…

Lots of action in state legislatures after Sold a Story. Read more about what's happening in this story by @CLPeak apmreports.org/story/2023/05/… You can listen to our new bonus episode about legislative action, and what we think about it, here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bon…

We've got a bonus episode of Sold a Story coming next month. In the meantime, we're going to be putting our previous documentaries about reading on the Sold a Story podcast feed. First up is Hard to Read from 2017. It'll be in your podcast feed tomorrow. features.apmreports.org/sold-a-story/

We found out today that Washington Woods has earned our Lighthouse Status through Leader in Me and Franklin Covey. We are thrilled! So proud of our staff, students, parents, and community. WE DID IT! leaderinme.org/faq/what-is-a-… @TheLeaderinMe @WWESLeaders

There are a few choices that will have a dramatic impact on your life. Here are the 7 most important choices you'll make:

I recently came across data on who we spend our time with over the course of our lives. The insights are simultaneously inspiring and depressing. Here are 6 graphs everyone needs to see:

It's important for school districts to seek out leadership talent within their schools. Develop, mentor, and support them as they grow in these roles. We don't need nepotism, but hiring outside the district doesn't mean you are getting better than you already have either.

5 tips to reduce stress of staff. 1) if asking to meet with them, let them know why. 2) Don't address an issue you have with one person with the whole staff. 3) praise a lot more than you critique 4) less meetings 5) continual encouragement and support

3 Truths to Remember Today: 1) Happiness is an inside job. Don't expect other people or things to make you happy. 2) Don't chase success. Decide to make a difference and success will find you.  3) Abundance flows into your life when gratitude flows out of your heart.