Author Archives: sutterlearn

Book Review – The Hunger Games

Posted on March 24, 2013 by sutterlearn

I finally relented to pop culture, at my daughter’s urging, and read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. My submission was more a response to her repeated requests and finally she checked the book from her school library and brought … Continue reading →

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Degrees For Sports

Posted on March 24, 2013 by sutterlearn

Over on Jose Vilson’s blog, he recently wondered why we don’t give degrees in sports.  Before you judge, read his post for context.  Jose is a smart and thoughtful guy actually discussing a much deeper, and familiar issue.  As I … Continue reading →

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The Public’s Agenda for Public Education

Posted on February 10, 2013 by sutterlearn

Last week I attended a conference hosted by The Center for Michigan, where they released the report summarizing Michigan data collected at numerous Community Conversations across the state in 2012. While I wasn’t completely impressed with the journalistic layout of … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, School Reform | Leave a comment

Please, Borrow My Stuff

Posted on February 10, 2013 by sutterlearn

Recently my daughter started borrowing our things.  She fits in my wife’s “trendy” shoes, so she puts them on without asking.  My water bottles disappear into her bag continually because “they’re more grown up”.  Ironically, she is also at a … Continue reading →

Posted in Coaching, Parenting | 1 Comment

ePIFany™ Party!

Posted on February 10, 2013 by sutterlearn

I am in an ongoing search for good in the world because there is so much, but it is easily overshadowed and subtle.  Here’s a not-so-subtle way to increase the good!  Check out ePIFanyNow.org to understand their simple, mission of … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership | 2 Comments

Rethinking Recess

Posted on February 10, 2013 by sutterlearn

Even without a classroom right now, kids still inspire my thinking the most.  Recently, a second grader shared with me that he was bored and frustrated at recess.  He passionately lamented that after “almost three years on the same playground” … Continue reading →

Posted in Coaching, Leadership, Students, Teachers | 1 Comment

Surrounded by Expert Teachers

Posted on January 14, 2013 by sutterlearn

As our district tackled both a new teacher leadership structure AND the Common Core State Standards implementation this year, folks often feel overwhelmed.  By folks, I mean me specifically, but I know those around me feel the pressure.  While many … Continue reading →

Posted in Coaching, Teachers | 1 Comment

Community Conversation Revisited

Posted on January 14, 2013 by sutterlearn

In February of 2012, I hosted a Community Conversation to explore issues, build understanding, and gather solutions for an involved citizenry in education.  The Center for Michigan, who facilitated the conversation held many across the state, gathering data to create … Continue reading →

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Closet Epiphanies

Posted on December 18, 2012 by sutterlearn

Before I joined the workforce as an adult, I came upon the dream that I needed to become a chaplain for people in crisis.  Not one of a specific religious affiliation, but someone who could listen and move people through … Continue reading →

Posted in Coaching, Leadership, Teachers | 1 Comment

All In One Leaders

Posted on December 18, 2012 by sutterlearn

Thomas Edison is known for literally thousands of failures before inventing a working light bulb.  After such admirable perseverance, you can understand his humble and familiar phrase, “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” In our work, I’d argue against … Continue reading →

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