Category Archives: Leadership

The Language We Choose

Posted on September 12, 2013 by sutterlearn

“If we hope to stem the mass destruction that inevitably attends our economic system, fundamental historical, social, economic, and technological forces need to be pondered, understood, and redirected. Behavior won’t change much without a fundamental change in consciousness. The question … Continue reading →

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You’re Not The Only One

Posted on August 16, 2013 by sutterlearn

She called me an idealist like it was an insult. We were co-workers in an office world of cubicles that she may have been in too long. I’m not sure. The rest of the conversation stung more, degrading comments like, … Continue reading →

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Data Tells Stories…

Posted on July 10, 2013 by sutterlearn

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy recently released their 2013 Michigan Context And Performance Report Card. They also provide a handy, searchable database on their website to find your specific district and school results. BEFORE you start exploring, here are … Continue reading →

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Unfunded Mandate

Posted on May 11, 2013 by sutterlearn

Here’s a quick update on the CCSS in Michigan. In June 2010, Michigan adopted the Common Core Standards, replacing the Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs). Shortly after, Michigan became one of the lead states in the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, … Continue reading →

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Right to Work OR Privilege to Serve

Posted on March 28, 2013 by sutterlearn

In December 2012, ugly things happened inside and outside the capital building in Lansing, Michigan.  As with any human interaction, where you stood determined what you saw or knew and how you formed your opinion.  Inside the building, lawmakers quickly … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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

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 →

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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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