Educational Leader | Speaker | Writer
Regardless of the number of years in a position or previous roles held, it is necessary that leaders invest time in building trust among the team and community. I’ve heard it all too often that “trust takes time” as an excuse for making intentional actions in creating trust. Just letting time pass isn’t enough to... Continue Reading →
Today, I officially start as Superintendent for Oakwood City Schools. With an emphasis on the "whole child", we have a vision for social emotional learning that states: We are committed to creating an environment for all students, staff, and families that is safe, kind, collaborative, respectful, and engaging. We envision a school district that... Continue Reading →
Over the next month, our house will be celebrating two graduations! My oldest son, Keegan, will be graduating college, and my youngest son, Jaiden, will be graduating high school. I remember when Keegan graduated high school. Despite all of my fatherly advice and perspective as an educator, he found himself at the end of the... Continue Reading →
I wish I could tell you that it happens less often at our house, but I think every 2-3 days one of the family members asks a question that results in a look of disappointment followed by the response, "Wow, did you not hear me talk about this yesterday." Or, even worse, "Are you kidding?... Continue Reading →
Spring is the season when many educators are taking on new roles for the next school year. There is sense of excitement in the magic of possibilities. And, while there might be a tendency to sit down and begin creating plans, investing time in conducting "Listening and Learning" Sessions at the beginning of the transition... Continue Reading →
There is an old quote that reads: "Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water." Zen Proverb The meaning of the quote comes from a story about a young boy that desired to become a monk in order to attain enlightenment and a full life. As an apprentice in the monastery,... Continue Reading →
The impending end to the calendar year begins to fill with conversations about New Year's Resolutions and #OneWord declarations. While those can be opportunities for life-altering moments, they don't always provide a sense of clear direction of how to proceed. And, while the new year provides an opportunity for a fresh start with a clean... Continue Reading →
I can still recall my first year of teaching - I spent so much time at first thinking about how I was going to impart math facts and practices with my students, that I didn't invest time or effort in thinking much about anything else. As the school year progressed, it didn't take long before... Continue Reading →
Earlier this week, I engaged in two conversations around grading practices. It's astonishing to think that something that has been discussed probably since the beginning of schooling continues to be a topic today. I truly believe that we took a step backwards when grades went online. Prior to that, I want to believe teachers were... Continue Reading →
I don't enjoy buying clothes. I used to, but now it feels like a hassle with finding the right size and trying it on only to find out I've gained more weight than in the past. But, I had to buy a few new suits in the past month. It's not that I outgrew the... Continue Reading →
Neil Gupta, Ed.D. 