Educational Leader | Speaker | Writer
At one time, "Jugaad", a word in Hindi (one of India's spoken languages), had a negative connotation of fixing something quickly with makeshift parts in order to get the job done. The word was often associated with people who were lazy or didn't put a lot of time or effort in their work. For example,... Continue Reading →
In 2017, I made a commitment that my #OneWord would not be just for that year, but for life! I admit that for the past two years, I reflected on this commitment and gave myself permission to change it if I felt that another word could give me the proper perspective, motivation, and energy for... Continue Reading →
There's a story of a tradition that the inhabitants of the Solomon Islands possess that appear to be a form of dark magic. When it's time for a tree on the island to come down, the islanders don't need or use any sharp, physical objects. Instead, they curse the tree with negative words and harsh... Continue Reading →
I've come to really like my son's soccer coach in not only his knowledge about the game, but in his demeanor and approach as a coach. In having him coach my son for the past four seasons, I almost forgot exactly what sets him apart from other coaches....until I witnessed the last game of this... Continue Reading →
A few years ago, I observed an English Language Arts teacher and her students in a 9th grade classroom. The students were just finishing a unit on poems, and the teacher surprised them by handing out small books bound with their poems as a classroom set. The teacher was excited to share this with them... Continue Reading →
My son's 7th grade basketball season finished last week. I had a great season cheering him on along with the other parents. There's an excitement being part of the crowd recognizing our players for amazing shots or passes. In our enthusiasm and having watched enough basketball games in our tenure, we parents also become sideline... Continue Reading →
There's nothing better than breakfast meetings in the summer! I get excited at the chance in meeting with colleagues over a cup of coffee and dialogue to brainstorm ways to better support our students and staff in the upcoming school year. As part of our summer work, I have been been holding "check-in" meetings with... Continue Reading →
Recently, I had the chance to catch up with a colleague from a previous school district who I hadn’t seen for years. While drinking coffee and catching up about our families and life, I asked him about his recent change in positions at a new school district last year. Suddenly, his head lowered and his... Continue Reading →
It still seems to be an accepted response continuing to receive a smile when someone makes a "drop the mic" comment in response to a profound activity, come-back, statement, or speech. Although the phrase has recently gained popularity through its use by notable celebrities, the actual physical dropping of the mic started way back in... Continue Reading →
It's becoming a tradition for me to begin thinking about in at the beginning of December. As the days get closer to the end of the month, a myriad of emotions ensue ranging from hopefulness, passion, and to excitement, nervousness, and doubt. For the past two years, I have participated in the One Word Challenge,... Continue Reading →
Neil Gupta, Ed.D. 