Tag: writing
-
“The Porch” Podcast: You’re Invited!
Welcome to the Porch with Dr. Hope O’Neil In the heart of America’s urban public schools, a revolution is brewing. “The Porch with Dr. Hope O’Neil” invites you to explore the intricate world of K-12 education, where the stakes are high and the outcomes are critical. The Journey Begins Join Dr. Hope O’Neil as she…
-
Building a Leadership Manifesto: Step 3
Leaders, in Step 1, we brainstormed a list of attributes that define who we are, how we want to present ourselves in the workplace, and the culture we aim to create. In Step 2, we added details to clarify meaning and took time to reflect on our thinking. Step 3 requires us to prepare to…
-
Transforming Classrooms: From Compliance to Creativity
If you read my first two posts, you gleaned the importance I place on critical and creative thinking for both adults and children in our classrooms. I am as dedicated to the art as well as the science of learning and teaching. Here’s why. I learned a lot when I served as a 6 –…
-
Building a Leadership Manifesto: Step 2
I’m excited to see others join me in writing or revising their leadership manifestos. It is a great way to start the new year, as it will help you clarify your bottom line. What is a good organizational fit? When should you stay and disrupt the status quo? When should you walk away and start…
-
Building a Leadership Manifesto: Step 1
Reflect on what you value as a leader. What do you expect from yourself and other leaders? Make your list. Don’t limit your thinking. Don’t edit yourself yet. This is my list. It incorporates some insights from my past and revised thoughts from my recent work. Next step I will revisit the list and clarify…
-
Dear Teacher, Before You Quit
Mr. Mills was a first-year teacher in an urban public middle school, serving approximately 600 African American students. In 2002, he was a 22-year-old Ivy League graduate with a passion for teaching underserved students in low-income areas. Mr. Mills came to the classroom with above-average content and pedagogical knowledge. He deeply connected with each student…
-
Transforming Urban Education: My Journey with Achievement First
So, the conversation has begun. I have a confession to make. I have been charmed and devoted to the McDonaldized education kingdom, both as a classroom teacher and principal. I was a serf in love with my urban public schools, my leaders, and my students. I entered the profession as an overachiever: a second-career teacher…
-
The McDonaldization of Education: A Call for Reform
“Ms. O’Neil, tell them I left with tears streaming and that I will always remember them.” These are the parting words of Drea, one of my most memorable 5th – grade students in 1998. Drea was in foster care and was removed from her foster mom without notice after it was discovered they were living…
The Urban Education Change Equation 