Ayana Lawson’s Post

𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑨𝒕𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝑬𝒙𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆! Learn how to:  - Build a culture of excellence🥇 - Celebrate student & team success ✅ - Develop & attract top talent 💯 - Inspire future generations 👩👧👦 - Promote high achievement 🔝 - Generate alumni & sponsor goodwill 💰

A true mentor and leader.

Count me among the students Judy Brown helped during her 43 years at Watkinson School . As a new educator, here are some #wordsofwisdom I gleaned from Judy's career: 🥉 Keep your humanity front and center. Often, this advice is applied in the context of interacting with students (e.g: see students as human), but I think that it is easier to be human as a student—especially if you happen to be a student with one or more marginalized identity—if the people in power who you interface with (that means educators in all roles) first own their own fallibility—and lives outside of work! An easy way to set these kind of humanity-affirming (and thus healthy) expectations: Explicitly say when you check your emails/other work communications in your email signature, syllabus, or any other student-facing information page. If you, for example, work from 9 to 5 on Mondays through Fridays then, this way, a student who sends an email at 6 PM at Friday KNOWS that you are not blowing them off if you respond at 9 AM on Monday. Another (more fun) way to display your humanity is to have mementos in your office or virtual space, inviting conversation about hobbies and other non-work dimensions of life. (No person is one-dimensional!) 📧 🍋 🥈 Don't forget about SMART goals. At least for me, this is something I tend to slip with as the school year / semester goes on, but they're called SMART goals for a reason! And they're smart for students and educators alike! Start a meeting with discussion of goals named (and preferably written or in some other way made "tangible") last time. End a meeting with articulation of new goals and/or refinement of previously-articulated goals. Ambition is important, but ambition without direction is a recipe for burnout. And victories of any size are revitalizing—and call for celebration! 📋 🔥 In case you need a reminder of what SMART goals are: Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant Time-Based 🥇 Always maintain a curiosity stance. Enter as a co-investigator, not the judge. Combine your expertise (e.g: of a program's GPA requirements, of your class' rules around late work, etc.) with the expertise of the student (e.g: career goals, circumstances that led to work not being completed on-time, etc.). You are on the same team! And even if you do not get the result that you want, there is always a learning experience to be gleaned. 🔎 🧠 What lessons have you learned from retiring educators who touched your life? Please share in this space! 💭 #grateful #reflection #educator

Brian Raines thoughtfully explains the continuing challenges faced by those of us who come to the profession from atypical circumstances. He also exemplifies the life-changing power of higher education. As we continue to grapple with the many challenges facing higher ed, it is essential to stay focused on stories like Brian's. I often wonder what the world would be like had we not spent most of human history excluding people from education and limiting their potential based on accidents of birth. While we will never know what we could have created, it is clear to me that destroying a system that in a very short time has created incredible intellectual capital, improved the human condition immensely, and overall made our world a better place is foolish. Yes, higher ed needs to be made better. We need to prioritize student success and support, we need to embrace meaningful intellectual diversity, we need to be better citizens of the spaces we occupy. However, there is no scenario in which those shortcomings warrant the wholesale destruction of the best system of education the world has ever known. Many of us on the inside know this and are fighting to protect one of our country's most valuable assets. Those of you on the outside need to join us in the fight. The world's most creative and successful economy was built on the foundation created by higher education. Destroy the foundation and the structure will crumble.

I learned so many practical skills to apply theories of cooperativism and collective action into the day to day structures of my workplace through this training. Seeing the dissidence between language and practice? I recommend this training!

The Best Graduation Speech of 2024 Is Absolutely Obvious, and It All Comes Down to Just 1 Word. A rainy day and an abbreviated speech, but some very useful lessons were shared. Robert Hale Jr.'s address to the graduates of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth was truly memorable. He gave $1,000 in cash to each graduate, with $500 for them to keep and $500 to give away to someone in need. Certainly, giving money to graduates is a sure way to win hearts. However, the speech was more than just a generous gesture. From humble beginnings of washing dishes to becoming a dot-com billionaire, Hale shared his journey of success, failure, and redemption. It's a powerful story of resilience and giving back to the community. Watch the video at the bottom of the article to witness Hale's inspiring message unfold. It's a reminder that success is not just about personal achievements but also about lifting others up. Kudos to Robert Hale Jr. for an impactful and memorable graduation speech. https://lnkd.in/ezuMgb_N (skip video to 2:25)

One of the most common questions I get from my students this time of year is regarding what I’m reading this summer. So, here’s the list, including a couple of terrific re-reads:

Whether you join us for the five-week RISE Summer Learning Program or work with us year-round, we deliver stellar results. See how we boosted proficiency in Maryland's largest school district, led D.C. partner schools to top PARCC ELA scores, and achieved an average 57.4% year-over-year growth on state exams in our partner schools. Dive deeper to discover the lasting impact we make: https://hubs.li/Q02B9QTB0

You might think summer reading is all about relaxation, but it’s also a fantastic way to fuel your professional growth and spark new ideas. Hey, Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) community! I try to read every chance I get and wherever I am, enjoying a variety of books through different formats—whether it's audiobooks, Kindle, or old-fashioned books. This is what I am reading or trying to read this summer: 1. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey This timeless classic is my coffee table companion, offering essential habits and principles for personal and professional success. ☕📚 2. "Take Your Company Global" by Nataly Kelly Reading on the go? This one’s on my Kindle. Nataly Kelly provides practical strategies for expanding businesses internationally, perfect for those dreaming big. 🌍📱 3. "Happy Place" by Emily Henry Need a little escape? "Happy Place" is in my pool bag. It is the great mix of relaxation and inspiration. 🏖️ 4. "Atlas of the Heart" by Brené Brown Listening to "Atlas of the Heart" on Spotify during my walks, Brené Brown’s insights on human connection are profound. 🎧 Summer reading isn’t just for fun—it’s a way to stay ahead, learn new things, and get inspired. So, what’s on your summer reading list? Let’s share and grow together! 📚💬 Happy reading and happy summer, everyone! 🌞📖 #SummerReading #LanguageServices #ProfessionalDevelopment #CCHI

One of the best parts of my job is that I not only get to know students during the admissions process, but I also get to see them grow during their time at the Institute for Advanced Analytics and in their subsequent careers. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to reconnect with Chesaney Wyse Kooy and Taylor Kooy (MSA '20) and learn how the Institute prepared them for their current professional roles. Here's the video of our conversation: https://lnkd.in/g6NtXR3p