Starr Sackstein: From Teacher to Leader

Starr Sackstein has been an educator for 20 years and is currently a full-time educational consultant, instructional coach, and speaker. Starr received National Board Certification in 2012 and was recognized as an outstanding educator that year by Education Update. Association and served as the New York State Director for JEA. She was named an ASCD "Emerging Leader" class of 2016 and had the opportunity to give a TEDx Talk called "A Recovering Perfectionist's Journey to Give Up Grades" and has spoken on The Red Dot Cafe in affiliation with TEDx San Antonio about grading practices.

 

She is the author of many educational books  She also blogs on Education Week Teacher at "Work in Progress" and has contributed to several other publications.

 

Episode Notes:

-When you are deciding whether to take on a leadership role, make a pros and cons list. What are you most afraid of losing? What are the things you love? Evaluate what is important to you.

-If you are ready to leap to leadership, put on your best face when interviewing. Just as they are interviewing you, you are interviewing them to see if it is a good fit. Try to ask a  lot of strategic questions when you interview. Just because you interviewed, it does not mean you have to accept a position. Are you philosophically aligned with the role you are moving into? Find a home that is a good fit, do not worry about damaging your future by making a move in your career.

-You will likely hit a state of overwhelm when you move to a leadership role. Be ready with an open mind and utilize others as your teachers. Be mindful of what you say and how you say it. Build relationships and listen first.

-You know you are making an impact when the early adopters are taking you up on your offers to coach or collaborate. 

-You can still be a leader within the classroom: mentor, join a committee, be a coach, state run or regional organizations, Find your own way to lead at your site!

-Be mindful of how and when you share information as a coach. Apologize when you make a mistake, be clear and own your actions.

-Changing the world one mind at a time!

 

Connect with Starr:

Twitter: @MsSackstein

Website: https://www.mssackstein.com/

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