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Late-Lee is finally here.
What started as reflections and stories written from the heart has become a real book I now get to share with others. I’m grateful, humbled, excited, and honestly a little emotional. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me along the way. https://a.co/d/09mO7sf4
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What the Tide Leaves Behind
As the school year winds down and the temperatures rise, the beach becomes a sanctuary of relaxation and reflection. I find solace in watching families set up their spaces, each with their own unique routines and stories. This time of year is a reminder of the beauty in change and the importance of cherishing the…
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The Connection
In a world where people often become numb and pass one another by, it’s refreshing to remember the importance of human connection. Children, with their innate ability to truly see others, remind us of this crucial aspect of life. Educators, in particular, play a vital role in fostering this connection, reminding us that people matter…
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Getting the Boil Just Right
At the Crawfish Festival, the perfect boil is all about balancing the seasoning and heat, just like effective leadership requires understanding and adapting to the needs of the team.
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When the Work Is Done, Love Them Well
This time of year is a pivotal moment for schools. With only a few days left, it’s crucial to make the most of the remaining time. By shifting the focus from recovery to preparation, we can ensure that our students enter the testing window with confidence and determination.
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Before the Bloom
Spring is a reminder that change is possible, even when it seems daunting. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, we can overcome challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient. Let’s celebrate this season of renewal and hope, and continue to nurture the growth of our students and our community.
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Spring Cleaning the Leadership Closet
Spring cleaning my closet taught me something about leadership. By turning every hanger backward and examining my wardrobe, I discovered clothes I rarely wore, just like outdated leadership practices that we keep on autopilot.
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The Noise We Don’t Notice
A sugar detox isn’t just about cutting sweets; it’s about recalibrating your life. From sneaky Oreo wrappers to newfound mindfulness, this journey reminded me that true leadership involves embracing change and finding strength in vulnerability.
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The Fourth Leaf
Finding a four-leaf clover is a reminder to look closely. Leadership is about doing the same, uncovering hidden strengths and opportunities in the face of adversity.
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Lemon Meringue and Leadership
When people celebrate Pi Day, my mind drifts to my mother’s kitchen, where the aroma of lemon meringue pie created a sensory feast. Baking that pie taught me a lesson in leadership: just as Pi’s ratio stays true, effective leadership demands balance, attention, and adjustments.
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The Middle Miles
March reveals the true impact of perseverance. Kindergarten teachers, like marathon runners, plan meticulously, teaching routines until they become second nature. By March, their classroom culture shines, showing the power of persistence.
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Grace for Leaders Who Are Still Learning
Leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s a journey of growth through reflection and grace. Mistakes are opportunities for learning, not failures.
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Data is a Form of Care
Looking closely at student data isn’t about compliance. It’s about care. This post reflects on how honest data conversations, strong systems, and intentional follow-through are acts of leadership love.
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Love Is a Leadership Decision
Love in leadership is a daily decision. This reflective post explores intentional care, accountability, and the small choices that shape strong school cultures.
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Leading with Love
February has a way of showing up differently. In schools, the shift is easy to spot. Hallways take on softer colors. Paper hearts line the walls. Student work is framed by smiling faces with accordion arms and legs, each labeled proudly. Valentine’s bags sit beneath desks, carefully guarded, waiting for the moment somebody shares one.…
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Return to the Field with Intention
In this series, we delve into mid-year adjustments. Learn how to return to the field with intention, ensuring your gameplan remains resilient and effective.
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Adjust the Game Plan
Before reading on check out the first two posts in this series: Take the Field at Halftime Read the Scoreboard Back in the day, I spent a lot of Friday nights at high school football games because my oldest daughter was a cheerleader. At the time, I didn’t really understand the game, so I stayed…
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Read the Scoreboard (and Stay With It)
Halftime gives leaders a pause, but clarity doesn’t come from pausing alone. It comes from what we’re willing to examine once we stop moving. In the first post of this series, I asked a reflective question: What do we need to see more clearly before we decide what needs to change? This post is about…
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Take the Field at Halftime
Halftime may end when the whistle blows, but the work of halftime doesn’t. It ends when coaches/leaders decide how they’ll step back onto the field. There’s a familiar feeling as January approaches, and it really does feel like a fresh start. We plan the staff breakfast for the return from the break, tidy up the…
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Between the Halves – A Letter of Reflection
Dear Leader, As I sit here in the quiet of the morning, surrounded by the soft sparkle of Christmas lights (probably for the last time this season), I’ve been reflecting on the first half of this school year. With the New Year fast approaching, I find myself doing what I tend to do best—reflecting and…