Lessons from Work Hard. Be Nice.

Hey Kid Team! I know everyone has finished the book, Work Hard. Be Nice. We are going to begin working on the other book, "Teach Like A Champion". I believe this first book, started us off on the right foot, told us a great story, and this team is ready to read about how to make that Culture of Achievement happen at NMS! For me, the inspiring leaders, Mike Feinberg and David Levin - followed their instincts and did what was right for kids. They didn't know it couldn't be done - therefore they visualized what they wanted and made it happen. I know that I am going to do more of that in the future. Honestly, I know that the students at NMS are just as capable as any other student. I have to rally the troups and I need everyone's help in creating the excitement, the enthusiasm, most importantly, the belief that it can and will happen. I hope that each of you will be the spokesperson for administration - so that when you hear something that is not in line with our vision and what we want for the NMS students, we can speak up in a calm, respectful manner, and be the models of what we want at NMS! I haven't ever worked with such a strong team, so let's do what Feinberg and Levin did! We got this!!

Work Hard. Be Nice.

I love chapter 15 - all will learn! Did you like it? Why or why not?

Chapter 16 - The porch and homework! thoughts?

Chapter 17 - Memorization, chants, etc....

Chapter 18 - Thoughts....

Chapter 11-14 Work Hard. Be Nice.

1. Chapter 11: What do you think about the differences between Feinberg/Levin's discipline methods v. Esquith's thoughts and methods?

2. Chapter 12: THoughts on Chapter 12 -

3. Chapter 13: Powers of Persuasion -

4. Chapter 14: JIm McInvale - Hmmmm.....

Work Hard. Be Nice. Chapters 7-10

Thanks everyone who responded! The next 4 chapters talk a little bit about Mike Feinberg and David Levin and how they ended up in Houston with Teach For America. Chapter 9 speaks to their second year as teachers. Chapter 10 - They meet the Disney Teacher of the Year and chapter 11 is about a student. This round, just talk and share your thoughts on what gave you an ahh haaa, an idea, or useful ideas you got from these 4 chapters. Thanks so much!!

Work Hard. Be Nice. Thoughts on chapters 4, 5, & 6

Chapter 4: What struck you about chapter 4? I have lots of thoughts but didn't want to lead anyone, yours are probably better than mine!





Chapter 5: What do you think about Harriett Ball and what do you think made her a great teacher?





Chapter 6: Thoughts on Chapter 6 and how it relates to NMS!

Work Hard. Be Nice. How will we make it happen?

Hey Kid Team!! Here is our new Blog to spend a little time processing the book, Work Hard, Be Nice! Our first post is going to be about chapters 1-3. I will put up some questions that came up for me, and you all feel free to share your thoughts and also any questions that come up for you. I know that NMS can build the culture of achievement that we want! You all are leaders instrumental in making this happen!!


Chapter 1: Tracey brought up a point about how David Levin had to make some changes in New York when he started KIPP there. What are your thoughts about what will and what won't translate to NMS from Yes or KPP?


Chapter 2: What are your thoughts on Teach for America?


Chapter 3: Thoughts while reading.....?????