Deans' Digest | End-of-year Wins for Students - and you | April Edition

Mayhem, Magic, and Finishing Strong(ish)

Look, let’s be honest: May is chaos. It’s sweaty, snack-filled, semi-organized chaos. But here’s the deal: you still have the power to finish strong(ish). Not perfect — strong. This month is about helping students land the plane — and making sure you don’t forget to celebrate the fact that you built the plane midair this year. 🎉 Buckle up — we’re finishing together!

Key Reflection Questions

When your brain is screaming “SUMMER,” sneak in a little reflection:

What’s one leadership move I’m secretly proud of this year?
What nearly broke me… but didn’t?
What mistake taught me the most?
Who made my job 10% easier (and have I thanked them)?
What’s one thing I want to upgrade about my leadership next year? (Pro tip: Answer these with snacks. Reflection goes better with snacks.)

Dean’s List: Hayley Spira-Bauer “Learning Can’t Wait”

Hayley Spira-Bauer , the self-proclaimed “Energizer Bunny of Education” and C-Suite executive at Fullmind, hosts the essential “Learning Can’t Wait” podcast – where education innovation meets action.

This powerful weekly series features:

Conversations with bold changemakers challenging the education status quo
Cutting-edge insights on AI, leadership, and human connection in learning
Expert strategies for addressing critical challenges from absenteeism to funding
Diverse voices reimagining what’s possible in modern education

A Teach for America alum who built her career from classroom teacher to school founder to EdTech leader, Spira-Bauer brings unmatched perspective to every episode. Her passion for educational equity and innovation has earned the podcast recognition from industry leaders and a growing national audience.

Join the movement transforming education! “Learning Can’t Wait” is available on all major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Tune in to discover why, in Hayley’s words, rebuilding our education system cannot wait another day.

Tech Tool of the Month

Tool: Padlet Why we love it: Because sometimes you just need a virtual sticky note wall of chaos and wisdom. Fun May Challenge: Create a Padlet called “What I’ll Never Forget About This Year” and let students post anonymously. (Prepare for laughter and heart-melting moments.)

Food for Thought

“May isn’t a marathon. It’s an obstacle course — while balancing a tray of cupcakes.” Go easy on yourself. Drop the dream of “perfect closure.” Focus on “memorable, meaningful moments” instead. They’ll remember the way you made them feel way longer than they’ll remember the late passes you handed out.

Humor: May Mood Check

📅 September Dean: “Tell me about your passions and leadership goals.” 📅 May Dean: “If you don’t have a pass, an adult, or a convincing reason, turn around.” You’re not alone. You’re running the last lap of a very long, very weird race. (P.S. You’re winning.)

Self Care Corner

This Month’s Motto: “Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a survival tactic.”

Schedule a “nothing meeting” (aka 30 minutes to sit in your office and stare into space).
Plan one totally non-school thing for the first weekend after school ends.
Add “drink water” and “eat lunch” to your to-do list… and check them off proudly.

Wisdom Corner

“You can’t pour from an empty cup. You also can’t effectively lead a middle school full of caffeine and blind optimism.” — Ancient Dean Proverb Build your summer plans around healing and leveling up. Reflection first, then rejuvenation. You deserve both.

Closing Thoughts

Here’s the truth: Some days in May feel like magic. Some days feel like survival. Both are victories. Celebrate every small win. Laugh whenever possible. And when in doubt: snacks, water, sunlight, forgiveness (for yourself and others). We’re cheering for you — all the way to the finish line! 🏁✨

Until next month,

Bridget Johnson, Founder, Deans' Roundtable

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