Donald Gately Ed.D.
Category Archives: Leadership
My COVID-19 Diary: Adversity reveals character?
Much as we hate to admit it, this quarantine is highlighting some of our most annoying character traits. What are you doing to drive your quarantine friends and family a little bit kooky during this challenging time? Here’s some of mine*: Continue reading
My COVID-19 Diary: Grandpa, why don’t you shake hands
My grandmother saved the string that you get on a cake box from the bakery. You know, the really thin red and white striped string. I never once in my life saw that string get used but she had it. She also re-used tissues. They were hidden in her sleeve (you never sneezed in from of Nanny). Continue reading
My COVID-19 Diary: Were you ready for this?
I appreciate the opportunity to applaud my amazing teachers for all that they’ve done to give us a huge head start and I encourage all of us to see our present reality as part of a dynamic approach to learning that can continue even when we go back to a face-to-face environment (please tell me this will be soon!) Continue reading
My COVID Diary: Friday un-Focused
78 returned emails, a bike ride to the grocery store, an Andrew Cuomo press conference, dinner and it’s time for bed. And I’ve never been so exhausted in my life. Repeat again tomorrow. Continue reading
My COVID-19 Diary: The “soft launch”
Harry Houdini once escaped from a straitjacket and chains while suspended by a wire 60 feet over Times Square. Do you think this was the first time he ever wriggled out of a straitjacket while hanging upside down? Continue reading
Posted in Best Practice, Educational Focus, Leadership, learning, Personal Best, Random Thoughts, Reflections, Uncategorized
Tagged innovation
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My COVID-19 Diary: Is there cheese?
How are you doing with your routine as you work from home? The other day I paused and found myself doing all of the following things at the same time: Checking emails Slicing vegetables for dinner Responding to an email … Continue reading
My COVID-19 Diary: Perspective
Because I’m moderately overwhelmed by the level of virtue that I see on social media amongst, well, everybody, especially educators, I’m hard-pressed to find something original I can contribute during this crisis. I’m reminded of what my mentor told me, … Continue reading
Posted in Leadership, Personal Best, Random Thoughts, Reflections, Uncategorized
Tagged Coronavirus, Covid-19
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About intentions: Positivity
I haven’t declared my New Year’s resolution this year because, for me, this practice has become redolent with the stink of failure. I look back on the resolutions I’ve made these past five years and I haven’t successfully achieved any of them. Continue reading
Middle-leaders Collaborative: How do you handle “lame-duck” days?
The holidays are approaching. Working with middle school kids on the days preceding a vacation can be particularly challenging. How do you make it work? This post is a collaboration between a group of middle school leaders from across the … Continue reading
Middle leaders collaborative: One characteristic of great middle school leaders
Name one characteristic of all great middle school leaders This post is a collaboration between a group of middle school leaders from across the country. Periodically, these passionate and dedicated middle school principals share their thoughts on issues of relevance … Continue reading
Posted in Educational Focus, Leadership, learning, Uncategorized
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