Thomas C. Murray
@thomascmurray
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Director of Innovation @FutureReady of @all4ed, Author of Personal & Authentic #AuthenticEDU, Keynote, Former School & District Leader
Lives in PA, Works in D.C.
Joined June 2009
Today is the day! I'm excited to finally be able to share what I've poured my heart into for the past year. Personal & Authentic is now available: For free book study resources and downloadables, check out: #AuthenticEDU
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My son’s kindergarten teacher is doing an optional bedtime story tonight. She’s saying hi to every child as they log in and how she misses them. Teachers really are some of THE BEST people on the planet. For those of you in the trenches every day. THANK YOU. 💙.
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Educators: The first day of school is an amazing opportunity. What can you do on Day 1 that has your kids running back to you on Day 2? We can’t forget: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Make the first day count! #FutureReady
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Another crisis in the US and yet another time where teachers, principals, supts., support staff, bus drivers, etc., are the front lines for so many, while going to bed worried about other people’s children. Thank you. Words can not express your courage, dedication, and love.
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Teachers that start soon. instead of having kids walk into a new classroom and a pile of books on their desk, what if they walked in and saw puzzle pieces and team building games? The textbooks can wait a day, no? Start by building culture.
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Love this —-> This elementary school principal reads books on Facebook to ensure her students have a bedtime story - The Washington Post #FutureReady
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Principals: Your first faculty meeting is a tremendous OPPORTUNITY to MODEL the instructional practices you’re looking for from staff. (i.e. Don’t lecture and tell staff not to. Don’t tell them to build relationships if you’re not modeling the way.) . Go get it this month!!.
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Principals: If you require your teachers to share lesson plans a week in advance (or whatever timeline), do you share your faculty meeting plans with your staff a week in advance? Why or why not? (Serious question.).
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The work is hard. The work is stressful. The work is emotional. The work is exhausting. But our kids are worth it.
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#KidsToday .A 10-year-old boy and his friend cleaned snow off 80 hospital workers' cars during storm. #HOPE
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This is leadership in a community. Wow. If anything is worth your one minute read today, it’s this. People like this give me so much hope. I also hope all educators in that region start banking there! #FutureReady #Leadership. #OkEdchat
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Superintendents:.I stand in awe of you. I see you. You face chaos, changing expectations, sliced budgets, social media battering, community fears, & pressures from EVERY side. Yet, you choose to get up & stare adversity directly in the eyes, not willing to back down. Thank you.
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Every minute spent complaining is a minute spent not solving the problem. You choose your mindset. Do it wisely.
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This cute little boy of mine just shouted, “I did it! All by myself! I can read! It feels so good to be able to read, Daddy!” . My heart. 💙😭
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You can’t preach student voice & not support them today. Proud of the countless students that stood up for themselves & showed courage, yet showed respect & civility at the same time. Contrary from what we see from many adults, discourse CAN be civil, productive, and meaningful.
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One of my children’s teachers is holding a parent meeting tonight with all families to simply see how everyone is doing, see what’s working, and to address any concerns. So impressed with her request for feedback & desire to support families. Teachers are such amazing people.
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Just because you’ve moved from a textbook to a digital document, and from a pencil to a device, DOES NOT mean it’s any better. Focus on depth and NOT the tool when talking about the student experience. You can be 100% digital AND all low-level. #TCEA.
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EDUCATORS: TITLES don’t make leaders. ACTIONS do. Some of the greatest SCHOOL LEADERS are those teaching in classrooms every day & those that are part of a support staff. A title doesn’t mean one’s effective. His/Her actions determine it. #FutureReady #LT8Keys #LeadershipMinute
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EDUCATORS: Digital does NOT equal quality. What’s often glorified on social media is low-level pedagogy. Technology is a tool - an ACCELERATOR, not the learning goal. The tool can amplify opportunities and depth or speed up the rate of failure. #LeadershipMinute #FutureReady
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**Warning** For those who have children that live with food allergies (like mine), do NOT go see the new Peter Rabbit movie. Finding “humor” in bullying by Peter & friends to an allergy friend (who then needs an Epi) is sickening. Shame on @SonyPictures #BoycottPeterRabbit.
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My grandma is 93 years old. I received the dreaded "COVID-19 outbreak in her nursing home and she tested positive" call a month ago. Today, she celebrates being virus free. Woot!. (You amaze me grandma!!)
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Educators - Thank you. You’re constantly blasted, told you’re not good enough, and told you don’t work hard enough from the outside world. Yet, you continue to run through walls for kids. Keep running. Our kids need you. What you do matters - every day. #LeadershipMinute
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I’ve poured my heart into this for the past year and it’ll be out this October. So honored to partner with @gcouros & IMpress to make it happen. The book will also highlight the voices of 50+ educators with diverse backgrounds and experiences. #AuthenticEDU is coming your way.
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We need to stop calling tools, apps, etc., “game changers” (etc.) in education. If your “game” is technology-lead, you’re in the wrong park. Tech is a tool. an amplifier, not a desired pedagogical outcome. #CUE18.
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Teachers are some of the hardest working, loving, empathetic, creative, dynamic, selfless people on the planet, who pour their lives into other people’s children. Teachers, we thank you. #TeacherApprecationWeek.
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EDUCATORS: If we want to change the CULTURE of our school, we must INTENTIONALLY OWN and work on the CLIMATE of our school, and do so every day. Great words from @ToddWhitaker in this #LeadershipMinute on “Changing Climate to Change Culture.” #FutureReady
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Someday there will be a documentary on this time period that highlights the good in people. Schools delivering meals. Businesses giving to the community. Medical workers taking extra shifts. Places of worship doing what they do. and on, and on, and on.
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I may give @Joe_Sanfelippo a hard time every day, but today's award by being named Superintendent of the Year is extremely well deserved. Proud to call him one of my best friends. #FutureReady #GoCrickets.
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Superintendents: If the kick off this year leaves teachers and support staff walking out with their heads down, we have TOTALLY failed. Every welcome back is an amazing opportunity to highlight the incredible value and talents of those that pour their hearts into kids every day.
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I’ve spent all of today with my father in the ER. It’s his 6th trip in 10 weeks. His disease is debilitating. The effects of his scleroderma & impact of Agent Orange from his service make the pain often too much to handle. Yet, I’m in awe of his faith, strength, & heart.
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As schools close for periods of time, don’t forget the profound impact a brief phone call home can have to simply show you care and how much they matter, especially for our most vulnerable and marginalized students.
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EDUCATORS: Just because something is digital, does NOT mean it’s any good. You can be 100% paperless with 100% digital content/tools AND be 100% LOW LEVEL. We must place TASKS BEFORE APPS. Thanks to @ClassTechTips for joining this #LeadershipMinute. #FutureReady
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5-year-old best friends got the same haircut to trick their teacher so she wouldn’t able to tell them apart - #KidsToday 💙.
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Hey Teachers - Want a list of over 300 free tools and resources that have been curated by teachers? Check this out: #FutureReady #edchat.
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Redesigning learning spaces is about understanding how design impacts the brain & learning; NOT about being pretty for Pinterest. #ISTE17.
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Saying goodbye to a friend today. Brett Snyder you are the most courageous person I’ve ever met. They gave you 18 months. You tackled ALS for 16 years. Honored to call you a friend. Well done, my brother. 🏈 ✝️
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When my little man asks to go into Barnes & Noble after his haircut, wants to find some of my books, and says “I’m so proud of you, daddy,” it makes the hundreds of hours and countless early mornings all worth it. 😭 #AuthenticEDU #LT8Keys
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This. Male engineering student explains why his female classmates are not his equals.
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Yesterday I spent time w/a new teacher who has his very first day on Monday. He shared his excitement & was vulnerable about his nerves & fears. As we kick off the new school year, we can’t forget to check in with new teachers to encourage & support. We all know those feelings.
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Some of the greatest school leaders that I’ve ever worked w/have not had a fancy title but have been our support staff and those teaching in classrooms each day. One’s mindset is key and a redefinition of what leadership means is often needed. #LT8Keys #LeadershipMinute
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Five hours at the Starbucks office today putting the final touches on Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime. I’m excited to officially share this book next month. Written from the heart, I’ll say I’m really proud of this one. #AuthenticEDU
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Moment of truth: Having lead a full time online program K-12 as part of a public school in PA, I will say it took us THREE YEARS (in my opinion) to get to a point where I was comfortable to the level of high quality teaching and learning online. Not days. Years. #FutureReady.
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If you're an educator leading in a different environment right now than you originally signed up for, whether it be in a hybrid/blended classroom, or a full time virtual classroom -- THANK YOU. Your work matters and you are appreciated. We believe in you. Thank you!.
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At one point in time Sears was THE leader. Over time, the world changed. Drastically. Some businesses evolved, others died. Schools - WAKE UP. The insulation bubble to the outside world is about to pop. (Fortunately MANY schools GET IT and are crushing it for kids.).
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I love my country. I recognize how incredibly blessed I am to live here with the many freedoms that my family has. 🇺🇸 I’ll celebrate our nation’s independence on July 4th, however, I also know there’s far more to our story. My children will know that many people that we love
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My biggest hope for #ISTE18. conversations focus on REAL change and not bandaids, what’s “cool,” or a quick fix. Change takes time and is not easy. But great educators make it happen EVERY day.
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EDUCATORS: You give to others and give to others and give to others. You devote YOUR LIVES to other people’s children. DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOU!! #LeadershipMinute #FutureReady
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Most people seem to have a LOVE/HATE relationship with MIDDLE SCHOOL. The Science of Adolescent Learning continues to prove what a vital time it is for growth & development. @drneilgupta joins me for this #LeadershipMinute on how middle school is an OPPORTUNITY. #FutureReady
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Hope for Educators in 2019 with @Joe_Sanfelippo & @casas_jimmy. Our work is hard. but our students are worth it. What is it that you’re going to do today to bring hope to someone else? .#LeadershipMinute #FutureReady #Hope
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It’s no secret that life can be amazingly hard. @inkyjohnson’s story of courage and resilience has been highlighted by @espn 30 for 30 & was Emmy nominated. Check it out here: Proud to have my incredible friend join me for this #LeadershipMinute.
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Today is my dad’s 74th birthday. It’s also the 3rd full day in the past 5 that I’ve spent w/him in the ER. Even with morphine injected through his pump round the clock, his nerve pain in unbearable. Yet I’m grateful for so many extra years with him. So blessed to call him dad.
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Superintendents: I'm prepping for a meeting w/congressional leaders on Mon. afternoon. They want to talk connectivity, online schooling, K-12 bailout funds. If you're a Supt (esp. of large/high need Dist.) & would like to weigh in, send me a DM. Would love to amplify your voice.
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Educators have always been some of the hardest working people on the planet. This year is at a whole new level. I see you. I stand in awe of you. I recognize all you give, every single day, for your kids & community. Whether it’s been 1 day, 1 week, or 1 month. Thank you!!.
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Study Finds That If Teachers Make Students “Feel Like They Matter,” Then Behavior Is Better – Who Would Have Thought? #edchat.
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Educators are the kind of people that go and go and go and often give until they have nothing left. Doing “whatever it takes for kids” does NOT mean we run over ourselves in the process. Don’t forget to take care of YOU. #LeadershipMinute #AuthenticEDU
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If our focus of day 1 is textbooks, folders, filling out index cards, book cover regulations, and everything “they” can’t do, we have COMPLETELY LOST an opportunity to crush the start to this year. Day 1 Plan: Have a blast building a learning culture so that they run back day 2.
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Teachers: I'm looking for a few more voices to include in something I'm working on. What's a great, tangible and practical way to make a first impression on your students in a new year? Something other teachers can try. (If I use it, you'll be cited and I'll let you know.).
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A1: A strong school year beginning is NOT rules and handing out materials. It's relationships, team building, and fun! #satchat.
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“Our job is NOT to overload the teacher’s backpack. Our job is to transform their backpack with better tools and supports.” - @BobWise48 of @All4Ed #EdSurgeFusion
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Big day today!! Make sure to wish a happy 60th to the guy who has been rockin’ it since the 80s… .Happy birthday, @Joe_Sanfelippo!
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Leadership is often defined in those moments where you don’t know what to do. In awe of the leadership displayed by countless educators every day, but particularly over the past few days. You are brave. You are courageous. You are life changers. You are loved. 🙏🏻.
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I just watched a lady brush her teeth at a stop light for a good 30 seconds, open up her door, spit out the toothpaste, close her door, and then drive away when the light turned green. So. Many. Questions.
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To all those teachers wrapping up their final days this week, next week, or whenever it may be. I see you, and I stand in awe of all you've made it through. Thank you for the safety and security you've provided students this year. Your work matters - every. single. day.
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Let's be clear. The pandemic didn't create equity issues. The pandemic amplified equity issues that have always existed. @FutureReady has been fighting to close the #HomeworkGap, which is really an #OpportunityGap, since inception. #FutureReady.
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A week of firsts. - 1st ambulance ride.- 1st non-planned hospital stay.- 1st full sick week.- 1st time ever cancelling an event . Pneumonia - 1.Tom - 0. Thank you to the many people that reached out while I was in the hospital. Appreciate you all. Will try this again next week!.
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Did you know? Fun fact: . Not only is today @Joe_Sanfelippo’s birthday, he was a lead air guitarist in HS in the 80s! . Help me wish my man a very happy birthday!!
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Pointing the finger is easy. It takes zero courage. Looking in the mirror & reflecting on our own influence on a situation, at least for me, is often much more of a challenge. So, what is it that you intentionally do to create a culture where people want to be? #AuthenticEDU
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Is it acceptable to have Waffle House for breakfast and again for dinner? (Asking for a friend.) #ILoveTheSouth.
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So many leaders starting new positions today as principals, Superintendents, and everything in between. Wishing you all the best!! I’ll share the last few words of Personal & Authentic as encouragement:. Be bold. Be proud. Be fearless. Be you. Your story is not finished yet! . Go.
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I poured my heart and soul into this one. More to come.
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Superintendents/Principals - What does your first day with staff look like? How can you model the practices you’re expecting from them? What does the first minute back look like? Go get it!! #LeadershipMinute #FutureReady.
Educators: The first day of school is an amazing opportunity. What can you do on Day 1 that has your kids running back to you on Day 2? We can’t forget: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Make the first day count! #FutureReady
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Free Posters Celebrating Women Role Models in Science, Technology, and Math | A Mighty Girl
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Wow. This amazing NY district went to 987 homes today to make sure kids had a device, paper, pencils, and needed materials for the coming weeks. In awe of the lengths educators will go to to help kids.
Parents and students here we come. Delivery service has never been so personalized.
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Another night of failed #foodallergy therapy. Another Epi pen used. I’d do ANYTHING in the world to take this burden in life from my little girl. The “hidden stories within” are so, so real. One part of my daddy heart breaks. The other beams in pride for my courageous girl. 💙
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Being a teacher, principal, or district leader can be amazingly rewarding, yet incredibly lonely work if we’re not connected to others who can support us along the way. @sarahdateechur, a brilliant connector of people, shares some insight on getting connected. #LeadershipMinute
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When things don’t go our way, how do we respond? Owning the outcome of a decision can be more difficult than making one. Every time we fail, it’s an opportunity to model how we get up and keep trying, for those that look to us for direction. #LeadershipMinute #AuthenticEDU
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As educators what strategies do you have to intentionally build up and encourage others? Here’s one idea that one of my mentors shared with me. #LeadershipMinute #FutureReady
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(Copied).Habits of lucky people. Be kind.Be on time.Work hard.Share credit.Show gratitude.Don't complain.Be teachable.Help others.
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