Jenn Overstreet

International Instructional Coach | Education Strategist | Well-being Advocate | Joyful Teaching & Learning

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

I was told my career would plateau.

If I quit my principal-track job in the USA to move to Italy, I'd regret it.

"Unrealistic" they said about moving in my late 20s.

But I'm convinced staying away from people who tell you to be realistic is the best advice. 😉

7 years later, at a seaside cafe in Naples, Italy I signed a publishing agreement.

The book is about how mindful leadership in education isn't only about strategies or techniques; it's about humanity meeting humanity.

It's a call to rethink how we can be better in schools by daring to do things differently. It explores creating spaces where every individual can thrive, grounded in mindfulness and compassion, and challenges the traditional norms of education.

This isn't just a career milestone for me. It's a reminder to take the road less traveled. That sometimes unrealistic choices can lead to innovation, creativity, and a bit more fun.

Can't wait to share more soon.
A massive thank you to @codebreakeredu @mraspinall @McMenemyTweets for seeing the vision. Let's do this! #CodeBreaker

[Principal Project @PrincipalProj]

🌊 🌊 🌊

Sunday inspiration for leading with calm, via leader @jennwritesedu:

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

Thanks for sharing 🤗 @PrincipalProj

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

@emilyjmasters @Andrea_Trudeau Same - Typing Club is a fan fav

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

5 big questions for mindful leadership:

1 -How to add calm/focus into routines?
2 -How do I lead with calm in a busy school?
3 -How to track positive changes in our school?
4 -How to ensure inclusive well-being practices?
5 -Can we improve how we listen/respond to each other?

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

Another benefit of learning out loud:

Better problem solving skills

When you learn publicly as a leader, you're exposed to a number of perspectives and approaches...meaning more innovative solutions ⚡️

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

The outdated leadership model:
• Maintain a strict professional facade
• Dictate solutions and paths forward
• Evaluate based on outcomes alone

Here's the new path:
• Lead with empathy
• Facilitate co-creation
• Focus on learning as metrics of success

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

Leaders, you need to be learning publicly.

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

The outdated leadership model:
• Maintain a strict professional facade
• Dictate solutions and paths forward
• Evaluate based on outcomes alone

Here's the new path:
• Lead with empathy
• Facilitate co-creation
• Focus on learning as metrics of success

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

4 lessons from 4 years of meditation:

1/ Master your breath, master your emotions
2/ consistency > duration
3/ Calm mind = strong decisions
4/ Lean into the sticky spots. There's something to learn there.

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

TL;DR: 5 things I'd do differently to achieve better tech integration, faster.

• Align tech with teaching goals
• Involve students in tech decisions
• Stage the technology implementation
• Build a team instead of going solo
• Continuously adapt to educational needs

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

I started edtech integration in 2011 at 22 years old.

Since then, I've...
• Led multiple edtech initiatives
• Trained over 150 educators on tech use
• Won a nation-wide award for digital innovation

If I had to do it all over again, here are 5 things I'd do differently.

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

Thing #5: Always adapt to evolving educational needs.

I've learned that tech in education isn't static.

Focusing too rigidly on current tech can lead to stagnation.

The key is continuous adaptation, ensuring technology serves ever-evolving educational goals and student needs.

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

I know the best PD can be found in the classrooms in your school:

But if I were to pick up a book, which edu leadership book had the greatest impact on your career?

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

@toddbgungoll Exactly this - both/and

[Jenn Overstreet @jennwritesedu]

Scrolling through X I see a lot of "this OR this" mentality in education. It should be this AND this AND this...there's so many ways to do things. My "right way" might be different than yours but it's not about us - it's about what's right for the students.