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Advice From Learning Professionals

Joseph mcfarland: superintendent derry township (pennsylvania) school district

By Learning Forward
June 2016
Vol. 37 No. 3
JSD: What do you wish you had known when you first began your journey as a learning leader? McFarland: I wish I had a better understanding of the change process (theory of change). I also wish I had learned how to handle trying to “drink from a re hose” and managing the multiple issues that arise on a daily basis while working to keep everyone laser-focused on our specific goals. “It is OK to make mistakes as long as you are willing to learn and grow from them.” JSD: What is the one crucial piece of advice you would give to those just starting out in the professional learning world? McFarland: Give yourself time to get established, read, learn, and network. Any significant, systemic change

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