top of page


Fairness as a Core Value: When Fairness Feels "Unfair"
Fairness is one of those universal values that almost everyone claims—but few agree on. In the Mullen Bioecological Model, fairness is broken down into two key dimensions, each with two ends. When crossed, they form four distinct interpretations of what fairness actually looks like in practice.

Greg Mullen
May 110 min read
34 views


Creating a Self-Directed Learning Environment: Integrating Motivational Interviewing to Shape School Culture
In these three sections, we will explore how school leaders can integrate MI principles into their leadership practices, understanding Motivational Interviewing and its principles with specific elements of culture and core values according to the Mullen Bioecological Model for Who We Are and How We Learn.

Greg Mullen
Apr 3018 min read
6 views


Systems Do Not Exist in a Vacuum: Understanding the Role of Structural Relationships in Schools
One of the most overlooked yet powerful elements of culture in a school is its Structural Relationships. This is about how authority flows; roles distributed; responsibilities assigned. The visuals in this article are meant to illustrate how the structure of school relationships can support -- or sabotage -- a school’s success.

Greg Mullen
Apr 2511 min read
5 views


Is Empathy Toxic? Confronting Misconceptions and Embracing Connections
Empathy is a surprisingly new idea in human history and, like many new ideas, has its advocates and skeptics. This article explores the...

Greg Mullen
Apr 88 min read
7 views


Understanding the Five Layers of Professional Discourse in Education
By clarifying these kinds of key terms and phrases, can better identify how their interests correlate with the interests of others.

Greg Mullen
Mar 228 min read
8 views


Rethinking Pay Structures in Education: What If Teachers Earned What Administrators Do?
A flipped pay structure—where teachers earn salaries more in line with administrators and equal to their equitably similar responsibilities.

Greg Mullen
Mar 911 min read
5 views


What is "Collectivistic Capitalism"?
This model promotes policies that encourage economic security and civic engagement, ensuring that all individuals have a stake in society.

Greg Mullen
Mar 46 min read
14 views


Understanding Respect: The Influence of Core Values on Personal Attributes and Behaviors
Respect as a Core Value for Who We Are and How We Learn involves perspectives of Authority and Self-Worth influenced by six attributes.

Greg Mullen
Feb 13 min read
48 views


Creating a Thriving Educational Ecosystem
The leaves and fruit represent the classrooms most directly involved with the immediate environment but if the flow of nutrients is weak or

Greg Mullen
Jan 219 min read
8 views


Exploring Systemic Inequity
This article is not about education, per se, but it does address an issue I consider to be adjacent - systemic inequity.

Greg Mullen
Dec 23, 20245 min read
8 views


Six Core Values for Who We Are and How We Learn
At the end of my last post, Elements of Culture, I wrote how Culture and Values overlap but are still distinct layers with distinct...

Greg Mullen
May 9, 202213 min read
5,228 views


Culture of Self-Directed Schooling
How would I describe the culture of a self-directed schooling environment? When I think about “culture”, I often imagine the sound of...

Greg Mullen
Mar 21, 202211 min read
248 views


Core Ethical Values in Schools
Finding an effective middle ground for identifying core ethical values is by far the most important consensus to have for a school...

Greg Mullen
Apr 26, 20205 min read
1,207 views


SECD + Culture: Influence and Impact on Organizational Change
[Please note: this is a work in progress part of a larger project, please contact Greg Mullen for more information on the content in this...

Greg Mullen
Feb 27, 20209 min read
37 views
bottom of page