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Challenging Norms: Shifting from a Teacher-Led to a Student-Led Schooling Environment
Traditional schooling models often aim to develop students who are independent thinkers, self-motivated learners, and collaborative problem-solvers. However, the very teacher-led practices that shape these environments often hinder students from fully realizing these goals. Essentially, traditional teacher-led approaches may inadvertently stifle the very qualities they are trying to foster.

Greg Mullen
May 610 min read
68 views


School Reform: When Do the Ends Justify the Means?
A school might want to use this article to guide leadership teams in reflecting on and redesigning reform efforts (like funding,...

Greg Mullen
May 511 min read
4 views


Schools as a Microcosm of Societal Progress
Schools, as microcosms of society, have the potential to serve as breeding grounds for these changes, where future generations can learn to embrace interdependence, collaboration, and social responsibility—values that will ultimately lead to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.

Greg Mullen
May 36 min read
16 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


The Teacher-Coach Pilot Model: Transforming Education from Within
Despite having talented educators and dedicated school leaders, many districts—especially large urban areas like Los Angeles—still overlook one of the most effective solutions to these persistent problems: the Instructional Coach.

Greg Mullen
Apr 237 min read
14 views


Stop "Watering Down" School: Shift from Behaviorism to Heutagogy
This article is not just about writing standards in media; it’s a direct critique on how an overemphasis on behaviorist pedagogical models a

Greg Mullen
Apr 97 min read
10 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


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


“Can’t” - Limitation or Exception in a Growth Mindset?
This article is an exploration of “can’t” in the context of a Growth Mindset. It explores when “can’t” is more than a hurdle to overcome.

Greg Mullen
Oct 30, 20245 min read
15 views


Developing Agency in Schools Starts with School Leadership
First, take a moment to reflect on this statement: "A teacher cannot give any more agency to students than they themselves have." - Anne...

Greg Mullen
Sep 27, 20246 min read
73 views


Response to L.A. Times Op-Ed (June 3, 2021)
The State of California has proposed a new framework for Mathematics which was released for public review and comment in early 2021, and...

Greg Mullen
Jun 3, 20214 min read
131 views


A Creative Solution for Schools in a Post-Pandemic Environment (PART 3 of 3)
This article looks at the impact of a self-directed learning philosophy on elements of a school's culture.

Greg Mullen
May 19, 202010 min read
464 views


A Creative Solution for Schools in a Post-Pandemic Environment (PART 2 of 3)
Traditionally, students learned according to a schedule which they themselves were not responsible for planning or executing.

Greg Mullen
May 11, 20209 min read
1,117 views


A Creative Solution for Schools in a Post-Pandemic Environment (PART 1 of 3)
This article is the first of a three-part series. This Part 1 looks at Self-Directed Learning, its benefits, and motivation for learning.

Greg Mullen
May 5, 20209 min read
561 views


Pandemic Insight: Addressing Inequity in Education.
What can schools learn from this experience that can positively shape school policies moving forward? The following are a few points...

Greg Mullen
Apr 8, 20203 min read
431 views


Op Ed: How California Can Turn the Revolutionary Tide of Education with Self-Directed Learning
This week, Governor Newsom made headlines when he said California schools may not reopen this school year...

Greg Mullen
Mar 18, 20203 min read
35 views
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