Becoming the BISON with Kim Gameroz

Our guest for this episode of FocusED is Kim Gameroz, author of Becoming the BISON. Kim starts by telling us about the reason she chose BISON as an analogy for leadership in schools. Bison head into the storm when it’s coming, not away from it like most other animals.She says that we need to teach social and emotional skills rather than expect them. This is true for students and staff.Kim says that when teachers are moving to a co-teaching model it’s an example of a transformation. This is just one example of the need for a mindset shift for educators to make a needed change to support kids.She says that when she talks to teachers she wants them to feel like they can do what she’s asking them to change. Listen to her top five tips for teachers.She tells listeners that teachers need to have strategies to help students support themselves so that it’s not all on the educators to support the students.When Kim talks to administrators, she asks them what they’re willing to do and where they are willing to start. Especially with resistant teachers, we need an entry point.Kim says that teachers want to come together, and she told us about the events that she runs. Check out Vibe EDU.She follows Mel Robbins. Find out why.She recommends a technology detox every night. She puts her phone away at a certain time and doesn’t return to it until the next day.Bonus--books she recommends:Fear is My Homeboy byThe Let Them Theory by Mel RobbinsThe Art of Bouncing Back by Coach Dar Santory