Laura K Spencer, Ed.D.

Category: Leadership

  • Learning Through Technology: AI in Education

    Learning Through Technology: AI in Education

    I recently had the privilege of being a guest on the Learning Through Technology podcast, where I engaged in a fascinating discussion about the legal and ethical implications of AI in education. Guesting with me was Gretchen Shipley from F3 Law, whose expertise in education law brought valuable insights to our conversation.

    As educators, administrators, and members of the education community, we’re all navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology in our classrooms and institutions. During the podcast, we explored critical questions about how to harness AI’s potential while ensuring we maintain ethical standards and comply with legal requirements.

    Some of the key topics we covered include:

    • The current state of AI adoption in educational settings
    • Legal considerations when implementing AI tools in the classroom
    • Ethical frameworks for decision-making around AI use
    • Practical guidelines for educators and administrators
    • The importance of maintaining academic integrity while embracing innovation

    I believe this conversation comes at a crucial time as more schools and districts are developing their AI policies and guidelines. Whether you’re an educator already using AI tools, an administrator crafting policy, or simply interested in the future of education, I encourage you to listen to the episode and share your thoughts.

    You can find the episode on the Learning Through Technology podcast platform. After listening, I’d love to hear your perspectives:

    • What has been your experience with AI?
    • What challenges have you encountered?
    • What opportunities do you see for the future?

    Let’s continue this important conversation in the comments below. Your insights and experiences can help shape how we collectively approach AI, both in education and the workforce.

    Check out the podcast episide:

    Fame Host
    Spotify
    Apple podcast

    If you found this discussion valuable, please share it with your colleagues and professional network. The more voices we have in this conversation, the better equipped we’ll be to shape the future of education.

  • Leading with Heart: 4 Ways to Unlock Potential and Stay on Course

    Leading with Heart: 4 Ways to Unlock Potential and Stay on Course

    Leadership is more than just guiding people through tasks and goals—it’s about creating an environment where potential is unlocked, and everyone feels seen and supported. In Make Possibilities Happen, Grace Hawthorne lays out crucial insights about transforming ideas to reality. I think her ideas can also reshape how we approach leadership, both in our personal and professional lives. Here are my four key takeaways from the book, each deeply connected to leading with empathy.

    1. Never Mistake Information for Knowledge It’s easy to gather data and present facts, but knowledge goes deeper than surface-level information. When we lead with empathy, we take the time to understand the why behind the facts and connect them to the real human experience. This involves listening actively and seeking to understand each person’s perspective, ensuring that our decisions reflect not just what we know, but also the context, feelings, and needs of those we lead.
    2. Air Navigation’s 1-in-60 Rule: Stay on Course with Your Goal In aviation, the 1-in-60 rule suggests that even a small deviation from the course can lead to big mistakes if not corrected. In leadership, it’s easy to get distracted by minor issues or challenges. However, staying focused on the ultimate goal ensures that we remain on track, and it’s empathy that helps us course-correct with care. When we empathize with the challenges people face, we understand when adjustments need to be made, always with a clear focus on the bigger picture.
    3. Avoid Getting Too Lost in Minutiae—Be Both the Torchbearer and the Bellows In our day-to-day work, it’s easy to become bogged down by the small, often inconsequential details. However, Hawthorne warns against losing sight of the “spark”—the inspiration, the vision, the passion that drives us. As leaders, we need to be the ones who not only carry the torch but also fuel it. We balance between being hands-on with details and stepping back to lead with purpose. By practicing empathy, we ensure our teams feel motivated, recognized, and energized to move forward, without getting overwhelmed by the small stuff.
    4. Ask the Right Questions and Solve for the Right Thing Leadership is about asking the right questions—especially those that address the heart of the issue, not just the surface problems. Empathy requires us to understand what people truly need and what obstacles stand in their way. By solving for the right thing, we can empower others and foster an environment where growth and collaboration flourish.

    When we lead with empathy, we embrace these lessons to not only guide our teams effectively but also to create spaces where individuals can thrive, innovate, and feel valued.

  • Words to Live By: The Transformative Power of Intentional Language in Teams

    Words to Live By: The Transformative Power of Intentional Language in Teams

    Many of us have done the #oneword challenge before. My word this year is Find, which I blogged about last week.

    I decided to share my word with my team and asked them to reflect on their own word. And should they feel comfortable, to share that word with the team for some support and accountability.

    The responses were amazing. The words were intentional and gave such insight into everyone’s heart.

    Collectively, our words—Find, Develop, Focus, Grace, Timing, Thrive, Acceptance, and Nourish—paint a picture of a group striving for clarity, resilience, self-compassion, and a commitment to thriving both personally and professionally. These shared values remind me how lucky I am to work alongside such thoughtful and driven individuals.

    We will be checking in with each other periodically to see how our word is being implemented in our lives, and I’m so excited to hear those conversations.

    I’m a big believer in finding creative ways to motivate and support my team, and this one’s a winner! 🏆

    P.S. if you have great ideas of how to keep these words front and center in our work, I’m open to ideas! 👍🏼

  • A Guide to Recognizing and Tackling Recency Bias

    A Guide to Recognizing and Tackling Recency Bias

    Are you falling into the trap of recency bias?

    Recency bias is basically our tendency to put way too much emphasis on what’s happened lately when we’re making decisions. I came across a blog post that explains the bias as basically focused on how our brains prioritize recent stuff. Think about it: in the workplace, this can mean totally overlooking someone’s awesome track record just because they messed up a few times recently.

    But here’s the deal: everyone has bad days, weeks, even months! Sometimes I personally feel like I may even be having a bad year… Life throws curveballs. Maybe they’re going through something personal, trying to figure out a new role, or just feeling a little blah about work. It happens to all of u!

    Before you freak out, take a step back and look at the big picture. Think about their entire performance history, what they’ve brought to the team, and their potential to grow.

    Ask yourself:

    • What’s their overall track record like?
    • Have they consistently been rad in the past?
    • What are they really good at? What are their weaknesses?
    • What kind of support or help do they need from you to get back on track?

    The best leaders I’ve known focus on helping their people develop and grow. When we look at performance holistically and see the potential of each employee, we truly create a work environment where everyone feels supported and can succeed.

  • Embracing the ‘Find’ Journey in 2025

    Embracing the ‘Find’ Journey in 2025

    A #OneWORD Challenge

    Stepping into 2025, the word “Find” resonates deeply, embodying my journey of exploration and self-discovery. This past year, it served as a quiet guide, a personal mantra that helped me navigate the uncertainties and challenges of 2024. Now, I’m ready to embrace “Find” with renewed intention, seeking the unknown with open arms and a curious mind.

    What Does “Find” Mean to Me?

    “Find” is more than just a word; it’s a commitment to step outside my comfort zone, to challenge assumptions, and to dive deeper into the world around me. It’s about uncovering hidden passions and talents, peeling back the layers to reveal my authentic self. “Find” is about:

    • Exploration: Stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing the unknown. This resonates deeply with me, especially through my love for off-roading. There’s something truly liberating about navigating challenging terrain, pushing my limits, and discovering hidden gems along the way. Every bump in the road, every steep incline, every unexpected obstacle has become a metaphor for life’s challenges. And overcoming them has not only built resilience but also revealed a passion for adventure I never knew I had.
    • Curiosity: Asking questions, challenging assumptions, and digging deeper. It’s about that insatiable thirst for knowledge, that drive to understand the “why” behind everything. This year, I want to cultivate my curiosity, to approach the world with a beginner’s mind, and to never stop asking questions. So as I learn a new subject, explore a different culture, or simply engage in meaningful conversations, I want to embrace the wonder of discovery.
    • Self-Discovery: Uncovering hidden passions, talents, and values. It’s about peeling back the layers and unearthing the authentic self within. To “find” myself means actively engaging in introspection, exploring new experiences, and reflecting on the lessons learned along the way. This year, I’m committed to excavating those hidden depths, embracing my strengths, acknowledging my vulnerabilities, and ultimately, understanding who I truly am.
    • Connection: Finding common ground with others and building meaningful relationships. It’s about recognizing the shared humanity that binds us together, despite our differences. This year, I want to foster deeper connections with the people in my life, to cultivate empathy and understanding, and to build a strong community of support.

    Finding My Trail

    This year, I’m committed to “finding” in every aspect of my life:

    Professionally, I’ll push myself to find new ways to contribute my skills and knowledge, master new technologies and strategies, and embrace opportunities that align with my evolving goals. Personally, I’ll dedicate time for introspection and self-reflection, pursue hobbies and activities that spark joy and fulfillment, and prioritize my mental and physical well-being. Creatively, I’ll seek inspiration in unexpected places, experiment with new mediums and techniques, and push the boundaries of my imagination.

    Why “Find”?

    This year, “Find” is more than just a word; it’s an invitation to join me on a journey of self-discovery. It’s about embracing the unknown, pushing boundaries, and uncovering the hidden gems within ourselves and the world around us.

    Want a symbol of this journey?

    I’ve created a “Find Your Trail” sticker as a reminder to keep seeking, keep exploring, and keep discovering. If you’d like one, send your #oneword and why (plus your address) to laura@laurakspencer.com and I’ll gladly send a sticker your way. Let’s embrace the adventure of “finding” our way together.

    What are you hoping to find this year? Share your thoughts and aspirations in the comments below!

  • Addressing Poor Performance: Reflect Before Reacting

    Addressing Poor Performance: Reflect Before Reacting

    Okay, let’s be real – we’ve all had that employee who just isn’t cutting it. You know, the one who’s missing deadlines, making mistakes, or just not pulling their weight. It’s incredibly frustrating, right? And it’s so easy to let those feelings get the better of you. But trust me, you really don’t want to do that. So before you even think about confronting them, take a deep breath and ask yourself: ‘How is this situation affecting me personally and professionally?’

    Now, I’m not saying you should sweep the problem under the rug. Yes, their underperformance impacts you too. Maybe you’re losing sleep over it, picking up their slack, or worried it’ll make you look bad. It’s okay to admit that – we all have a stake in the game here.

    I’ve definitely been there myself! I had a staff member not quite hitting the mark, and the frustration was building. And unfortunately, I let my own frustration get the best of me. Instead of taking a step back and understanding the situation from that person’s perspective, I jumped right into critique…Okay, it was really just criticism because I was so done at that moment. And not surprisingly, it totally damaged the trust we had built. Ugh!

    That experience taught me a huge lesson. Now, before I address any performance issues, I take a moment to reflect on how the situation impacts me personally and professionally. It’s not about ignoring the problem; it’s about understanding my own role in the situation and how my emotions might be influencing my perception.

    By acknowledging my own feelings, I can approach the conversation with more empathy and objectivity. It’s amazing how much of a difference that makes in finding a constructive solution and preserving the relationship.