Author Archives: Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

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About Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

an educator in Independent Schools for over 38 years

Annabel Monaghan: My teenage sons are the smartest people I know. And sometimes, the dumbest too.

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This is one of the most true statements about teenagers, and especially boys. I am forever leaving lists on the kitchen counter, mostly with lists of things that could be perceived as almost always “stating the obvious,” to me, while … Continue reading →

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Parenting looks pretty different in many cultures, but mostly it’s parenting here that is the odd practice out…

Posted on September 11, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This post on TED IDEAS underscores many ideas about different cultures’ parenting priorities. Is ours really focused on happiness? Or is it that we are constantly trying to predict what the future will hold, rather than just prepare our children … Continue reading →

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What should college freshman read?

Posted on September 9, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I am enjoying revisiting which literature COUNTS as literature, depending upon whom you ask. This debate shows many valid perspectives. And given our western civilization-focused heritage here in the US, we cannot ignore that foundation. We must also, I think, … Continue reading →

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Families and the talk about alcohol and teens

Posted on September 7, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This scares me as I think back to some of the stories we have heard about students in high school and college.  All things in moderation. This we must address head on. Is there a family history of substance or … Continue reading →

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A great piece by friend and former colleague Kyle Redford… a must read for teachers!

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

I love this because it is honest and accurate and a terrific message for teachers to share with students. It is also a great message for students to absorb and for parents to reinforce.  In the best school settings, students … Continue reading →

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Great New Yorker piece on teenage brains!

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

This very well written article in The New Yorker, by Elizabeth Kolbert, coalesces some great research and opens up the conversation about WHY teenage brains are so different from adult brains. Fascinating reading, and “sobering” (pun intended!) The Terrible Teens

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The JOY in learning; there is joy at Seven Hills!

Posted on August 31, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

My favorite line from this post on KQED: Finland leads the world in its scores on international tests, and the country has become an educational model for many in the U.S. Rantala and Määttä’s paper is a welcome reminder that academic excellence can … Continue reading →

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Leadership: Nature or Nurture?

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

The beauty of independent schools is that with smaller classes, individual attention and lots of hands on experiential experiences, even our youngest students can practice leadership. Equally important is followership: that is to say, understanding the difference between taking the … Continue reading →

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A great blog post from a new discovery: The Alamo City Mom’s Blog in San Antonio!

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

It is rare to see such a keen understanding of the life of teachers. This mom in San Antonio has done a lovely tribute to the art and profession of teaching. So much more than a job, a vocation! And … Continue reading →

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Emotional Intelligence and Social Emotional Learning

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Kathleen McNamara Head's Up!

In schools where we are placing increasing value on social-emotional learning, here are two great reminders of the connections between learning, leading and being emotionally healthy! The Goleman piece also draws the connection between emotional intelligence and leadership as well. … Continue reading →

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