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James Blake
Lincoln Public Schools
NE

James Blake is the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Focus Programs for Lincoln Public Schools (LPS). Dr. Blake was previously the K-12 Science Curriculum Specialist for LPS, Nebraska science supervisor, and past president (2019-2020) of the National Science Education Leadership Association (NSELA). His areas of expertise include working with community partners to develop new focus programs, and supporting existing Science, Arts and Humanities, and Bay High focus programs as principal.

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Forum Posts
Recent Posts by James

Sun, Aug 21, 2016 11:46 PM in Science Teachers' Learning: Chapters 6 & 7

(Ken, I will accept your challenge to talk about Nebraska Vision of Science (NVOS) in 2016!) 3. Describe a professional learning experience you found valuable. How did it compare to the “consensus model of effective professional development” five elements (p. 118):Content focus, active learning, coherence, sufficient duration, collective participation? I helped organize a large statewi...

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Fri, Aug 19, 2016 8:02 AM in Science Teachers' Learning: Chapters 6 & 7

Chris, These sound like outstanding programs. Reflecting about these in light of the five elements of the "consensus model of professional development" in Science Teachers' Learning: Content focus, active learning, coherence, sufficient duration, collective participation; I would say these programs exemplify these elements. As a former chemistry teacher, I would love to see the cloud chambe...

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Wed, Aug 17, 2016 7:00 PM in Science Teachers' Learning: Chapters 6 & 7

Chapter 7 questions: Here are some questions to get started on discussion of Chapter 7-Teacher Learning in Schools and Classrooms. Feel free to respond to one or many, or bring up points that you found resonate with you: 1. What is your current job role? Does reading about the importance of collaboration and professional learning affirm or challenge what you are currently doing? Ple...

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Reviews
Recent Reviews by James

Sun, Aug 13, 2023 11:40 AM
Relatable, Personal, Powerful Leadership Read

Every educator should read this book! Rodger utilized his unique relational trust and technical power to get people to stop and reflect and write their leadership philosophy in a personal way. Every preservice teacher in science should read this book. It provides a roadmap to what is possible in their future - with about 25% being those writing a chapter are those who continue to lead from the classroom. As a mid career educational leader, you should read this book. I was drawn to many of the lessons and stories that have a vantage point to either 1) appreciate where they are because I walked in their shoes 2) appreciate where they are because they took an opportunity that maybe was right under my nose but I didn't take it (yet!) 3) appreciate where they are like observing an Olympic gold medalist - you marvel at the lengths they took and deep dedication to things that serve us nationally -right now. I immediately took many personal lessons as a change leader in a secondary school environment. I'm sharing with my colleagues who work with incoming new teachers to spread these lessons. Everyone could take something from this to improve leadership for your student's learning.

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