Dear Colleagues,
 
I’m curious if you’re curious. And, if so, are you curious about curiosity? I spent much of my teaching career in early education (PreK and K) and remember how my young students explored, experimented, and endlessly asked “why”. It seemed as though one answer just sparked another question and so on and so on. Our classroom was set up in centers, and I loved to eavesdrop on the conversations, negotiations, and interactions among the kids. They were trying out their ideas, talking about their thinking, and enthusiastically defending their suppositions. Their natural, intrinsic curiosity fueled their learning and they were in the zone. Why does that often fade? 

I believe it is because they learn to play the game of school. I distinctly remember sitting at my desk in Mrs. Pinkerton’s third grade classroom when a light bulb went off above my head! She had just returned our social studies tests and I received an A, correctly filling in every blank she had put before me. It was pretty low level thinking -- basically memorizing facts to complete the test. And, that’s when I cracked the code. I remember thinking that my brain was a file cabinet, and all I had to do was file the facts she wanted me to know in the correct folder, close the drawer for safe keeping, and retrieve them when required. It never occurred to me to think about what I wanted to know. It never, ever, occurred to me to have a voice or some choice. I flew as a straight-A student all through high school, graduating college in three years with mostly As. But, note, I referred to myself as a straight-A student, not a straight-A curious thinker. What a difference! Luckily, grad school and my doctoral studies challenged and reignited my own thinking and curiosity. I loved that third grade teacher and her many colleagues who taught the same way, but I want something different and better for our students today. I want something different for my six grandkids!

What do you observe in your school or classroom? I can tell you from experience that a curious classroom is not a quiet classroom, but it is also not a chaotic classroom. What do you value? When researcher Susan Engel (2011) asked educators to list qualities they thought students should acquire at school, none listed curiosity. Well, THAT makes me curious. Why don’t we value or cultivate curiosity? I believe that in the last decade or so, our nation’s obsession with testing and measuring has impeded this. I am hopeful that we are again embracing curiosity for ourselves, other educators, and our students. 

So, that’s what I think. I’m curious what YOU think! Email me at jdavis@oaesa.org.

Julie Davis, EdD
OAESA Executive Director


Engel, S. (2011). Children’s need to know: Curiosity in school.  Harvard Educational Review, 81(4). 625-645.
Intentionally Connect
Register now for OAESA's annual conference
June 12 - 14 at the Hilton Columbus at Easton

Summer is a fantastic time to get in your professional development while students are out of the building; and now is a great time register for OAESA's summer conference! Register by April 30, 2019 for your chance to win one of two $500 prizes toward classroom supplies and projects at your school, courtesy of Horace Mann and DonorsChoose.org.
Magic 101: How to transform your school's book fair into PD for you and your staff


  1. Register online (up to 10 attendees at a time, so you can bring your whole team!)
  2. Add your school and attendee information 
  3. Choose "Scholastic Dollars" as your method of payment at checkout. 2 Scholastic Dollars = $1.00
  4. We'll take it from there!
Make connections at spring regional meetings

OAESA is coming to a town near you! Meet other school administrators in your area for food, networking, legislative updates, and discussions about the issues you face on the job. It's a great way to recharge and learn about the successes and initiatives at other schools, and there is no cost to attend. Members and nonmembers are welcome, so bring a friend.

View the entire lineup of meetings and RSVP for the one closest to you at https://oaesa.org/events/tag/regional-meeting/.
Effectively Develop
FREE WEBINAR:
Secrets of a Ninja with Todd Nesloney
March 29, 9:30-10:30 AM

Todd Nesloney will share about why he's so passionate about eliminating excuses for teachers and students. He'll give a preview of some of the ideas he'll share at OAESA's annual professional conference, The Magic of Why: Stories of Purpose, share a few "exclusive early tidbits" and take questions and suggestions on how to present the best necessary tools for the crowd.

About the presenter
Todd Nesloney (often referred to as @TechNinjaTodd) is the Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author for his work in co-authoring "Kids Deserve It!" and "Flipping 2.0: Practical Strategies for Flipping Your Class" as well as his children's book "Spruce & Lucy".

Preparing to Lead
March 7, 2019, in Columbus, Ohio
Do you have aspiring administrators in your building or staff just getting their administrative licenses? OAESA's Preparing to Lead workshop covers the in-depth topics needed to to help new admins get a successful start on their new role. Encourage the professional development of your aspiring leaders with this valuable one-day event.

Hot Topics
March 12, 2019, in Dublin, Ohio
The heat is on for school administrators across Ohio, and the uncertainties around new initiatives and demands can make it hard to keep your cool. Don’t sweat it! Our experts are here to answer your burning questions and address all the hot-button issues affecting education and administration today. Attendees will receive 5 contact hours.

~ FEATURED TEAM EVENT! Limited spots left! ~
Rigorous Reading: Access Points for Comprehending Complex Informational Text featuring Nancy Frey
March 14, 2019, in Independence, Ohio
Bring your staff and join renowned educator & author Dr. Nancy Frey for a deep dive into deep reading! This team event will explore best practices in developing student literacy skills, while leveraging the expertise of your own staff and colleagues. Attendees receive 5 contact hours, breakfast & lunch, and a bag of hand-picked titles from Dr. Frey and National Geographic Learning.

OAESA members may bring their staff at the member rate! View Agenda and Register Here
Passionately Advocate
Comment on the Revised Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has been working with the Educator Standards Board to revise and update the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators. ODE posted a draft of the code and invites educators from the field to review and comment on the revisions. A copy of this draft can be found here. After reviewing the draft, you can provide your feedback by completing a quick survey by March 12.
Nominations Now Open for 2020 Ohio Teacher of the Year
The Ohio Teacher of the Year program annually identifies exceptional teachers statewide celebrating their effective work in and outside the classroom. The mission of the program is to provide opportunities for professional learning to exemplary teachers as leaders and advocates for public education.  School administrators, colleagues, community members, parents or students are encouraged to submit a nomination for an outstanding teacher by April 5, 2019.
Ohio Association of Elementary School Administrators
614-547-8087 | info@oaesa.org | www.oaesa.org