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experiences, and cheerleading for their The Passion: The first principle is
students... day in and day out. Who Belief. Demonstrating your belief and Demonstrating your
are the cheerleaders for our teach- trust in your colleagues as passion- belief and trust in
ers? Who is cheering them on, letting ate, effective professionals speaks to
them know that they are valued and the commitment that is evident among your colleagues as
appreciated every school day? What all stakeholders. Bragging about a passionate, effective
little sparkle will let teachers and staff teacher demonstrates your conviction professionals speaks
within the building walls know they are in the work that they do. The second
recognized for their diligence towards component of Relevance embraces to the commitment
students and professional learning? educators who are infusing technol- that is evident among
This is where the concept of 180 ogy, current learning strategies, and
Brags blossomed. innovative methodologies. Bragging all stakeholders.
The Commitment: The approach of about educators who are sharing
being present and visible around the contemporary experiences with their The Brag Tag: Bragging about staff,
school took an entirely different mean- learners spreads the enthusiasm and teachers, and learners through
ing for me when I became a partner in the encouragement for others to take social media has transformed the
our administration team. I was visible risks too. Active learning is the next energy level throughout the district.
through emails. I was visible through founding principle behind 180 Brags. Teachers have joined Twitter to see
newsletters that were sent out. I was Taking moments to brag about learn- what we are sharing @180brags.
visible through the district letterhead. ing environments in which students Professional learning opportunities
However, was I really and truly visible? are actively engaged with the mate- have been facilitated to share the
I was not. Being visible as a leader rial they are learning through reading, growth and excitement that can occur
needed to take a different path. Being writing, talking, listening, and reflecting when social media is used effectively.
in the hallways, actively engaged in sets the precedent for high expecta- There is however, a component of
classroom experiences, supporting tions. These brag-worthy experiences 180 Brags that needs mentioning and
learners, and most importantly sup- are exciting, inviting, and rarely quiet! celebrating... the Brag Tag. When
porting teachers and staff became The Game-Changer principle is em- someone is bragged about, they
critical as an education professional. bedded in the mindset of educators receive a Brag Tag in their mailbox
It was important to be a part of the who are infusing innovation and truly or outside their classroom door.
learning community and then share transforming instruction for their learn- Professionals all around the building
out what I experienced as a part of ers. Bragging about a staff member are showing off their Brag Tags like
that involvement. In collaboration with who learned alongside the students to medals of honor! The excitement and
my district coordinator partner the incorporate a new piece of technology enthusiasm is contagious!
concept of 180 Brags was developed. into the lesson or who made global A leader who is out and about within
connections to enhance writing pieces
The How: 180 Brags occurs daily is certainly a game-changing experi- their learning community ‘bragging’
through the social media handle of ence. The final principle is Successes. about what they are experiencing
Twitter @180brags. One hundred Success can be measured through so and the staff that is doing it, every
eighty days of teaching equates to many different instruments. Whether single day, can set the tone and
one hundred eighty days of bragging. students mastered concepts on their an excitement that is energizing to
Daily, several brags are shared biology test or a grade level partici- absorb! Let’s change the culture and
involving the teachers, staff, and fellow pated in a community-wide fundraising learning together... One Brag at a
administrators throughout the school event for families in need, success is time! Join me on this journey!
district. 180 Brags is an acronym that all around the learning community, and
is built around several basic principles. it should be bragged about!

About the Author
AnnaLisa Rodano is the Language Arts Literacy Coordinator for the Harrison Township School District
in Mullica Hill, New Jersey. As a mother of three aspiring daughters, Ms. Rodano takes daily motivation
from their successes. What is it that she wants her daughters to experience within the classroom walls,
throughout the building, and out and about in the community... this is what drives Ms. Rodano as an
educator and as a leader.
Leading engaging learning is at the root of her passion for education. She is a do-it-yourself optimist
who finds many treasures through the little things, presenting many opportunities for implementation into the Design
Studios at Harrison Township School District. All year long, she supports learners to be empowered and positive as she
join forces with amazing professionals in this vision.

Educational Viewpoints -27- Spring 2018