SamTastic Weekly Tip: 9/2/25 - Try the SPA Approach.

This week’s tip: Try the SPA approach

SAM teams know that celebratory feedback requires specificity, authenticity, and two-way communication.  Getting the recipient to talk about the win is a key element in creating lasting impact.

Daid Horsager, Trust, Inc., has presented at several National SAM Conferences.  He has a great way to frame celebratory feedback:

Want to Show You Care? Take Them to the SPA.

And no, I don’t mean the relaxing kind with cucumber water and a massage table. This one’s a little easier to get to—and make time for.

One of the most effective ways to show compassion in leadership is through authentic appreciation. Not the generic “Good job!” or the occasional team lunch—but real, thoughtful acknowledgment that shows others how much they matter.

That’s why I teach what we call the SPA Method for appreciation. It’s a simple three-step check you can apply anytime you want to recognize someone:

S – Specific

Generic praise doesn’t land. Be clear about what they did and why it mattered.

Instead of just saying “Thanks for your help,” try:

“Thanks for staying late to fix the report before our client call. That extra effort helped us keep the project on track.”

Or: “I appreciate the way you see things in a way I don’t—especially when it comes to implementation. We are a better team because of what you bring to the table.”

When we share the details, we reinforce clarity, consistency, and capability - all essential pillars of trust.

P – Personal

Tailor your appreciation to the person. What motivates them? What kind of recognition means something to them?

For someone who values growth, you might send a book tied to a recent accomplishment.

For someone private, a handwritten note goes a long way.

For someone who hasn’t been recognized in a while, a public moment of genuine praise can go further than you think.

Whenever possible, make it personal. Recognition hits differently when people feel seen—not just acknowledged.

A – Authentic

Most importantly, mean it. Appreciation that feels forced or performative can do more harm than good. Take a breath. Reflect on what they truly contributed—and why you’re grateful for it.

Being authentic is just as much about presence as it is about praise. It’s showing someone they matter enough for you to pay attention.

It doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be real. Because people always know the difference.

So the next time you’re tempted to rush past appreciation, ask yourself:

• Have I been specific in my feedback?

• Have I made it personal to the person receiving it?

• Have I authentically shown that they’re valued, not just for what they did, but for who they are?

David’s website is:  https://davidhorsager.com/  You will find the impressive keynote he gave the 2025 National SAM Conference here: https://bit.ly/3JAANfc

Registration is open for the 19^th Annual National SAM Conference.  Use this link:  https://registration.samprocess.com/  You will also find a registration link at www.SamProcess.com

Finally, enjoy the comments about your work from NSIP Board member David Sechler, below.  Nice!

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My name is Dave Sechler, and I am a former teacher, principal and school board member.

In addition to being an NSIP Board member, I am a Time Change Coach, a mentor for other coaches and a SAM Implementation Specialist.

When the board met in July and reviewed the results of the spring’s rubric assessment survey I was struck once again by how effectively you have used the SAM process to achieve important instructional goals. As a group you devote 57% of your time to instruction, as compared to an average of 13% for non-SAM principals. Not surprisingly, you are getting results in the work that matters most. You are using the SAM process to structure your time so you are in classrooms frequently and you are seeing lots of instruction. You are blocking time to give specific feedback to teachers in a timely manner, and you are meeting with teachers, staff members and other constituents to reflect on and improve instruction. As a result, 95% of you can connect your time to improved teacher practice and 92% of you can connect your time to improved student performance.

This is wonderful stuff! I am proud to be a SAM board member, and I’m honored to work with such dedicated and effective educators as you.

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To access the 2025 SAM Team Performance Report:   http://bit.ly/44MbQ8t

To access the Executive Summary, 2025 SAM Team Performance Assessment:  https://bit.ly/4fh2V2k 

The annual National SAM Conference is a time of renewal, learning, reflection, celebration and fun.  It is unlike any other national conference. It is designed to make you feel like the important person you are.  Your dedication to doing the best for students, staff and community is impressive and honorable. 

Why do SAM teams want to come back every year?  What do they take home?

✅ Proven Strategies – Learn how school leaders across the country are using SAM practices to maximize instructional leadership time.

✅ Practical Tools – Get hands-on with TimeTrack® and other resources that help principals shift from management to leadership.

✅ National Network – Connect with hundreds of principals and SAM teams who share your challenges and successes.

✅ Expert Voices – Hear from nationally recognized keynote speakers and thought leaders in education.

✅ Inspiration & Renewal – Leave recharged, with new ideas and a clear plan for impact back at your school.

A few things to consider when planning to attend:

Ø The conference is January 15-18. 2026.

Ø To be eligible to attend, you must be a SAM team member doing the process with efficacy, NSIP staff, Board member or presenter.

Ø The conference will be in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort

Keynote Speakers

·      Will Parker, Principals Matter: Living your Best Life as an Educator

·      Will Bowen, You Can’t Complain Your Way to Success

·      Tracie Swilley, The PrinciPAL Effect: Setting the Vibe, Energy, and Excellence Every Day

·      John Antonetti, Personal Response: Am I safe to share my thinking?

·      William Martinez, Signing the Song: The Power of Belonging

Pre-Conference All-Day Workshop Presenters

·      Jim Masters, Beyond Why and What – Getting to How School Leaders Make a Difference

·      Ken Williams, Better Teachers, Better Results: Where Students Learn Because Of US

·      Willow Sweeney, Top 20 Moves for Building Effective Staff and Student Relationships

·      Executive Speaking Coaching Seminar, New York Speech Coaching

SamTastic Weekly Tip: 8/25/25 -

This week’s tip:

Check your US mail, this week and next, for a surprise, or two.

• Each TimeTrack owner and SAM will receive two newly revised SAM Flip Books, one about the SAM Daily Meeting and the other about First Responders. 

• Each TimeTrack owner and SAM will receive an invitation to attend the 19^th Annual National SAM Conference.  Registration opens Labor Day.  You will also receive an email a few days prior with the online registration link.  Use this link to see what the annual National SAM Conference is like:  https://bit.ly/4cxGEw7

Featured Conference Keynote Speakers, 19^th Annual Nation SAM Conference

• Will Parker, Principals Matter: Living your Best Life as an Educator

• Will Bowen, You Can’t Complain Your Way to Success

• Tracie Swilley, Principals set the Vibe and Energy Every Day

• John Antonetti, Personal Response: What Engages Today’s Learners

• William Martinez, Signing the Song: The Power of Belonging

Featured Pre-Conference All Day Workshops:

• Jim Masters, Beyond Why and What – Getting to How School Leaders Make a Difference

• Ken Williams, Doing the Right Thing 

• Willow Sweeney, Top 20 Moves for Building Effective Staff and Student Relationships

• Executive Speaking Coaching Seminar, New York Speech Coaching

Finally, enjoy the comments about your work from NSIP Board member Emeritus, Carol Lensing, below.  Nice!

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Hello.

My name is Carol Lensing.

I am an NSIP Board member, emeritus, and a former Iowa superintendent.

In such challenging times in education, and in particular financial times, it is truly inspirational to see the ongoing efforts of our SAM teams across the country as they continue to stay focused on what is most important- administrative instructional support for our teachers and an unwavering focus on student learning and growth.  The rubric assessment is ongoing evidence of your day-to-day efforts and is to be noted and applauded.  

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To access the 2025 SAM Team Performance Report:   http://bit.ly/44MbQ8t

To access the Executive Summary, 2025 SAM Team Performance Assessment:  https://bit.ly/4fh2V2k 

Registration for the 19^th Annual National SAM Conference opens Labor Day.  Go to www.SamProcess.com to register or use the direct link you will receive the day before.

SamTastic Weekly Tip: 8/18/25 - Make Your School Learning Culture Better, One Step at a Time.

This week’s tip: Make Your School Learning Culture Better, One Step at a Time.

School culture.  It exists with, or without you.  Leaders improve school culture by thoughtfully scheduling work that teachers and students appreciate.

Where to start? 

A Missouri SAM principal meets with her six new teachers in a group setting once a week.  Using non-directive feedback, she leads a discussion.  She lets the teachers raise topics/questions as she encourages the group to freely discuss.  She is careful not to make negative or directive comments.  She shares sparingly and communicates support.  Her intent is to demonstrate that creativity, openness to new ideas, and focus on the mission to meet each student’s needs are what she wants to see from each teacher.

A Georgia SAM principal  is using TimeTrack’s Connected Events automated scheduling to do coaching rounds with his three lowest performing teachers, based on last year’s evaluations.  He does two seeing instruction events with each teacher and one feedback session, weekly.  He has committed to this regular support for the next six weeks.  He gets it.  Teachers seldom improve with formal evaluations.  Teachers frequently improve with formative coaching rounds in a safe environment.  Video, how to use Connected Events: https://bit.ly/47xAWtt

An Illinois SAM principal, as she greets students as they arrive in the morning, picks one to be her “classmate” for the first hour of school.  She goes with the student to the classroom, places a chair next to the student’s desk, and does everything the student does for the next hour.  She reports kids love having the principal be a classmate.  The principal reports she enjoys the time and gets to see teaching from the student’s point of view.  She then schedules a feedback session with the teacher focusing on what she liked about the teacher’s work. 

Look at your TimeTrack for today.  Did you post it for staff to see that you have your own lesson plan for management and instructional work?  Would this help build the school culture you envision? Have you scheduled one event, or more, that you believe will lead to an improved teaching and learning climate?

Your work is complex.  It can also be amazingly rewarding and lead to better teaching and learning.  Like the longest journey, it begins with one step.

Finally, enjoy the comments about your work from NSIP Board Treasurer, Nathan Roberts, below.  Nice!

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My name is Nathan Roberts, and I am a Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  I also serve as a member and Treasurer for the NSIP Board.

During the NSIP Board’s summer meeting, we had the pleasure of reviewing the annual data from the Rubric Assessment.  I was fascinated by how well the time spent by school leaders was tied to enhanced teacher and student performance.  The increase in time spent on curriculum leadership activities was also remarkable and exactly what superintendents and school boards are requesting of their school leaders. 

The transition of time utilization from beginner SAM teams to seasoned teams was impressive and a model for others to follow.  As a Board, we could not stop talking about your amazing work. I was so inspired by your efforts that I shared the overall success and data with all the school districts within the university region and a few beyond.

It is an honor to serve on the Board and witness your extraordinary work on behalf of teachers and students. 

I want to wish each of you a fabulous school year and I look forward to your continued success.

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To access the 2025 SAM Team Performance Report:   http://bit.ly/44MbQ8t

To access the Executive Summary, 2025 SAM Team Performance Assessment:  https://bit.ly/4fh2V2k 

Registration for the 19^th Annual National SAM Conference opens Labor Day.  Go to www.SamProcess.com to register or use the direct link you will receive the day before.