About: Jon Konen

Jon Konen is a high school principal and freelance writer in Columbia Falls, Montana. He has been a superintendent and has taught most all grade levels K-6, and has been an instructional coach. In addition, he has been an elementary and middle principal. As a 5th grade teacher, in 2010 he won the Presidential Award for Elementary Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). As a principal, his school won the 2012 Blue Ribbon Award. In 2018, he won the National Distinguished Principal Award (NDP). In 2019 he won the National No Kid Hungry Breakfast Hero Award. He is the author of three guides published on teacher.org: An Educator's Guide to Combat Bullying & Bully Prevention; Teacher Evaluation: A Transition Guide to Exemplary Performance; and You are the Wild Card: Infusing Fun Back into Curriculum. He has authored a children's picture book that was released January 2019 titled Benjamin’s Visit to Principal Reads Office…again! (available at www.archwaypublishing.com)

Recent Posts by Jon Konen

3 Questions to Tackle in Showing Professionalism

Professionalism can be vividly seen and heard. Yet, it can be the hardest concept to change and teach someone who is unprofessional. How educators conduct themselves with students, colleagues, administration, parents, and the community is important to maintaining high standards of professionalism. As schools are asked to do more in meeting the needs of society,…
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3 Questions to Tackle when Growing and Developing Professionally

In many educational job interviews, a common question asked is “why be in education?” Many teacher candidates respond with the proverbial creation of “life-long learners.” Yes, we want our students to yearn for more education and to take charge of this endeavor themselves. Then, we celebrate and showcase their learning. In much the same manner,…
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5 Questions to Improve the Participation in the Professional Community

“Step up and lean in,” is a common leadership adage that can be heard resonating across school districts in America. This aphorism has a strong nonverbal insinuation that literally means, volunteer and take part when there are leadership opportunities. Leadership directly affects the professional community. Some leaders raise and cultivate a culture where anyone can…
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6 Questions to Tackle When Communicating with Families

Who are the greatest teacher partners in education….PARENTS! Some educators may not agree, but the exemplary teachers understand that we are only with students for roughly 1,000 hours each school year. Parents or guardians are with students the other 7,500 hours a year. That is roughly 7.5 times more with their children then with school…
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5 Questions to Tackle When Maintaining Accurate Records

Accountability has become synonymous with many four-letter words, as well as it being immediately associated with a negative connotation whenever it is used. Educators do not shy away from the concept, but feel a need to be at the proverbial “table” when establishing the expectations, routines, and procedures that will hold us all accountable.  School…
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5 Questions to Tackle When Reflecting on Teaching

“May the Force be with you!” Almost as commanding as the force, do you use the power of reflective thinking? The ability to reflect effectively can help a teacher both personally and professionally. One of the most underutilized tools educators use is the ability to reflect. Whether reflection is seen as too time consuming or…
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6 Questions to Tackle in Using Assessment in Instruction

The amount of hours we currently assess our students is under fire…and rightly so! The plethora of assessments ranging from state, district, and even school testing requires our students to show what they know more than ever. Accountability is the name of the game.  Some states test over 30 hours per year on standardized assessments.…
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6 Questions to Tackle When Engaging Students in Learning

Argumentatively the most important aspect of teaching today: keeping students in engaged. Others would argue that classroom management is the ticket, while myself and others would state, “If you have effective engagement strategies, you do not have classroom management or discipline problems.” It is true, effective instruction can cure a rowdy behavior-ridden bunch of students.…
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5 Questions to Tackle in Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques

No will argue that questioning and discussion drive instruction. They are instructional strategies that should be in every lesson. Yet, it is a component that most teachers do not spend much time perfecting. If you ask a teacher if they remember the questions they asked in a lesson in a post conference meeting, most can…
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