The S.E.E.D.S. of Leadership

“Let’s go invent tomorrow rather than worrying about what happened yesterday.” – Steve Jobs 

The world is changing rapidly and as educational leaders must adapt to stay relevant. Old thoughts equal old results. We cannot use a typewriter to create an app. And students know that… you cannot fool them. 

But one thing in education that will never, ever get old are literacy skills. Especially Digital Literacy skills – Research, reading, writing and communicating will ALWAYS be necessary. That’s why I created Mr. Lit as in literacy. I created my own emoji to remind students how important literacy is to survive in this world. This gives me an opportunity to connect with our millennial leaders in a relevant manner  while reminding them about enhancing key literacy skills at all times. 

Mr. Lit will appears here and there on my social media outlets when I post or share posts about education. He is a constant reminder that Reading is Fundamental, or as others say it’s “For the Mental” to be successful. Be 🔥 http://www.instagram.com/MrLitEdu

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” Theodore Roosevelt

It’s time to break the fast that comes with the ‘Summer Slump’. During the 70 plus days of the Summer Slump (or Summer Break as some call it) many children across the country do not engage in much structure or rigorous educational activities. No reading. No writing. No math. No hello?

No hello? ¿No Hola? No nothing? That won’t work. I have watched many school districts, two in particular – Phoenixville Area School District and Reading School District; both in Pennsylvania, engage in activities prior to the start of school year. Remarkable efforts. There’s an Elementary School Principal in Phoenixville who makes weekly videos to welcome the new Kindergarten students. Or in Reading School District, teachers walk through the community welcoming students back to school during the month of August. A small ripple can gain momentum.

If you’re an educator and want your students to be successful in life, you have to go up and beyond the call of duty. How do you prepare our future leaders for the new school year? Do you wait until the first day of school to say hello to your students and their parents? What’s your go to to connect with your school community during the ‘Summer Slump’?

If we truly believe in the “Leaders of the New School” we have to show them that education is a 24/7, 365…not a 9 to 5.

“Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs.” – Pearl Strachan Hurd

Everything we say, no matter the context, will have an effect on someone. Whether it’s calling someone “Hey” instead of “Mr. Jones” or telling someone “I like your shirt” instead of “you look great” or just the simple words of “thank you“, all of these phrases and many more impact our internal psyche.

In 1975, the term “Special Education” was introduced in all public schools. Special Ed allows students with disabilities to have as close as possible the same experience as non-disabled students. An Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is created to help monitor the progress of the students. Input from parents, teachers and the student goes into this plan. This is a legally binding contract.

The words “Special Education” often have a negative connotation, especially in the Black and Brown communities. Heck, the word “Special” is barely seen on an IEP. Why is that? I truly believe, that after 44 years, we need to change the word “Special” to “Intervention”.

Intervention Education is when a school has to intervene to make sure a student is getting all the right supports and services to be successful in life. Intervene now. Intervene where needed. Intervene to put children in the right direction – not the school-to-prison pipeline (a topic for another post).

This change may not happen today, tomorrow or a year from now. But like the hip hop artist Special Ed said…. “Think About It” because words and labels mean a lot.

‘No amount of money ever bought a second of time.’ – Tony Stark

As education leaders, we must understand that time is not on the side of the students. 12 years of schooling can go fast. In the blink of an eye, that kindergarten child is now heading off to post-high school opportunities. People will say, “I hope that student used his/her time wisely because life is now here.” I do agree with that, however I like to also say, “Has every educator that stood in front of that student given his/her best effort to empower the student?” 

There are approximately 58, 320,000 seconds in 12 years of school. That’s a long time — if the time is used wisely. Years ago, I was taught a poem called ‘Minute’ by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. It talks about using every second to it’s full potential. It goes something like this –

“I have but a minute,

Only 60 seconds in it,

Forced upon me did not choose it,

But it’s up to me to use it,

It’s only but a minute,

But eternity is in it.

Minute.”

ETERNITY. We must look ourselves in the mirror and say, “How well do I use my time to contact parents, meet with students, prepare lessons, attend after school/community events? Am I getting the proper “me time” to be a Superhero for my students?” The best educators are true “Superheroes” for their students. You have to give your students the confidence that they need to be successful in life not just in your classroom. Teach them how to use their time wisely to get the best out of every second. Lead by your example.

And at the end of time, you will be their favorite Avenger.

“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.” – Paul J. Meyer

Everyone knows that the right communication can solve many problems. Misunderstandings. Disagreements. Challenges. No matter who is right or wrong in the situation, if the message is passed incorrectly EVERYONE loses.

In education, the leaders of the building and district must find the best methods of communication for their particular school district. Communication with parents/families/stakeholders is vital to the success of the students. We cannot be stuck on what “research” says for most school districts. We need to know our district and its constituents. This will help us help them. Learn your families.

Often, we think “There’s something wrong with my line because when I dial my…” you know the rest! But when we rephrase the classic line by New Edition into education terms, its saying “when we reach out to our families to get engaged, we don’t have much success.” When in all actuality we should be asking ourselves, are we using the best method of communication with them?

I recently conducted a survey with some of the parents and teachers at my school regarding communication. The results are interesting. See here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-XTF3CFT5V/ Good feedback by everyone involved. More information on that soon.

Just remember, the “New Edition” of communication is no longer just the phone call. Ask Mr. Telephone Man….he knows it too.