Problem Solver?

We hear the term problem solver all the time. When we discuss 21st century skills it is one of the first things we mention. Are we preparing students to be problem solvers? I hope so. Being a problem solver is one of Dr. Davis' core values. He expects us to come to him with ideas not just complaints and I do my best to model that core value. It was also one of the expectations I shared with you in our opening staff meetings the past two years. I also explained the need for adults to be problem solvers if we are going to continue to grow as a staff and as a school. Are you a problem solver? During these tough economic times it is more important than ever to be creative and to think outside the box. As I watch the staff, interact with you and observe things throughout the day, I have come to the conclusion that the staff is made of two types of people. Those that solve their own problems and those that wait for someone else to solve their problems. This week I was talking to two teachers about tutoring and they explained they were planning a "Lunch Bunch" for extra math support. That is the definition of problem solving in action. If we all looked at situations like this, the sky would be the limit as to what we can accomplish at Antioch. When you come across challenges or frustrations do something about it. The challenge I have for you is simple, BE A PROBLEM SOLVER.

Underdogs

Last year I shared this message with you all during the NCAA tournament and I am doing it again this year. I know some of you think I refer to sports too often, but this week I can't help it. I look forward to March Madness all year and today a huge underdog ruined my bracket in the first round. Today, 13 seeded Moorehead St. upset Louisville handing the 4 seed a first round loss.This only happens if the players and coaches believe it can happen. When we talk about meeting our students where they are that includes believing in them. We must believe they can succeed and they need to know that we believe in them. It will not be easy to overcome the baggage many carry with them, but we need to convince them that they can overcome any obstacle if they believe in themselves. Take the time to build them up and to convince them that they can be the underdog that beats the odds. It is easy to coach a team loaded with talent, but any coach will tell you the most rewarding years are those that their team outperforms expectations and overcomes challenges. Take the time to "coach" them up and beat the expectations that were set this fall.

In the words of the late John Wooden "Acquire peace of mind by making the effort to become the best of which you are capable". This goes for you as a teacher, parent, spouse and person. It also is the message we should instill in our students.

Make a Difference

As we enter the second semester I want you to think about what you do? Why you became a teacher? and why you work so hard for the little pay you receive. I think the short story below is a great example of why we do what we do.

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education.

He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life

was to become a teacher?'

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers:

'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

To emphasize his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Ned.

Be honest. What do you make?'

Ned, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied,

'You want to know what I make? (He paused for a second, then began...)

'Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

'I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. 'I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 minutes without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

'You want to know what I make?'

(he paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

'I make kids wonder. 'I make them question.

'I make them apologize and mean it.

'I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

'I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything.

'I make them read, read, read.

'I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.

'I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

'I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

'I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America.

'I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.'

(He paused one last time, then continued.)

Thanks for all you do and for making a difference.

'Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant...

You want to know what I make?

' I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What do you make, Mr. CEO? '

His jaw dropped, he went silent.

What do you think?

This week I have decided not to share my thoughts, but those of someone else.
I want to know what you all think about the video at the link below. Please watch the video and I will send out an email Monday to use as a discussion board.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U

Keep Perspective

As you know the John Wooden book I read over break was an eye opening read for me. It reinforced many things I knew and helped me realize why I struggle with many things in my life. Last week, I wrote to you all about the importance in making each day your masterpiece. Mr. Wooden also shared a story about a life changing moment he had. One day his father shared a card with him that has shaped his entire life: his marriage, his work, his goals, and his entire philosophy of life. In the card was a verse by reverend Henry Van Dyke that read:

Four things a man must learn to do if he would make his life true: To think without confusion clearly, To love his fellow-man sincerely, to act from honest motives, to trust in god and heaven securely.

How profound, think clearly, have love in your heart, be honest, and trust in god. That sounds like a great blueprint for success. The other side of the card had his fathers creed:

1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7. Pray for guidance and count and give thanks for your blessings every day.

If we all try to live up to the above verse and his fathers creed we will all be successful in life. As we have struggled through this tough first week think about these things, give thanks, make a difference and be a success. Keep Perspective.