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.

Make Today Your Masterpiece

Over break, I spent some time reading books for enjoyment (Imagine that not a text book). One of my favorite books was given to me by Kerry. It was a book that focused on observations and reflections by John Wooden. For those of you that don’t know who John Wooden is, he is viewed as being the most successful college basketball coach of all time, winning 10 national championships in a 12 year span at UCLA. His observations were on the court and off the court observations that can help us all to be successful. Coach Wooden defines success as doing the absolute best you can do with your abilities. He is not concerned with what others do, finals scores, or reaching specific targets. If we all do our absolute best the rest will take care of itself.

Coach Wooden talked about making each day your masterpiece. He shared the following story. “When I was teaching basketball, I urged my players to try their hardest to improve on each and every day, to make that practice a masterpiece.” Too often we get distracted by what is outside our control. You can’t do anything about yesterday. The door to the past is closed and the key has been tossed in the trash. You can’t do anything about tomorrow either, it hasn’t come yet. However, tomorrow in large is determined by what you do today. So make today a masterpiece. You have control over that. Don’t worry about the education our students received in years past, the lack of parental guidance they may be getting, or their past EOG scores. We do not control those things, all you control is your effort.

This rule is extremely important in life. If we all apply ourselves to become a little better each day, then over time we will become a lot better. This begins with making each day count and knowing you can never make up for a lost day. If a player appeared to be taking it easy in practice coach Wooden would say, “Don’t think you can make up for it by working twice as hard tomorrow. If you have it within your power to work twice as hard, why aren’t you doing that now?”

Think about our jobs. We have to deal with so many things we have no control over. Take responsibility for what we do have control over, our effort. Do not take a day off, teach with a sense of urgency and do not become complacent. Just because we reached our goal last year does not mean we will reach it again this year. Great effort from each one of us will be needed. If we all improve a little each day then the results will be incredible. Win or lose all I ask of you is do your best every day, make each day you walk into this building your masterpiece. Welcome back now go paint your masterpiece.

Holiday Season

As we enter the holiday season I want you to take a minute to think about how lucky we all are. You all know about Lisa and the pain her family is feeling this week and I also had the misfortune of dealing with being notified we have a 7 year old student that has been diagnosed with Leukemia. This family was going along happy and healthy just a few days ago and a "well" visit led to a terrible diagnosis. We never know when or how our lives will be turned upside down so take time over this break to spend quality time with your loved ones. I am challenging each of you to make three commitments for the holiday break. I will be committing to do the following:
1. Put away my graduate work do take the new puppy and the kids to the park at least twice over break.
2. Put away the laptop and stop answering e-mails for at least two nights that I will spend doing quality family stuff (great descriptor I know).
3. Do at least two kind things for strangers without looking for a thank you or recognition.

That is what I plan to do between all of my homework and my Antioch work, what will you do? I hope you all enjoy the well deserved break and you get to see family and friends. Tell them you love them (even the ones that are hard to love) because you never know when life will throw you a curve-ball. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all:)

PS Come back well rested and ready for the stretch run.