What Role Will You Play?

In May of 2007, during my BC (Before Corps) days I would have answered the questions something like this: "I plan to become the best teacher I can be and close the achievement gap for two years and then earn my Master's in Business."

Now, February 18th, 2011 I inspirationally respond to the question from a very different point of view.  "I am the role I will play, and the role is who I am.  My life as I know it, first and foremost, is dedicated to God.  So, now I have a vision for what the rest of my life will consist of and the passion that drives me is not just my role, but it's who I am.  I can't wake up one morning and convince myself I don't want to do this anymore because then I'm not true to myself.  It's ultimately why I am designed the way I am... therefore, I don't have a choice, but again I don't need one.  I have a purpose in this life to be an educational leader and the achievement gap is my antagonist.  I am inspired and at the same time I truly replicate Geoffrey Canada's perspective when he says, 'I thought we would go down fighting for the cause.  But now I'm thinking that we could really win!  Right?!  Because this is like... this is like a new thing!' Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith and the faith He's given me is the ability to realize that, "One day every child will have his or her own right to attain an excellence education," and I'm just a soldier on the battle field living in this war and fighting for the cause!" 

If I could create a Venn Diagram it would have adjectives such as selfish, self-centered and resume-booster on one side.  On the contrary, I would have passionate, visionary and faith contrasting.  In the center, ONLY BY PURPOSEFUL CHANCE, I would have "leader."  See, what I realize is that our purpose will one day see itself through in our lives as long as we are true to ourselves and to God.  So, I propose to you all... what role will you play and how have you defined that role?

Next Level

This transcends all sectors and includes any type of career you're in: as a leader each "next level" you attain requires more COMMITMENT, DEDICATION, and TENACITY.

The more you develop as a leader and go to the next level, the fewer the leaders will be in that new level you're at.  The reason is because commitment, dedication, and tenacity MUST increase as you go up.  Are you willing to rise up with more commitment, with more dedication, and with more tenacity than you have now?  The answer to this question will reflect your success as a leader.

Everyone Needs Someone

I think one of the most effective ways that costs absolutely nothing, but is extremely invaluable, is to believe in someone 100% of the time no matter the circumstance, the odds stacked against them, or what critics may say.  This released hope is one of the best ways to EMPOWER someone else when they receive that genuine belief.  Sometimes even family isn't the one to give you that hope or belief that you can make it... so, moving forward I'm making a commitment from now on to be that individual who unconditionally believes in others especially when no one else does.  That's true empowerment!

Alarming Gap in Wisconsin Education

A staggering fact about Racine Unified School District... With over 21,000 students (6 high schools consuming about 1/3 of those students), only 20 African Americans took the ACT exam with only 1 scoring over a 22.  Contrary to that, the state of Wisconsin contributes to the second highest ACT scores in the nation next to only Minnesota.  That's apartheid!

Vision

In order to be a leader, a great leader at that, one must have a vision.  Without a vision how will you guide and lead your students towards high expectations and academic achievement?  What is your definition of a vision?  When I think about a vision I want to get an exemplar example or the perfect model... just like I would in the classroom, provide an exemplar model.  So, automatically what comes to my mind when I ponder the meaning of leadership and a vision I am immediately drawn to Jesus.  Jesus had a vision, in this sense not a supernatural appearance, but rather an ultimate goal and foundation for His purpose in life.  His vision was given by God.  How did He lead people?  Did He ever deter from His vision?  Did Jesus ever comprise his character, integrity, and supernatural ability to please someone else?  Did Jesus hold true to His vision and bring many from out of darkness and into the light?  I've had only two postings... one from LaToya (thanks!) and one from myself :(.  I need more intelligent minds to come together and share their thoughts, ideas, opinions in order to create a successful discussion and conversation.

Crossing Borders...

Where do we draw the line, as educators, for students with a lack of what should be arguably already instilled "mannerisms?"  For example, I can recount numerous times where I had to directly teach several students how to act appropriately in public, how to speak to an individual of authority and adults, how to properly introduce oneself with a handshake, and even how to sit in the classroom... Needless to say, either I am justifiably compulsive with management in the classroom, or many of our students lack the ability to carry out "basic" functions in society!  Please, fill me in on this subject and enlighten me with what can be proposed to fix this dilemma, is it the teachers responsibility or the parents job?  Are we crossing over borders "illegally" so to speak when we correct and train students with what we, as educators, deem "appropriate behaviors."  One could justify that teachers have the right away because, "after all, they're teachers!"  But I counter that by testing this statement with what teachers find acceptable and unacceptable.  I've witnessed many varying opinions with teachers when it comes to, say, what our students can or cannot say in the classroom.  Curse words may be acceptable with Mr. A, but to Mrs. Z it might mean a week long detention!  Or what about uniformed schools who require students to tuck in their shirts, but many teachers fail to remain consistent with formal discipline by not enforcing it till the end or at all?

What path do we travel?

Yesterday was day one of the freshman boys basketball tryouts.  Unfortunately, it is accurate to say, and nearly expected every where, that there are many struggling learners in urban areas - hence the blog entitled, "Educational Inequity."  It's not the fact that athletes are "incompetent," or live up to the title of being "jocks," but it seems in many cases that these academically-struggling students thrive for a sense of belonging and a feeling of adequacy, similarly an outlet to be able to showcase what they are "good" at outside the four walls of the classroom setting.  A fellow coach and I discussed a rather interesting observation... What paths do these students, who are longing for acceptance and have a mindset of never-ending unsuccessful opportunities, travel upon once they are "cut" from tryouts and when self-profecy kicks in and they fail to succeed once again?  Is there still hope and a chance from these students to connect with someone who can guide them and point them in the right direction?  Or do these students inevitably follow along the path of destruction (self and societal)?  Considering this is the high school level and age group where there are high drop-out rates as well as very few graduates who attend a rigorous 4-year university.  What are your thoughts, opinions, expertise, or questions regarding this topic?