What the Heck is a PLN?

Whether you refer to them as Professional or Personal Learning Networks, there is no mistaking the fact that discovery, involvement and implementation of social media into your own world manifests itself ten-fold into both personal as well as professional growth.  Those who tweet, blog and communicate otherwise via the world wide web all concur it has tremendous advantages.  I like to think of them as being harmonious in nature.

I have been involved with social media for several years but only recently began to learn the power and influence that both blogging and connecting with educators world wide has had on me, both personally and professionally.  To be able to learn at your own pace, in your own desired direction has to me, become invaluable.  It has, without a doubt, been the most rewarding and satisfying of my ventures over the last 24 years as an educator.  All of the innumerable staff development sessions and trainings I have received prior over the years pale in comparison.  

My eyes have always been open to the continued blending and  narrowing  of this vast world via the Internet.  As an avid participant on Twitter, I have been able to get news first hand before it is released to the major networks.  I have learned differing viewpoints, and have greater appreciation and understanding of global issues and problems in which would have taken me years to develop through continued reading and books.   The resources are infinite in which are shared amongst people who are actively involved in social media.  I have had the opportunity, and continue to do so,  develop personal and professional relationships with people whom are regarded as famous and leaders within the realms of their respective fields of expertise.  To that end, even after communicating, exploring and reading what they have to say, you now have the power to collect, store and share these vast amounts of information and resources with whomever you choose and whomever is interested.  One memorable comment made by a distant colleague referred to our continuing inquiry and sharing of information via these forums as a graduate degree in itself, without the cost and time consumption!  All of these advantages, in which takes much time and effort, which many of us unfortunately as professionals do not.

Most of what I have learned involve the topics and issues revolving around leadership and the implementation of 21st century resources in to classrooms.  Additionally, I have gained tremendous knowledge referencing the scope and complexities of political, ethical and moral issues from a global viewpoint.  Most all of this has come from the perspectives and voices of people who are firsthand in the midst of turmoil and strife. 

Most importantly,  I firmly believe that my persistence and dedication to using and voicing through these mediums have been instrumental in assisting me in procuring my first leadership post at the building level of school administration.  Although never explicitly referenced to, I think in the process of continuing to establish, develop and promote my digital footprint has been invaluable in getting my name out their to both colleagues and potential employers.

I am very interested in what other colleagues and professionals have to say regarding "what the heck is a PLN?"

PEACE 

Eight Pillars for Effective Educators

     Having taught in the middle school and high school classroom for 19 years, and now having the opportunity to evaluate and observe teachers for the past four years, I have come to the conclusion there are a few characteristics and best practices in which set great teachers apart from ordinary ones.  These assumptions are not based  solely on my own experiences and observations, but come from many hours of research, readings, staff development, blogs, webinars and seminars, etc... as well.  There is however anecdotal and credible evidence and statistical data in some instances regarding the points I am about to make.  With this said, unlike the practice of educating young people through formal and summative assessments to determine academic achievement only, most is not quantifiable. 

     By all means this not an inclusive list, and feedback and consideration is always appreciated to include in these assertions.  Enjoy, and begin practice of these tidbits of advice and watch your students and classroom transform in a way in which you never thought possible.  These simple practices and conscious efforts to implement in your classroom will reap positive, direct and immediate feedback and results.

     Whatever your prior practice has or has not been in the past as a classroom teacher, this is arguably the most important element you can begin incorporating in to your daily regime. Consequently,  it will have a profound effect on both the climate and culture of your classroom.  To demonstrate you truly care for each and everyone of your students, and to begin to build a bond of trust as well as rapport,  it is imperative that prior to your class and the bell ringing, outside your door you should greet them by name with a handshake or a pat of the shoulder or back.  Likewise, as the bell rings and they are preparing to leave your classroom you should likewise wish them a farewell with a gesture of either a handshake or pat on the back.  Watch and observe over both the short and long term how pleasant and respectful a climate you have unwittingly and subconciously created.  Watch and observe teachers who have already implemented this into their daily practice and ask your self, as well as them, what is their relationship with their students like?  They will KNOW without a doubt that you truly care about them not only as a student but a person as well.

     As laborious and tedious it is to take class roll at the outset of each and every day or period, I highly recommend keeping another roster to keep a tally of how many times and to whom in the class you addressed by name each and every period?  This does take some time and effort but with practice can easily be done throughout the course of your lesson.  The point again is to make a personal contact and connection with each and every student by name each and every period of the day!  You would be surprised at how many average teachers forget the names of their former students not long after they are no longer in there class!  They will KNOW without a doubt that you truly care about them not only as a student but a person as well.

     During a class period, invariably when and if a student poses a distraction, is off task, or is initiating a potential discipline issue, by simply using the phrase "Is there a problem ____________?" you will have immediately addressed something not condoned by yourself while at the same time bringing attention to the problem student without compromising or questioning any level of embarrassment or disrespect toward the student.  You will be amazingly surprised at how effective and powerful these four mere words are!  They will KNOW without a doubt that you truly care about them not only as a student but a person as well.

     When establishing your classroom guidelines and expectations (formerly alluded to in the 20th century as rules)  be sure there are explicit, clear and as positive as possible.  They should be succinct too.  Ensure that they are adhered to and remain consistent and fair in your implementation of them.  Any deviation of them will cause for class disunity, mistrust and a poor climate.  Most importantly, you will lose respect amongst your students.  They will KNOW without a doubt that you truly care about them not only as a student but a person as well. 

     Great teachers constantly and consistently plan and prepare innovative and engaging lesson plans on a daily basis.  To be truly appreciated, remembered and respected by your students it is your charge and responsibility to ensure this is happening on a daily basis and that your students are experiencing vigor from the outset of the class to the bell to end class.  It is imperative to create and incorporate ALL the resources in which are available to you and beyond to engage, inspire, interest and motivate inquiry from ALL of your students.  They will KNOW without a doubt that you truly care about them not only as a student but a person as well.

     As a teacher who wants to be great and who will experience the infinite numbers of personalities of their students if they remain in the classroom for any length of time, it is your great test of ability and character to reach a point in your practice to never accept an answer from a student who says "no, 'I don't know, or remains silent."  Your established connections and rapport on a personal level will dictate the way in which you drive at a response as well as allowing the length of time to wait and continue to prompt for one.  This is directly related to our ability and efforts in accomplishing the first couple of points aforementioned.  They will KNOW without a doubt that you truly care about them not only as a student but a person as well.

     Teachers of the 21st century need to understand it is a time to facilitate and coach your students, and not to necessarily teach via lecture excessively.  With this said and to that end,  the more you move in and around as well as throughout your pupils you demonstrate your willingness to be accessable, assist and relate to your students.  Doing so by name, as well as with a physical gesture, such as a pat or hand on the back or shoulder will keep them engaged and focused with the task you have assigned at hand.  They will KNOW without a doubt that you truly care about them not only as a student but a person as well.

     One of the more important, if not essential practices, in which I have had a difficult time instilling into my staff is the importance of making personal communications/contact with their student's parents at the outset of a semester or year.  By logging phone calls and emails in which demonstrate positive and complimentary comments about their students they have set the tone for a positive and quality relationship forthcoming between all stakeholders.  Additionally, it assists in heading off any future problems the teacher might have with the student, making it easier and more comfortable for the teacher to communicate to a child's parents.  By getting them on board at the start in a positive and complimentary way their expectations beyond paperwork, in the forms of syllabuses and course outlines, personalizes the educational experience for arguable the most important stakeholder in the student's ultimate success.  They will KNOW without a doubt that you truly care about them not only as a student but a person as well. 

     As previously noted, there are assuredly many more tips and best practices in which have been embedded into quality classroom instruction and management beyond this brief post.  I look forward to further quality comments and responses from colleagues both in the classroom and in educational administration.  PEACE!

   

The 12 MOST Things I Learned Being a HS Principal

After four years as an Assistant High School Principal/Athletic Director, and finally transitioning to my 1st principal ship,  reflections over this period of time are numerous.  Listed below, and which other professionals serving in the same capacity can identify, is a brief list for argument or enjoyment sake;

#1  You literally don't have the time, and must go out of your way to make the time, to simply use the restroom.  The answer is try to take care of this before and after your 10-15 hour day. 

#2  Being in charge of discipline for an enrollment of 1000 kids is no cake walk.  You are amongst the most hated persons on the campus.  The answer is to spread YOUR love and  peace with your words and actions at all times. 

#3  There is no winning or losing as an Assistant Principal.  It is an endless journey.  Some may say a battle or struggle?  The answer is to press on relentlessly for the education and well being of ALL your constituents and productivity and progress. 

#4  Many students, in realization of their mistake(s) in high school will go to great lengths to not tell the truth for many reasons.  The answer its not to JUDGE but to help the child!  Be  diligent and use learned investigative strategies and tools for communication to get the truth out. 

#5  There are three kinds of people in general.  The answer is there are those that make things happen.  Those that watch things happen, and finally those that continually say "what happened?" 

#6  You should have three guiding principles to teach your colleagues, staff and students.  The answer is take care of little people.  Take care of old people, and take care of the animals. 

#7  You constantly are under immense pressure to do the right thing.  The question is, what is the right thing?  The problem is, regardless of what you think, others will disagree!  The answer is to follow your conscience and your heart based on your values and principles.  One side will never agree or see eye to eye.  Remember, those who really matter don't mind, and those who mind don't really matter. 

#8  Never before, even as a Marine, did I have so much going on simultaneously.  If there is something as multi tasking you had better prepare yourself!  The answer is you have to be a master at prioritizing.  It is essential you are organized and document and be meticulous in taking and keeping anecdotal notes. 

#9  Your character and the way you carry yourself at all times is under the microscope literally.  The answer is you must be professional always in the way you act, dress and communicate.  Try to remember to not listen to what people say, but watch what they DO. 

#10 Teenagers, as well as teachers, come in all varieties as there are 8 billion individuals on earth.  Like them, we all share much weight and carry it on ours shoulders in today's day and age.  You must be resilient and tuned to their every thought, expression and word.  The answer is to have compassion for everyone and passion for what it is you do. 

#11 Sadly, but unfortunately true, it is very difficult to trust pretty much anyone nowadays.  You must strive to believe and see the best in EVERYONE regardless.  The answer as previously alluded, is to stay true to yourself and the notion that what you are doing is in the best interest of each and every indivdual you have either a direct or indirect impact.  Let the naysayers and critics who boast about your flaws and incompetencies beyond your earshot do what they do best-gossip perhaps? 

#12 Having to spend nearly 2/3rds of your day either outside or moving in and throughout hallways, corridors, classrooms, school grounds and restrooms be sure you are prepared for everything as well as the unexpected.  The answer is to manage and lead by observation and wandering around.  You will achieve and gain more respect from all your constituents by doing this daily chore without ever having to utter another word on any given day. 

PEACE

 

Ever Been Thrown Under The Bus?

     Regardless of your job or profession, at some point(s) in your career you will have to invariably deal with these instances.  I can share several key moments in my career(s) in which it has occurred to me personally.  Rather than sharing mine primarily in the education and coaching profession, I would love to hear and consequently share through this blog and the web, people who would like to vent and share their personal experiences of this happening to them?

     My reason for posting this is to reiterate one of the primary differences between great and proficient leaders and bosses versus those that have no business supervising, let alone, managing anyone.  Despite working now for over 30 years it ceases to amaze me how often people who manage to land positions of leadership are so awful at doing so...

     By no means am I perfect and one of the world's all time great leaders in history.  To that end, and through my vast years of experiences and professional relationships I have had, I observe inconspicuously while tuning into people's actions and words hence when they are thrown under the bus.  I take keen interest, note and bookmark the subsequent actions and reactions of those who whether intentionally or not have gotten thrown under the proverbial bus.  As a leader and a coach it is our responsibility to advocate, empower, encourage, motivate and say and do what is necessary to bring out the very best in all of our employees.  To stifle them is to lead them to disrespecting you, no longer trusting you and ultimately leaving the organization the leader thinks they have a grasp of. 

     I sincerely look forward to others sharing their thoughts and experiences regarding this notion and practice.  PEACE

Finding Extrinsic Motivation...

      I do not know if this is truly possible considering the daunting task I have been procrastinating over for the last 25 years?  Having been published three times with not a tremendous amount of success other than feelings of pride once my product was completed,  my would be masterpiece (in my mind) having eclipsed the 430 page mark, indexed with pictures, maps, front and rear jackets complete, yet is only shy a couple of hours of final editing!  It far exceeds my other works in depth and scope of creating and effort.

     What am I waiting for?  Why am I not motivated to complete it for good?  On top of the aforementioned, I have secured a well respected publisher who has committed to its production (only the second of my four pieces of literature).  That was three years ago.  Historians of the Civl War surely are familiar with Broadfoot Publishing Company based out of Wilmington, North Carolina.  Well?

     So again, what am I waiting for, or why have I just not done it?  On a subconscious level, I am almost certain it might be the fear of not being successful again with its retailing and would be readers appreciating all the time, research and work that I have put in it...  This being the case, despite any inaccuracies which may be present or notable. 

     Don't get me wrong!  It is a great story; an attempt at both fiction and non-fiction.  Hundreds of hours researching archives at several of the more renowned universities in North Carolina, etc...  A story about an average Confederate soldier, like so many, who was common yet found himself in the midst of accomplishing and enduring uncommon trials and tribulations, etc...

     My intent, I suppose, in authoring this blog is to have interested readers provide me with some kind, or any type of, proper motivation so as to get 'er done.  Or perhaps this is my odd way in motivating myself "intrinsically" as I was to begin this trek so long ago?

     Look forward to hearing from any intrigued persons.  Godspeed and PEACE.

Egypt's Enemies!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Reit-KlyyUk&feature=related

 It is difficult to say at this point, but it seems as though the military regime left behind in Mubarak's wake is to blame.  Special interests, politics and riding the fence are abhorrent to myself, and so should be the case with ANY true servant leader, that exists in power for the betterment of all mankind.  Wake up everybody as Marvin Gaye most eloquently sang to.  I have seen and heard from many people with horrific descriptions and depictions of what has been going on over the last four days.  Go to Twitter and You tube and if you have any sense of compassion and humanity for mankind you too will be moved.

     Wait a second.  When I say moved, this means what?  As is the case in present day Syria, the mighty hand of the powers to be at the moment, with all of the latest in military technology to engage and disburse among innocent people is being used haphazardly and wantonly with no regard or remorse, no less fear from outside intervention.  So the sad saga continues, the world looks the other way and sighs as to the woes of these poor and forgotten people.  People, who again seek freedom, peace and basic unalienable rights in which our country has fought amongst ourselves and abroad to ensure our security over the past two centuries, and vowed to ensure for people worldwide, yet we cannot even help ourselves?  Moreover, to simply demand and insist, no less to help the people in places engaged in bitter, irresponsible and reprehensible actions as I write, what does that say about ourselves as an enitity and humane presence within the world?  Trust me, people do know our history.  They take note.  They have been disappointed,  not at all in our fine young people who have served honorably, but the spineless politicians who call themselves leaders, yet are unwilling to take bold and ostracised risks for what is simply right...  The fact is, history continues to repeat itself, sadly...

     Our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan came after hints and reported evidence led us into conflicts resulting in the loss of many young American lives.  Godspeed to every soul who protects to defend our way of live and our future security, but how can we stand by and be witness to atrocities and inhumane acts by repressive puppet and would be governments that have already shown they have no true following?  My soul and heart aches with the realization that our young men defending the freedoms that our forefathers gave their lives for, they too have no true understanding or knowledge of what it is they are doing where they are?

     It is basic instinct and morality that if someone asks, and needs help, that a compassionate and caring human being would go out of there way to at least offer it, no?  Really, it is very simple.  A person's calling in this life is to help those who can't, for whatever reason, help or defend themselves. This is without regard of where they come from and who they are.  For it is this alone that we will be judged for come the day....  Godspeed to all who are hurting and suffering in this vast world this eve. 

     Where is the humanity?



Petty Politician or Public Principal?

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wEcX7w7Bj4&feature=player_detailpage   

     To be or not to be that is the question?  There is no denying that politics pervades every essence of our being to some degree.  My quandary over the last couple of decades always returns me to the present day.  As an administrator, educator, leader and  manager  I, like all of us in positions of power and authority, find ourselves having to make decisions constantly.  Often times in making our most important decisions with the intent of magnanimous outcomes, we find ourselves critiqued and crucified.  Our decisions, and those who want to extrapolate either openly or under their collective breaths and behind closed doors, opine, judge and view who you are and what you do constantly as being incorrect, inconsequential and even malicious by colleagues as well as outsiders.

     Regardless of the issue or topic, true servants and leaders are willing to step outside and beyond the realm of prevailing politics.  They are movers, shakers and risk takers.  They constantly dodge bullets and only pop their heads up over the trench line on occasion.  Make no mistake about it, as the Good Ole Boy Network is as alive and well as ever.  Their compromising of their ethics, morals and values super cede any idea or notion of remotely doing the right thing or making the right decision... 

     As for myself, with the knowledge that we all want to be a part of something in which has a sense of belonging and identity, one must stay true to their maxim.  Perhaps this is why some find themselves, leaders or others, aloof and outside the proverbial loop and entrenched within the "network" of whomever and whatever?   Whether providing commentary or opinion on any given subject or issue, there seems to always be two sides who compete for acceptance and acknowledgment versus steadfastness and conviction...  I have heard several times from so called leaders and professionals that the reason(s) why some are favored over others, and move forward and progress in their careers, are because they are able to blend in and don't speak out or offer opinions.

     Whether a leader of a country, a CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a high school principal, being a servant leader ought to be our calling and charge, no less our true mission and vision.  It should be the notion of doing what is right and what is in the best interests of humanity and nothing more!  Therefore, the question remains; why are there so many uncaring, unprofessional and unworthy would be leaders and petty politicians within our ranks?  "...and that's all I have to say about that..."  Forrest Gump