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~ J Clay Norton, Ed.D.

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Category Archives: Actions

Guardians of the Educational Universe – Teachers Appreciation Week…

03 Friday May 2024

Posted by The Book Chamber in Actions, Craft, Education, Educational Leadership, Encouragement, Leader, Leadership, Teacher Appreciation, Teachers, Thankful

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Education, Educational Leadership, Leader, Leadership, Learning, Respect, school, Teacher Appreciation, Teachers, teaching

In a world where sometimes, chaos reigns supreme, there exists a sacred order that can contain the pandemonium – TEACHERS. I’m thinking of He-Man and She-Ra, valiant warriors who march into classrooms to battle, armed not with swords but with dry-erase markers and endless reserves of patience. Let’s take a moment to realize that these unsung heroes of our sanity are masters of the educational universe, and we are fighting Skeletor.

Screenshot 2024-04-30 at 10.46.53 AM

Guess what, everyone? It’s that week where we appreciate teachers. So, let’s appreciate them! Here are a few reasons why…

Think about it this way, consider the sheer audacity of our profession. Day in and day out, teachers bravely enter classrooms filled with small windstorms to E4 tornadoes, disguised as children and young adults, armed with nothing but a lesson plan, a winning smile, and knowledge of how to teach their subject. It’s like facing a pack of rambunctious squirrels hopped up on espresso and only one acorn to be found, yet they tackle this challenge with a resilience that only a teacher knows they have. Why? Because it’s what they do!

But wait, there’s more! Let’s talk about grading papers… Teachers possess the superhuman ability to decipher the cryptic hieroglyphics known as student handwriting, forgetting the fact that it is not even in cursive anymore. Seriously, have you ever tried to decipher a student’s paper written in what can only be described as a blend of an ancient cryptic language and chicken scratch? It’s a skill worthy of admiration and maybe a Nobel Prize in code-breaking. The government should hire teachers as cryptologists.

Let’s also remember their unparalleled talent for multitasking. Have you ever tried herding students who struggle to walk and chew gum simultaneously? Instead, let’s say they are on their phones, never looking up. Teachers effortlessly juggle lesson plans, pacing guides, actually teaching, sometimes counseling, grading, and all the other unneeded bureaucracy that the education institution throws at you. Does it ever end? 

And what about their unwavering dedication to their craft? Always trying to find a better way to teach a topic, trying to find worthwhile professional development. Yet, despite the occasional existential crisis induced by grading a mountain of papers, trying to explain the quadratic formula for the umpteenth time, or answering student’s questions of “why” and “I don’t understand,” teachers warrior on, fueled by an unyielding passion for education and maybe an over-the-limit amount of caffeine.

So, dear reader of my blog, the next time you see a teacher, take a moment to acknowledge them for what they do. For they are not just educators but the guardians of our future, the architects of others’ dreams, and the unsung heroes of our sanity in the educational universe.

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… “X” @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

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The Value of Mercy…

19 Friday Jan 2024

Posted by The Book Chamber in Actions, Compassion, Educational Leadership, Empathy, Empower, Leader, Leadership, Mercy, Teachers, Trust

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emotional-intelligence, Empathy, Leadership, Mercy

With two days out for winter weather, we have been binge-watching the TV series Suits. The other night, this statement was made… “Mercy is from a position of strength.”

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As I heard that, I wondered how often leaders, even educational leaders and teachers, understand what that statement means. I often see many leaders who want to “flex” their leadership because they see it as their strength from the position without knowing how weak it makes them look.

Mercy is often regarded as a virtue associated with compassion and forgiveness. It is often seen as a leadership weakness. However, mercy holds a profound leadership characteristic. Leaders who are “flexing” emphasize authority, control, and managing mindsets. They never seem to understand mercy as a powerful testament to their leadership.

True leadership strength is not just making tough decisions; any “leader” can do that. But the ability to extend understanding and forgiveness shows power. Leaders who exhibit mercy understand the complexities of human nature and the inevitability of mistakes. Most people I know do not mess up on purpose. Why would they? Understanding mercy fosters a culture of empathy, creating an environment where others feel supported rather than fear-driven.

Extending mercy also builds trust. When leaders demonstrate a willingness to forgive and guide, it establishes a culture where others are more likely to admit errors and seek help. Sweeping things under the carpet quits happening, and transparency leads to an openness that contributes to continuous improvement. When members under your leadership feel secure, they are empowered, which helps the entire organization. No one likes walking around on eggshells in fear their ideas don’t agree, fearing severe consequences for every misstep.

Mercy also creates a connection with leadership. Weak leaders do not want this. They have no desire to connect on a deeper level and love their unapproachable mentality. They want loyalty and commitment, but not foster it… And when a conflict comes around…

When leaders choose mercy, a person’s rough road becomes much smoother. This is where growth and possibly healing take place. Not only for the person but for all who are watching, and guess what… they are watching. Mercy given for the right reason, wanting nothing in return, shines the light on the success leadership should be about.

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

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It’s That Time Of The Year: Gifts That Keep On Giving In Education…

01 Friday Dec 2023

Posted by The Book Chamber in Actions, Christmas, Classroom Leadership, Communication, Conversations, Culture, Decisions, Education, Educational Leadership, Encouragement, Joy, Leader, Leadership, Light, Students, Teachers, Unity

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Education, Educational Leadership, Leader, leader, Leadership, principal, Teachers

It’s December 1, and Christmas time is officially here. With the season in full swing, as educators, we are presented with a unique opportunity to foster a sense of unity, joy, and growth within our schools for three weeks. With diversity in schools, Christmas is sometimes celebrated differently due to cultures, or if at all, in student households. However, Christmas is a festive season, a time for celebration, and a period with immense potential to wrap up the first semester by creating an enriching and supportive environment that can help jumpstart and motivate for the second semester.

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Christmas time offers a sense of belonging. One thing is certain: in education, we foster a community for many students who have the need for belonging and need acceptance. As we lead in our schools, we might be the only ones offering belonging…

Communication is key to belonging. Educators can use this time to communicate, as stated in the beginning, to convey a sense of joy, unity, growth, and many other characteristics that may not be explicitly seen during the different times of the school year. A simple gesture of gratitude telling a student thank you might do wonders for their self-esteem (everyone enjoys this, by the way).

As we all know, educators remain a crucial piece of the jigsaw puzzle in setting the tone for a positive and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming all (why would we not?). How we decide to do this helps light the candle, brightening the season’s spirit. It starts with each one of us. Lighting someone else’s candle is hard if yours is not burning.

Educational leadership during Christmas is an extra opportunity to create a nurturing and vibrant learning environment. Throughout the school year, educators can make a lasting impact on students. Still, there are times, as now, when this impact can be even more relevant. As we celebrate the season, let us remember that the spirit of Christmas extends beyond festivities—it is a time for joy, unity, and growth. These are gifts that keep on giving (and no, not the jelly of the month club gift, Cousin Eddie).

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2023 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

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The Emotional Temperature of a Classroom: What Does The Thermometer Read?

03 Friday Nov 2023

Posted by The Book Chamber in Actions, Classroom Leadership, Classroom Management, Education, Educational Leadership, Effective, Emotion, Emotional Temperature, Empower, Leader, Leadership, Teachers

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The other day, I was listening to a future educator talk about what issues she sees in education and where they are going. One topic she hit on was how students gauge the emotional temperature of the classroom. Interesting thought, I told her, and then she gave me examples of her past teachers and how those classrooms felt.

So, I got to thinking more about this…

Education isn’t just about textbooks and lectures, and contrary to popular belief, it should be more than test scores, but that is where we live with education at the moment. At some point, we have gotten away from the idea that educating the whole child is not the best for students.

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But I digress…

The classroom… Education should be about creating a positive and inclusive learning environment centered around all students; this can be gauged by its “emotional temperature.” This thermometer reflects the climate in a classroom and plays a pivotal role in determining students’ success.

A positive emotional temperature in a classroom fosters engagement and motivation. Allowing students to feel safe where they enjoy the environment, where they are supported and valued, they are more likely to actively participate in their learning. Oh, but how this sometimes does not happen, and as educators, we miss the opportunity…

Too often, we see students only in school to fulfill the attendance requirements. Many students are genuinely interested in the subject matter, and this enthusiasm fuels their success. So, why do so many students enter a cold emotional climate? This cold climate is usually characterized by fear, anxiety, or indifference; all which can stifle students’ curiosity and willingness to learn. Considering this, why would we not want to offer an inviting atmosphere?

A warm emotional temperature also promotes well-being; just like getting out in the sun helps your immune system. Students who feel emotionally secure in the classroom are more likely to manage stress effectively, build resilience, and maintain their mental health.

Now, what about the teachers? Emotional temperature directly affects student-teacher relationships. Teachers who are approachable, and supportive often inspire trust and admiration among their students. These strong bonds encourage open communication, making it easier for students to seek help when they’re struggling, leading to more substantial progress in their academic journey and through all of this, standards can still be kept high.

Educational environments must collectively strive to maintain a warm emotional temperature in the classroom and with teachers to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and emotionally.

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2023 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

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