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~ J Clay Norton, Ed.D.

The Book Chamber

Category Archives: Affection

These are the times that try educator’s souls…

23 Friday Aug 2019

Posted by The Book Chamber in Achieve, Affection, Appreciation, Choice, Crisis, Decisions, Future, Ideals, Inspiration, Leader, Leadership, Purpose, Reflection, Servant, Teachers, Useful

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Thomas Paine penned these words in The American Crisis, dated December 1776, to convince people at the time to continue to support the American cause of the Revolution.

“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”

As I have read these words and thought much about them as of late, it seems that we are almost in the same spot when it comes to where we are in education, not only as a nation but as a state more importantly. As educators, who are in the schools, are our souls troubled? Yes. Do we need an educational revolution, per se? Yes. Education and educators need quality representation.

 

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As we break down each one of the sentences of Thomas Paine’s great thought, let’s look at it through the lens of educators. We are at a point where it is time for those who make educational decisions to be convinced to support the cause of education.

THESE are the times that try men’s souls

Yes… These are the times that try educator’s souls. Why? Too many tests, too much time spent on paperwork, and too much anything else that gets in the way of actually allowing teachers to teach. It is too much, too many, too often, too… And let us not forgot that as educators, we have to pay for our on raises by completing the requirement for higher degrees or certifications.

The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Let’s replace solider and patriot with educator… Yes, education, as a whole, is in a crisis, and many educators who are disheartened or contented fall away from its service. But oh, how we need educators who regardless of the crisis, will stand for what education should be – that is to educate truly. When that happens, yes, educators deserve the love and thanks of all.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.

I am not saying that where we are in education is suppressed by tyranny, but I will say it is very hard to conquer where education is right now.  The tyranny I see is that we have non-educators making educational decisions. Educators are the ones who need to have the voice for what education should be. However, the consolation – for what it is worth… the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph of educators today as they continue to rise and meet the demands set before them. Those who continue this good fight are worthy.

What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value.

There might be some who really think that because teachers teach, they cannot do anything else. Too cheap – esteem too lightly? Well, my question would be to those who think this way… Why is there a teacher shortage? Why is teaching not valued by others? As long as there are teachers who care, education will have value, an intrinsic value only. Teaching is not easy – those who can, do, and they hold it dear.

Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.

Let’s replace freedom with education… Heaven knows how to put a price on proper goods? Yes, I believe that. I believe that education is a proper good, deserving of all, and it should continue to be highly rated. If educators decide not to teach, who will?

Many times we stand at a crossroad in our lives, and it is at those times, our soul is troubled. As we remember that education is for the future, we should be able to find some solace, knowing we teach for others. The future can only measure the value that educators bring. We need quality representation to hear our voices to make sure our souls are not troubled in the future. There are too many other “things” in life that try our souls… education should not be one of them.

 

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others

©2019 J Clay Norton

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Things We All Need More Of…

12 Friday Oct 2018

Posted by The Book Chamber in Actions, Adventure, Affection, Attitude, Balance, Communication, Conversations, Dignity, Expectations, Giving, Heart, Importance, Leader, Leadership, Purpose, Relationships, Rest, Understanding, Value

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I saw this picture on Twitter the other day and began to think of how each item is necessary to battle the need for quality leadership in today’s society. Being in a leadership position, we are pulled and sometimes pushed in many different directions. Some voluntarily, some not so much.

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While each of these pics are sweet and cute, the leadership behind them can be influential in our daily fight. We need more of each of these…

Adventures

We need one or two things that allow us to escape the mundane activities of everyday life. While our jobs are somewhat labeled as day to day activities, it can and does get monotonous. Having an adventure allows us to breathe a little easier and push our minds to a different level. It gives you a sense of mental freedom.

Good Sleep

Yep… We all need it, and we all want more of it.  Now, how to get it? I am not sure I have an answer. However, you and I know when we get a good night’s sleep. We are pushed to the max on a daily basis. We go to bed with “stuff” on our minds.  We toss and turn, here and there, as much as being pushed and pulled like we are when we are awake. Typically, something has to give in your life to ease your mind. It is up to you to decide that.

Warm Hugs

The older I get, the more I want to be around like-minded, kindred-spirited people (I have said this before).  Now, we are probably not going to give or receive “warm hugs” everytime we want, but I believe we can broaden the tagline to just being around people who make you feel better about yourself.  I am sure each of us can attest to “having” to be around others that we do not want to be around. Odds are they are not going to give you that warm hug, but more likely an icy stare or a cold shoulder. Be intentional about the people you are around. It says a lot about you.

Interesting Conversations

I like this one.  Interesting conversations help the brain and maybe the heart. What are interesting conversations? You have to decide. However, I can tell you what they are not. Interesting conversations are not about yourself, others, gossip, complaints, fluff, etc. These conversations are easy to see and hear. They are the conversations that are hand-mouthed in hush tones, behind closed doors or loud enough, so others have to listen to them. Interesting conversations mean something and have value. They solve problems. They are for the good of yourself and others together.

Laughter

Laughter is great.  We have memorable moments that make us chuckle. We read something funny. We watch slap-stick comedy.  The things that make us laugh are different for everyone.  Someone said, “Laughter is good for the soul.”  Any way you look at it, laughter is good. Have you ever laughed at something terrible? Probably not. Just remember though, it is not very leadership like to laugh at the expense of others. You sure would not want them to laugh at you.

Happy Dances

Do not read this and say you have never done a little dance step.  I have. You have too. Usually, it is when something good comes to mind as a happy thought, an upbeat song, an accomplishment. I would even broaden this tagline to include the “fist-pump.” A happy dance celebrates good things, and sometimes that is just what each of us needs. Go ahead, dance.

Leadership, in general, is a daily grind and the struggle is real.  Leaders get down. Sometimes I find all it takes are the little, small things that encourage. We need to have some of the above thoughts in our lives.  If we do not, then we cannot help others because we cannot help ourselves.

Remember… THINK LEADERSHIP!

©2018 J Clay Norton

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