Category Archives: Servant

A Sacred Work Prayer

22 Friday Aug 2025

Posted by in Christian Worldview, Education, Educational Leadership, Encouragement, Gift, Grace, Jesus, Kindness, Know Your Why, Leader, Leadership, Respect, Sacrifice, Servant, Teacher Appreciation, Teachers, Thankful, Value

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Well, the start of school is here. Many are in full swing of five weeks now, a few a couple of weeks, and colleges just started… So, I wanted to wait until everyone was back to start sending out blogs again. I hope you had a great, restful summer, and you school year has started well.

For my first blog of the new school year, I thought I would write a prayer of sorts to get us thinking about the role of what we do, who we do it for, and why. Yes, what we do is a sacred work. I hope you enjoy. If you want a printable copy, click here: A Sacred Work Prayer

A Sacred Work Prayer

It is a privilege to speak,
of the work educators do.

For the lives enriched and challenged,
by their hands, their voices, their countless prayers.

Lord, give us wisdom, give us courage,
to stand beside those who educate.

As they lead in their schools,
for the betterment of society.

We pray for our schools,
let grace dwell among all who shape the future.

Day after day teachers give of themselves,
yet they are not alone…

For we walk with Jesus, the Master Teacher,
the One who never leaves, never forsakes.

Remind us daily this work is sacred,
a testimony to the power of education to change lives.

We remember those teachers who have gone before us…
who encouraged us, supported us, shepherded us.

Now strengthen us to serve,
to be salt and light in our schools.

That families and children,
may be profoundly blessed.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of teaching,
may we not squander what You have entrusted to us.

Thank You for making us part,
of the ministry of Your grace.

As we model Your love,
to those we educate.

© J Clay Norton, 2025

As you step into your role today, remember that you are not just an educator and leader but a shaper of the future. Your actions and decisions profoundly impact the lives of those you guide. Go, be the great educator and leader that our future needs.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2025 J Clay Norton

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

A Tribute for Dr. Tom Williams… The Epitome of Servant-based Leadership for Education…

23 Friday May 2025

Posted by in Educational Leadership, Leader, Leadership, Servant, Tribute

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I found out yesterday that one of my mentors, Dr. Tom Williams, suddenly passed away. I have been very fortunate to have such people who have influenced and mentored me outside my family. Dr. Williams is one of those.

I first met Dr. Williams when I started my master’s degree at Mississippi College. I remember him saying, “Glad you are here; when you finish your Master’s in Math, you start the Ed Leadership program.” I was like, “Sure…” and ever since then, I have had a leadership mentor who was always there to listen first and then give advice. I do not know what I did to befriend Dr. Williams beyond the student-professor relationship. I do not understand why he took an interest in me. I did not know, at the time, how much of a mentor he would become and how much of his influence I would develop into my leadership style. Looking back, I still do not know, but I will forever be thankful. Even now, at 53 years old, I value the influence and mentoring Dr. Williams provided me.

So, here is my tribute to Dr. Williams…

I’m writing today to tell of a person who modeled servant-based leadership to its finest degree. I only knew Dr. Williams as a college professor at Mississippi College and as a friend now for 20-plus years. Looking at his resume would make you dizzy with all he had done in education and almost every possible role, and he is one of the best I have ever seen on this front. His ability to encourage is textbook-worthy. My friend Nason Lollar and I were reminiscing last night on the phone about Dr. Williams, along with a few other greats we have both had in our lives. We concluded that if we can be half the encourager for future educators that Dr. Williams was, not only for us but for all, then we will succeed. While we can never replace them, we can only stand on the shoulders of these educational leadership giants.

Dr. Williams fits the mold of “often imitated but never duplicated.” His heart for education transcends into many lives he touched, and as an educator, he valued education while serving others, and he did just that. Education needs more educators like Tom Williams because people like Tom Williams are extraordinary educational leaders. As a lifelong educator, Dr. Williams helped shape my future through his influence and so many others, which we must remember to do and value as well.

So, I am sad that I lost someone I adored, admired, respected, appreciated, loved, etc. However, I am glad I am a better educational leader because of Dr. Williams. I will miss the many talks we had when we saw each other or on the phone. By far, he is one of servant-based leadership’s greats. I am grateful for the time I have had as his student and colleague, as I am sure many of you have also had him as a professor and worked with him. His impact on our lives leaves a legacy that will ripple through education for years to come. Dr. Tom Williams was my professor, my colleague, an inspiration, one of my leadership heroes, and my mentor. Most importantly, Dr. Williams was my friend, and I will miss him…

To take this quote from the movie The Emperor’s Club is to embody what Dr. Williams is:

“A great teacher has little external history to record. His life goes over into other lives. These men are pillars in the intimate structure of our schools. They are more essential than its stones or beams, and they will continue to be a kindling force and a revealing power in our lives.” 

I hope you have a mentor in your life like the ones I have had and currently do. It will make you better, regardless of your age. Allow someone to invest in you so you can invest in others. The value of a mentor is needed in all areas of life, including education.

As you step into your role today, remember that you are not just an educator and leader but a shaper of the future. Your actions and decisions profoundly impact the lives of those you guide. Go, be the great educator and leader that our future needs.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2025 J Clay Norton

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

A Teacher Appreciation and a Tribute to Charlotte Walker…

09 Friday May 2025

Posted by in Appreciation, Classroom Leadership, Education, Educational Leadership, Leader, Leadership, Respect, Servant, Teacher Appreciation, Teachers, Tribute

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Well, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week again. That one week where we recognize the value teachers have that we should be recognizing all year long, but I digress…

So, in keeping with themes from my past blogs during this Teacher Appreciation Week, a thank you to all educators. The value you bring to helping society is always welcomed.

And now, an appreciation and a tribute to a friend who is retiring…

For 34 years, Charlotte Walker has poured her heart, soul, and unmatched intellect into the field of education, leaving an enduring mark on Clinton High School and on generations of students and teachers alike. As a history teacher, she has taught nearly every subject the department offers, with a depth of knowledge and a passion that has made history come alive in her classroom. Currently, excelling in teaching Economics and AP Macroeconomics.

For 16 of those years, she served as department head, leading with a steady hand, quiet strength, and a deep, unwavering support for every teacher under her wing. New and young teachers, especially found in her, a mentor who believed in them from day one. Charlotte made it her mission to support others, always placing herself last.

Beyond the classroom, Charlotte’s leadership showed through the extracurricular programs she championed. For 12 years, she led the mock trial team. She also sponsored the economics trial team and the international summit competition group, both of which regularly placed among the top. Her mentorship helped shape the minds of her students. A master of diplomacy herself, Charlotte is admired not only for her sharp intellect but also for her warmth, patience, and ability to treat every member of the department and Clinton High School as a vital part of the whole. But, being the wise sage she is, never think you could pull something past her. She always knew…

Charlotte has been the epitome of excellence, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the educational mission that the Clinton Public School District welcomes, culminating in this last year as being chosen as Clinton High School’s teacher of the year. Her influence reaches far beyond lesson plans and test scores. She has cultivated a culture of encouragement, integrity, and quiet strength. She has reminded us all what it means to lead not by position but by presence. Also, being a National Board Certified Teacher, she was the touchpoint person and mentor for many who have pursued and earned National Board status at Clinton.

When I first arrived at Clinton, even though I didn’t know Charlotte, she immediately made me feel welcome, even though I was not part of the history department. She extended a genuine friendship, one that both of us will carry far into the future. I will miss the daily dose of Charlotte’s subtle wit and our common thinking ground, especially missing her deep, thoughtful knowledge of Reformed Theology during our Monday morning coffee club Bible study group. We have had many heartfelt conversations and solved most of life’s problems, wishing the world would listen, and her two words at the end of our discussions, “You think?” or telling me, “You’re a good man, Charlie Brown.” I am deeply grateful for the time I’ve spent as an educator alongside her, as I’m sure many of you are as well. Her impact on students’ lives, and on all of ours, is immeasurable. A legacy she leaves.

Education needs more educators like Charlotte Walker because people like Charlotte Walker are extraordinary educators. She is my teaching colleague and, in many ways, a mentor and a confidant. Most importantly, Charlotte is my friend.

As you step into your role today, remember that you are not just an educator and leader but a shaper of the future. Your actions and decisions profoundly impact the lives of those you guide. Go, be the great educator and leader that our future needs.

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2025 J Clay Norton

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

It’s a Wonderful Life – Leadership Found in Good ole George Bailey…

06 Friday Dec 2024

Posted by in A Christmas Story, Actions, Charlie Brown, Christmas, Christmas Vacation, Circumstances, Clarity, Compassion, Crisis, Deciding, Decisions, Heart, Inspiration, It's a Wonderful Life, Know Your Why, Leader, Leadership, Legacy, Purpose, Relationships, Respect, Sacrifice, Servant, Transactional, Transformational

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Well, it’s that time of year again… when we watch the same movies we have seen dozens of times over and over. I have my favorites (Charlie Brown, Christmas Vacation, and The Christmas Story) some that are so-so ok, and then there are those that are no way.

For me, It’s a Wonderful Life falls into a different category. I really like it, but do not watch it often (really cannot tell you why or why not). I do realize that many think it is a holiday classic, and that’s ok; I’m not opposed to turning the channel if it is on. However, I do realize and appreciate that there is a profound amount of leadership, sacrifice, and what can truly define success in the movie.

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Good ole George Bailey… he’s the one many will say, “Go live your life, forget the people.” While others recognize the fact that he spends his life setting aside his dreams of travel, adventure, and ambition to serve the small town of Bedford Falls.

You can be worn out watching George by the movie’s end; even George feels worn out. He sees himself as a failure, convinced he’s achieved nothing he desired, talking to anyone who will listen while at the same time talking to himself. Yet, for the pure of heart, at the end of the movie, we are given a glimpse of the truth… George has everything that truly matters.

This glimpse holds valuable lessons for all, especially those in leadership…

Impact Over Accomplishment

George is a big-time dreamer, wanting to build skyscrapers and see the world. All of this is over shadowed by the transformative impact he has on the lives of others. The older I get, the more I realize that leadership is not measured by trophies, plaques, certificates, or accolades but by how others thrive because of your influence in their lives. Every sacrifice George makes keeps Bedford Falls alive. He ensures families they have homes and hope. I realize here that the true leadership shown by George builds communities, not personal legacies.

The Power of Relationships

There is a scene in the movie where George is at his lowest point. However, he learns his worth is from the outpouring of love and support from those he served; yes, we see servant leadership at its finest. We see in George’s character that leadership is relational, not transactional. Through George’s trust, loyalty, and goodwill, he cultivated his greatest wealth. This is what is needed in times of crisis, the value of relationships.

Redefining Success

Success of achievements vs meaning… This is a hard one, and you are the only one who can answer. We can read books, listen to podcasts, and ask for advice, but in the end… only you can answer what you want out of the decisions you make. If you have seen the movie, you know how it ends. George Bailey did not build skyscrapers, but he built up the lives of others. His success was not in what he gained (he only had $2 left in the cash register) but in what he gave, which was himself. If you understand this, you know that fulfillment can be found when you prioritize purpose over prestige.

Good ole George Bailey… he wanted to chase personal dreams, but not at the expense of others. His greatest triumph could be ours… realizing that a life poured out for others is a wonderful life. This Christmas season, let’s give it a try.

As you step into your role today, remember that you are not just an educator and leader but a shaper of the future. Your actions and decisions profoundly impact the lives of those you guide. Go, be the great educator and leader that our future needs.

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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