Tag Archives: Respect

We Need Future Teachers Who Will Run Toward Education… A David and Goliath Analogy

19 Friday Apr 2024

Posted by in Advocate, Appreciation, Courage, Decisions, Education, Educational Leadership, Embrace, Encouragement, Importance, Influence, Inspiration, Leader, Leadership, Respect, Sacrifice, Servant, Teacher Appreciation, Teachers, Value

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The other night, in my Test & Measurements class, in order to leave for the night, each student must give their “take-a-way” of the night’s discussion. It’s a fun activity, and while I just want to hear what they gleaned from the night, it also takes on a lesson within itself. Now, these are undergraduate students who are within a semester or a year away of being an actual teacher for the first time. And yes, I am trying my best to “positively corrupt” them in the way education actually is, and it is going pretty well. Anyway… A student told us that the other day, someone asked her what she was going to do, and she replied that she was going into education and being a special education teacher. The lady replied, “Has someone told you to run?” I knew then I had my blog for this week…

For what it’s worth, I immediately thought about David and Goliath… what better way to have an analogy for education? I Samuel 17:48 reads, “When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.”

Yes, like Goliath, education can be and is viewed as a giant. But how many of us, as educators, are Davids running toward the battle that education is and meet it head-on?

As a career choice, education is a beacon of both challenge and fulfillment. Yes, there are complexities and demands of teaching, and some aspiring educators might hesitate, trying to figure out whether to run toward or away from the field. However, since we live in an ever-changing world, I believe there is a compelling case for people who want to become educators to run toward education with open arms and embrace it.

The impact of educators extends far beyond the classroom walls. As I stated in a previous blog,  “A Great Teacher” is what I want to be…, a few years ago, a scene from the The Emperor’s Club says what teachers are better than I could ever state myself…

“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.”

Educators hold the keys to shaping minds, fostering critical thinking, and lead the leaders of tomorrow. Our future is driven by innovation and progress. Educators serve as that “spark plug,” igniting curiosity and inspiring students to reach their fullest potential. Our role as educators and our ability to influence underscores the significance of how we can help shape the future.

Becoming an educator is marked by a commitment to lifelong learning and dealing with so much college does not teach you. Teachers navigate the waters of diversity, fight the current of educational bureaucracy, and simply just have to tread water when there is a lack of support. Yet through this journey, educators continue to refine their craft and cultivate resilience, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose.

The bottom line is that the decision to pursue a career in education is not merely a professional choice but a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. So, the next time you see someone wanting to make a career in education, tell them that you are glad they are running toward it. They are the ones who will shape future generations’ minds. Education needs more Davids; encourage them to run towards and slay the giant.

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.

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

The Leadership in “Masters of the Air”

12 Friday Apr 2024

Posted by in Adaptability, Adversity, Communication, Courage, Educational Leadership, Empathy, Encouragement, Integrity, Leader, Leadership, Loyalty, Pressure, Resilience, Respect, Team

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We have just finished watching Apple TV’s Masters of the Air series. For those of you who have not watched it, I highly recommend it. The leadership in the show transcends time and different levels of the overall capacity of leadership. As I watched each episode, I thought how much can be used in the education world.

download (10)

Let me say here that the show is very touching, especially seeing the lives of those who sacrificed and what they went through. Also, it is very humbling. Masters of the Air is a series that dives deep into the essence of leadership; invaluable insights are provided far beyond the battlefield and the arena where it takes place. As educational leaders strive to mold future educators, inspiration and guidance can be found in the characters and narratives of this remarkable show.

Masters of the Air is set during World War II and follows the journey of American bomber crews stationed in England, tasked with executing perilous daylight bombing raids over Nazi-occupied Europe. At its core, the series portrays the essence of effective leadership amidst adversity, showcasing traits such as courage, integrity, empathy, and strategic thinking.

One of the most compelling aspects of leadership highlighted in the series is the importance of leading by example. As we like to say, leadership does not work unless you “Inspect what you expect.” The commanding officers, portrayed with depth and authenticity, demonstrate unwavering resolve and sacrifice, earning the respect and loyalty of their teams through their actions rather than mere words. In education, this translates into educational leaders at all levels embodying the values they seek to instill, fostering a culture of integrity and excellence. It is very difficult for others to model what you are not.

Masters of the Air underscores the significance of clear communication and teamwork in achieving common goals. Each member of the bomber crew plays a crucial role, and success hinges upon their ability to collaborate effectively under pressure. Even more notable is acknowledging the success of communication and teamwork between the Tuskegee Airmen, who brought demographical and cultural differences, and the bomber crews. This alone is a leadership trait that needs to be found more. Success means putting aside self and serving others. Likewise, cultivating a sense of belonging and collaboration among administration, teachers, and students in educational settings is paramount for fostering a conducive learning environment.

Additionally, the series emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of challenges. This might be needed more than ever as education continues to change. As the characters in the show confront adversity, they demonstrate the ability to learn from failures, adjust their strategies, and persevere against all odds. This concept is needed at all levels of education. Too often, we see educational leaders never garnish these first two characteristics. Only the respected, great leaders make it to the third characteristic. This resilience is a vital trait for both leaders and learners alike, enabling them to navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger from setbacks.

Masters of the Air offers a compelling narrative of leadership. By drawing inspiration from the characters and themes of the series, educational leaders can cultivate the future and equip themselves and others with the skills, values, and mindset to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

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.

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

If Teachers Are Not An Advocate For Teaching, Then Who Will?

16 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by in Advocate, Educational Leadership, Idealist, Leader, Leadership, Passion, Servant, Teacher Appreciation, Teachers

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

The other night, I was having a conversation with a future educator, and she was so excited about becoming a teacher. Now, she is a product of a family of educators, but deciding to be a teacher doesn’t always happen with educator’s children.

With that being said, she went on and on about how cool being a teacher was. As I sat there listening, I began to wonder why education does not have more people who are advocates for our profession. The advocacy should come from us, who are veterans, but to listen to a future teacher excited about it is refreshing.

download

It goes without saying teachers are the cornerstone of the educational system. Yet, how many people do you actually hear advocating for it? It’s a question worth pondering, considering as teachers, we have a hand in shaping society’s future and every profession.

Yet, we only hear stifled voices. Why? Maybe it’s the nature of the profession. Teaching is hard. It’s time-consuming and demanding of your time and your talents. Many teachers take school home with them. If not home, then any other place they frequent. Often, they spend more time with children other than their own. What little time we have for ourselves must be devoted to family and immediate responsibilities.

Now that we have that out of the way let’s talk about how education has historically been undervalued and under appreciated. It really rubs me the wrong way when I hear people say, “Those who can’t, teach.” Educators provide an impact on and in student’s lives that might not happen in any other place. Yet we offer and do it at a level of value of compensation that is laughable compared to other professions. Throw in insufficient resources and the lack of professional autonomy, and you have the best “want ad” ever for a future teacher. Who wants to advocate for a profession that seems like an uphill battle against a system that has had the same issues over the years?

And then there is the decision making process… It’s hard to advocate when non-educators and school leadership often make decisions regarding educational policies that negatively affect their schools. Often, teachers’ voices are marginalized, creating a challenge for influential change for the right educational decisions.

But, let not our hearts be dismayed… despite these challenges and many more, it’s essential for educators to recognize the importance of and the power of advocacy. One voice here, one voice there, voices can become united. United for a profession that instills character, accountability, and responsibility. United for a profession that teaches the unknown to minds that are curious and want to be successful. The voices we hear are from those who are passionate about our vocation. Passionate for being a voice for students who cannot speak for themselves. Passionate for understanding the diverse needs of learners and the success of well-being. Passionate for wanting to be a teacher because they want to be one.

The other night, as our conversation ended, I felt that, just maybe, education does have a chance. If future teachers are idealists, ready to have a servant-leadership mindset, and prepared to debunk the notions and the nay-sayers that teaching is not a lesser profession, education is in good hands and worth promoting as such.

It starts with a “want to teach” mentality. Maybe, “Those who CAN, teach!” What say you? How are you promoting the teaching profession? 

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…

RESPECT

21 Friday Apr 2017

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

“Correction does much, but encouragement does more.” – Goethe

R-E-S-P-E-C-T – Now that you have the song stuck in your head…

Is respect for you or others? Most of the time respect is often wanted instead of being given. Do you subconsciously find yourself wishing you were given more respect? Like many other areas of leadership, I believe respect falls into the area of servant leadership. It has to be about others before it can be about you. In some ways, two-way respect is beginning to fade. As leaders, how we give respect tells a lot of our leadership mindset. Let’s make sure we are showing and giving respect. If we do not, we are certain never to receive the respect we believe we should have or even earn.