I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou was an amazing poet. That's about the extent of what I knew about her; that and Oprah Winfrey pretty much worshipped this woman. I can see why. 

An upcoming book group theme:reading a memoir, spurred me to finally read the first of Maya Angelou's many memoirs. Long considered a classic, I was ready to dive in and discover just what shaped such an extraordinary woman. 

Marguerite Johnson started life in California, but at a very young age was sent, with her brother Bailey, on a train to Stamps, Arkansas to live with their Grandmother, whom they called Momma. This was in the early 1930's, as the nation struggled with the Great Depression. Marguerite and Bailey settled in with their Momma and Uncle Willy. Momma ran a general store for their community and the children were expected to work there, go to school, do chores, and attend church. Momma ran a tight ship and was a respected member of the community. She kept her store open and thriving during the Depression through sheer grit and smarts. Marguerite's life with Momma was stable, but the times were troubling. The arrival of their father from California brought change. He took them to St. Louis to live with their beautiful, glamorous mother, and there Marguerite was raped by a man at the age of eight. She told her brother, and he told her mother. The resulting arrest and trial, and shortly thereafter murder of her rapist was more than she could bear. She decided that by speaking, she had murdered that man, so she stopped talking. Once again, Bailey and Marguerite were sent back to live in Stamps with Momma. 

There's much more to Marguerite's early life, but I couldn't get over how much had happened to her in such a short life. She identifies Mrs. Flowers as the first person who really saves her and starts her on a path towards the rest of her life, simply by reading classics to Marguerite and encouraging her to keep reading. Books and libraries were safety nets for Marguerite and Bailey and they spent a lot of time in libraries or at home reading. The power of storytelling and the written word are evident throughout this memoir. This memoir also speaks to the mood of America, the treatment of African Americans, and probably the most poignant and heartbreaking moment is when Bailey realizes what it means to be a young black boy in America. Maya's observations of the poor folk around her, and their belief that living this hardscrabble life will be rewarded in heaven are pretty profound for a young girl. 

Maya Angelou's writing is a gift. Her observations of life around her show a depth of maturity and wisdom rarely seen in one so young. Knowing where life will take her, and the people, places, and experiences she will have added to my interest in her early life-what made her and why? 

So glad I finally read this amazing memoir. I'm curious to read more, and to understand her relationship with her brother Bailey and her mother, the beautiful yet troubled woman who was in and out of her early life. To think this little girl would one day be reading her poetry at a presidential inauguration is pretty astonishing, and shows just how courageous a woman that little girl became and how far she traveled from Stamps, Arkansas. 

Rating:  5/6 for the language, writing, and simply amazing young life of Maya Angelou. She writes in a way that is more storytelling than in a cut and dried "these are the facts", which makes her young life experiences more impactful and from the heart. 

Available in paperback, ebook, and audio. 






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3 Ways to Build the “Energy” in Your Schools

Recently, I wrote about the “3 E’s of Building a Great School Culture,” and they were as follows:

The Environment is about the space(s) around us and the “stuff” that is needed to serve students learners.

The Experience is about what we design for learning and what we empower others to create for themselves.

The Energy is what we bring in ourselves to our schools and what others help unleash in others.

Although I see all three as being of great importance, I have been focusing a lot on the “Energy” as of late.  Not only for myself but also for being a part of school openings all around North America. I have been blown away by the enthusiasm and passion in so many school districts that I have had the pleasure to be around, and I have thought about how this is maintained throughout the year.  Although “energy” is something that as individuals we should do our best to fill, we also have an impact on those around us as well.

Here are three things that I have picked up over the course of my travels this summer:

1. Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.

   I had the pleasure to connect with Superintendent David Faltys this summer, and his team of staff is incredible. I was literally crying because my heart was beating so fast feeling the passion from his district. It was incredible.

   One thing that I noticed was that although he takes serving his staff very seriously, he doesn’t take himself too seriously. His easy-going way and sense of humor, especially at his own expense, make the atmosphere extremely light and fun.

   Education is an emotionally taxing profession, and if we are serious all of the time, burnout can become more likely.  I saw this image recently, and it was a powerful reminder:

   
   The most influential leader in my career would always say the following to me after a hard day; “If you don’t laugh, you will cry.” She would continuously give me the reminder that a positive and fun attitude was just as contagious as the opposite, so it was always up to me to choose what I hoped other people would catch.

2. Show appreciation to people every time it comes to your mind.

   Whether it is a colleague, our boss, a student, a parent, we often hold in our good thoughts and let loose with the bad ones.  I always make this joke about how hard the IT department has it because they never hear the comments, “Hey! The Internet worked all day today! Thanks!”  I guarantee they are exposed to the opposite sentiment ALL THE TIME!

   It takes very little energy to say something nice, but it sure can suck the energy out of people when all they hear is the opposite. Saying something kind is always free but can have more of an impact on people than you will ever know.

   Always err on the side of the positive.

3. Always remember why you do what you do.

   There is a significant difference when I see presentations that feature media and the voice of students.  As well, on professional learning days, having students be a part of the day and/or sharing their gifts with educators, always seems to lift the enthusiasm of the room.

   A simple thing I used to do as principal when I was bogged down with paperwork or email was to simply go into classrooms to see students. It reminded me why I did the “boring work” that needed to be done.

   Remember why you do what you do.

---

Although this post is on how we can lift the energy of others, understand that we often lift ourselves in the process.  Energy, enthusiasm, and passion are contagious and what we do to grow that in others will most likely help it to develop in ourselves.

• July 19, 2018 The 3 “E’s” of Building a Great School Culture
• December 12, 2017 3 Ideas For Taking Care of Yourself Before the Break
• June 28, 2013 The Prophets In Your Land
• April 28, 2013 The First Step to Change
• February 11, 2014 Taking Ownership

Source: George Couros

from Connected Principals https://ift.tt/2wcvbyo

3 Ways to Build the “Energy” in Your Schools

Recently, I wrote about the “3 E’s of Building a Great School Culture,” and they were as follows:

The Environment is about the space(s) around us and the “stuff” that is needed to serve students learners.

The Experience is about what we design for learning and what we empower others to create for themselves.

The Energy is what we bring in ourselves to our schools and what others help unleash in others.

Although I see all three as being of great importance, I have been focusing a lot on the “Energy” as of late.  Not only for myself but also for being a part of school openings all around North America. I have been blown away by the enthusiasm and passion in so many school districts that I have had the pleasure to be around, and I have thought about how this is maintained throughout the year.  Although “energy” is something that as individuals we should do our best to fill, we also have an impact on those around us as well.

Here are three things that I have picked up over the course of my travels this summer:

1. Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.

   I had the pleasure to connect with Superintendent David Faltys this summer, and his team of staff is incredible. I was literally crying because my heart was beating so fast feeling the passion from his district. It was incredible.

   One thing that I noticed was that although he takes serving his staff very seriously, he doesn’t take himself too seriously. His easy-going way and sense of humor, especially at his own expense, make the atmosphere extremely light and fun.

   Education is an emotionally taxing profession, and if we are serious all of the time, burnout can become more likely.  I saw this image recently, and it was a powerful reminder:

   
   The most influential leader in my career would always say the following to me after a hard day; “If you don’t laugh, you will cry.” She would continuously give me the reminder that a positive and fun attitude was just as contagious as the opposite, so it was always up to me to choose what I hoped other people would catch.

2. Show appreciation to people every time it comes to your mind.

   Whether it is a colleague, our boss, a student, a parent, we often hold in our good thoughts and let loose with the bad ones.  I always make this joke about how hard the IT department has it because they never hear the comments, “Hey! The Internet worked all day today! Thanks!”  I guarantee they are exposed to the opposite sentiment ALL THE TIME!

   It takes very little energy to say something nice, but it sure can suck the energy out of people when all they hear is the opposite. Saying something kind is always free but can have more of an impact on people than you will ever know.

   Always err on the side of the positive.

3. Always remember why you do what you do.

   There is a significant difference when I see presentations that feature media and the voice of students.  As well, on professional learning days, having students be a part of the day and/or sharing their gifts with educators, always seems to lift the enthusiasm of the room.

   A simple thing I used to do as principal when I was bogged down with paperwork or email was to simply go into classrooms to see students. It reminded me why I did the “boring work” that needed to be done.

   Remember why you do what you do.

---

Although this post is on how we can lift the energy of others, understand that we often lift ourselves in the process.  Energy, enthusiasm, and passion are contagious and what we do to grow that in others will most likely help it to develop in ourselves.

• July 19, 2018 The 3 “E’s” of Building a Great School Culture
• December 12, 2017 3 Ideas For Taking Care of Yourself Before the Break
• June 28, 2013 The Prophets In Your Land
• April 28, 2013 The First Step to Change
• February 11, 2014 Taking Ownership

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7 Ways to Be a Stronger, More Productive Risk Taker

If you want to learn and grow and make a greater impact, it's essential to be a productive risk taker. Not all risks are productive of course, but most people actually make too few mistakes, not too many.

Former IBM President Thomas Watson boldly proclaimed, "If you want to succeed, double your rate of failure." It's through our mistakes that we learn. When we take risks, we either win or we learn. Not win or lose. Win or learn.

So how do you become a stronger risk taker? How do you find the courage to step out of your comfort zone and into your growth zone? Here are 7 ideas.

1. Allow Yourself to Be Vulnerable

Risk taking involves the possibility of failure. Be content with doing your best even if the outcome isn't what you hoped for initially. 

2. Take Many, Smaller Risks to Start

If you want to grow as a risk taker, take more risks. But don't think they have to be gigantic risks at first. In fact, it's not wise to take larger risks to start. Taking lots of smaller risks helps you gain the confidence, practice, and good judgment to take larger risks eventually.

3. Hang Out with Risk Takers

If you spend your time with people who protect the status quo and simply try to stay comfortable, you'll be more likely to do the same. Bring people into your life who are taking risks and living their dreams. It's very difficult to rise above mediocrity if that's what you are surrounded by every day. Seek excellence. And know that when you take risks, it's going to make some people very uncomfortable.

4. Do Something a Little Wild and Crazy

There are lots of wild and crazy things you can do that might feel frightening but really aren't that risky at all. You might risk embarrassment if it doesn't work out, but that's about it. Later this year my daughter Maddie and I will be contestants in our community's Dancing with the Stars fundraiser. So although dancing in front of a big crowd is way out of my comfort zone, what's the worst that could happen right? It should actually be fun. And I know it's an opportunity to practice risk taking and just going for it.

5. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

It might feel safer to just be content with how things are. It might feel more comfortable to just go through the motions. But if you want to grow, you have to step out of your comfort zone. There is always that little voice telling you to play it safe. You have to push past that resistance. I've made it a habit to read and learn and spend time on personal growth at least 5-hours every week. At first, that was very difficult but eventually it became easier. What was uncomfortable as first became comfortable and increasingly valuable over time.

6. Be an Adaptable Learner.

Our world is changing faster than ever. The rate of change is accelerating. And since we're not teaching kids from 20 years ago, our classrooms and schools shouldn't look like 20 years ago either. Things are changing so quickly that even schools that are taking risks and making bold moves forward are likely still falling behind. Our students need to see us as adaptable learners. They need to see us model growth, change, and adaptability. 

7. Make No Excuses 

No one want to live an average, ordinary existence. Don't sacrifice your capacity for excellence by listening to the voice telling you to settle for less. You can live an extraordinary life and have extraordinary impact. You just have to do it. You have to push through your fears and stop making excuses.

What risks are you willing to take this year? How will you push yourself out of your own comfort zone? I'd love to hear your feedback. Leave a comment below or respond on Facebook or Twitter.

        

Comments

• Comments

Related Stories

• What Story Are You Telling Yourself?
• 11 Crucial Characteristics of Adaptable Learners
• 3 Reasons to Recognize Effort and Growth Over Achievement and Outcomes

 

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Introducing Wen-Zen-day! A day of “zen” for students and staff…

I’ve mentioned the greatness of my principal peer, Dr. Helm, before. She is the elementary principal at George W. Bush Elementary…she and GWB are practically besties! Not only that, she has really great ideas that she frequently shares with me…and you know how I love that! One of them that I am completely stealing is her […]

The post Introducing Wen-Zen-day! A day of “zen” for students and staff… appeared first on Technically Yours Teamann.

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3 Thoughts on “Culture Killers”

A friend shared the following story with me:

Here’s a culture horror story for you: I have a friend who does amazing work with primary students. The superintendent of her district decided to do a photo op in her classroom one day. She was notified in advance that she had to write questions that the superintendent could ask her students during his visit.

Think about the message that sends to teachers.

“I don’t even care enough about what you are doing to observe it, think about it, and make up my own questions to ask your students.”

The superintendent stopped by with an entourage that included the media. The superintendent then spent five minutes with kids, left, and sat for a long interview with the news about how district policies and programs had led to the kind of teaching on display in that classroom.

It was a real culture killing moment — and it continues to kill culture because that story gets told again and again by people in her district. Every time I’m there to present, someone in the audience grumbles about it. It’s become a part of the collective “lore” of the district.

That’s probably something else I’d share with leaders: The actions you take — whether they are positive or negative — become the stories that teachers will tell about you over and over again.

A few things that I thought about when I read this:

1. It is understandable that people want to shine in their positions, including superintendents and principals.  But what I have learned over and over again is that when you shine the light on the people you serve and give them credit for the work they do, eventually, it will shine back on you.  The best leaders know to excel at leadership is to empower the people they serve, not steal the spotlight.
2. Authenticity matters.  If you are in a room, recognize the people in that room (and outside of that room) that do things to make amazing happen.  Incredible work doesn’t just happen.  One of my favorite quotes; “it takes years and years of hard work to become an overnight success.” Authentically acknowledging what you see in front of you shows people that you care enough to be present.
3. If you are in education, people are more willing to accept your faults and mistakes (we all have them) if they see you will take time and connect with students. Not only does this show an appreciation for those students which educators need to know, it also makes the job of others so much easier to do. Think of it this way; if I spend some time with students as an administrator and I make them feel valued and cared for in an authentic manner, what does that look like when they walk back into a classroom or a school?  People that feel valued will do more than ones who do not.

There are simple ways to make “better stories” as a leader:

1. Be authentic and vulnerable.
2. Remember you are there to serve kids which means serving adults so they can provide every opportunity for those students.
3. Shine the light on others as much as possible.  There is ZERO risk in showing appreciation for the work of others.

• November 4, 2012 You Should Read… (November 4, 2012)
• July 17, 2018 3 Thoughts on Innovation in Education Heading into the New School Year
• July 22, 2018 3 Ways to Help Move Your Boss Forward
• March 21, 2016 The Message and the Messenger
• January 19, 2016 Why Your Best People Leave and Why That Can Be Okay

Source: George Couros

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3 Thoughts on “Culture Killers”

A friend shared the following story with me:

Here’s a culture horror story for you: I have a friend who does amazing work with primary students. The superintendent of her district decided to do a photo op in her classroom one day. She was notified in advance that she had to write questions that the superintendent could ask her students during his visit.

Think about the message that sends to teachers.

“I don’t even care enough about what you are doing to observe it, think about it, and make up my own questions to ask your students.”

The superintendent stopped by with an entourage that included the media. The superintendent then spent five minutes with kids, left, and sat for a long interview with the news about how district policies and programs had led to the kind of teaching on display in that classroom.

It was a real culture killing moment — and it continues to kill culture because that story gets told again and again by people in her district. Every time I’m there to present, someone in the audience grumbles about it. It’s become a part of the collective “lore” of the district.

That’s probably something else I’d share with leaders: The actions you take — whether they are positive or negative — become the stories that teachers will tell about you over and over again.

A few things that I thought about when I read this:

1. It is understandable that people want to shine in their positions, including superintendents and principals.  But what I have learned over and over again is that when you shine the light on the people you serve and give them credit for the work they do, eventually, it will shine back on you.  The best leaders know to excel at leadership is to empower the people they serve, not steal the spotlight.
2. Authenticity matters.  If you are in a room, recognize the people in that room (and outside of that room) that do things to make amazing happen.  Incredible work doesn’t just happen.  One of my favorite quotes; “it takes years and years of hard work to become an overnight success.” Authentically acknowledging what you see in front of you shows people that you care enough to be present.
3. If you are in education, people are more willing to accept your faults and mistakes (we all have them) if they see you will take time and connect with students. Not only does this show an appreciation for those students which educators need to know, it also makes the job of others so much easier to do. Think of it this way; if I spend some time with students as an administrator and I make them feel valued and cared for in an authentic manner, what does that look like when they walk back into a classroom or a school?  People that feel valued will do more than ones who do not.

There are simple ways to make “better stories” as a leader:

1. Be authentic and vulnerable.
2. Remember you are there to serve kids which means serving adults so they can provide every opportunity for those students.
3. Shine the light on others as much as possible.  There is ZERO risk in showing appreciation for the work of others.

• November 4, 2012 You Should Read… (November 4, 2012)
• July 17, 2018 3 Thoughts on Innovation in Education Heading into the New School Year
• July 22, 2018 3 Ways to Help Move Your Boss Forward
• March 21, 2016 The Message and the Messenger
• January 19, 2016 Why Your Best People Leave and Why That Can Be Okay

from Connected Principals https://ift.tt/2PgHCl8