NEW VENTURE It has been several weeks since my last post, and I feel so bad that I have neglected our community.  I humbly ask for forgiveness.  I recognize that I owe everyone my final article on Great Schools, and this will be posted soon.  However, I’ve been a little pre-occupied with the opening of our new school, The Elite Scholars Academy.  This is a new venture, and has truly taken most of my days and nights.  It is an exciting experience, and I truly feel blessed to be involved with such a monumental task. HARD WORK Over two years ago, I was convinced that it was time for me...

It’s been a while since I have written on the blog.  I’ve been extremely busy putting together our newly approved charter school. www.elitescholarsacademy.com I couldn’t have imagined the additional work behind the scenes that would be required to get the school opened and running for the first day.  The typical things like hiring staff, raising money, developing mission and vision statements, logistical and facility planning are expected in the opening of any new school.  I think some of the areas that caught me off guard was the level of red-tape and bureaucracy that is...

As many of you all know, I get very excited about education.  The field of public education is unique as it is one of very few professional fields that require  and expect visible and tangible transformation; both with children and adults.  Education is a transformational process, field and career. As I consider this, I realize that there is true magic in transformation, especially in regards to public education.  Students, teachers, Superintendents, Boards and parents alike are transformed, whether they realize it or not by simply showing up.  The education system is designed in such a fashion...

Do You Know Great Teachers? Acknowledge the Difference They (YOU!) Make   No matter who you are or what your station is in life, you have had teachers.  In nearly all cases, you have experienced those amazing and wonderful teachers; teachers who were acceptable, albeit not inspired; and teachers who were, um, easily classified as less-than-what-anyone-would-have-chosen teachers, given the choice.   As you are reading this post, I want you to think about - and even list - some of the great teachers you know.  They could be kindergarten teachers, third grade teachers, eighth grade English teachers,...

1992 - Present Airforce and Christian Ministry Between 1987 and 1992, my life was significantly and deeply impacted by what I would define as a calling from God.  While serving in the United States Air Force, I felt led to pursue Christian ministry as a Pastor.  After completing my undergraduate education during my tenure in the Air Force, I moved on to seminary to learn more about God, the church and the role of a Pastor.  I attended seminary between 1992 and 1995.  My experiences were amazing, as I was challenged to think deeper and more critically about my life and the pastoral career. ...

Teachers - Deliberately Design Your Professional Presence Your Clothing and Professional Wardrobe Make no mistake, as a professional educator, your physical presence IS a package and you can decide what that package will be. In this article, we will focus on your clothing. It may seem superficial, and yet, it's one of the easiest areas of your 'package' to address. You don't want your clothing to get in the way of others' perception of your commitment, expertise, and overall ability. Here are some ideas to consider (especially if you are a new teacher or are moving into a new position): Whatever...

CHARTER SCHOOL Besides my book, my most recent adventure and passion is the development of our new Charter School–The Elite Scholars Academy.  The school has been a dream for me for two years, and it is now becoming a reality.  I am most excited about the amazing opportunities I will have to influence many generations of students at our school. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT As the principal of this new Charter school, I have been driven to develop relationships with the best education minds on the planet.  I am so very committed to surrounding myself with excellence, and then to provide the...

High Performing School Systems–Key Questions, Part I   How do school systems become high performing?  This is a very important question for me to answer as I grow as an educational leader.  Once again, I turned to the experts who have already completed the extensive research—McKenzie & Company. The McKenzie report reveal their findings in three specific categories.  These categories were supplied in the prior post regarding high performing schools.  1. Getting the right people to become teachers  2.  Developing effective Instructors  3.  Ensuring every student performs well....

High Performing Schools–Three Point Strategy for Success   I have recently focused a lot of my thinking on answering two primary questions.  First, what makes a high performing school system?  And, second, are the practices of high performing schools transferable to any school anywhere?    I recognize that a number of considerations go into analyzing these questions.  But, since I am a rather pragmatic individual, I stuck to the basics when I researched the topic.  After all, far smarter folks have already studied this issue, and in far more depth; wisely, I have used their findings to...

I invite anyone to comment or add to this discussion, because I honestly want to have dialogue about it.  This is a very close issue to my heart, as I am an educator and previous classroom teacher.   Here are a few comments I have heard from non-educators: “No wonder our kids are under performing academically, the teachers are off so much.” “Exactly, how many days do you guys get off anyway, it seems you spend more time on school breaks than in the classroom.” “Teachers have it made, 2 months off in the summer; give me that job any day.” I could go on and on with these statements,...