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 to pursue my life-long  dream of opening a school.  It wasn’t the idea of the school that was the motivating factor, it was the opportunity to provide a new experience for kids; an experience that would uplift, empower and encourage students to be life-long learners. Well,  after several meetings with our county and our Department of Education, the dream was approved to move forward.  When our approval for this school came through, I was overwhelmed with joy.  It took almost two years for me to realize my dream. 

However, the romance of the dream quickly came to a hault as I began to move from vision to implementation.  Undoubtedly, the opening of a new school is extremely challenging–lots of hard work.  Fortunately, I have such a strong passion for the school, that it really doesn’t feel like work.  I really really enjoy hitting the concrete each day moving closer and closer to the opening of our school.  It is truly exciting.

JOURNALING THE EXPERIENCE

I figure since I am having so much fun with this, that I might as well document the experience; at least as much as I can.  I know that there are folks out there who have a vision, and may think that it is impossible.  It isn’t.  The hardest part is actually having faith that it can be done, and then be willing to invest in the process to make it happen.  It is not easy, but it is not impossible.  It is for this reason that I will document as much as I can regarding this journey.  My hope is that my experiences will motivate others to follow their calling and dreams.  Whether it is a charter school, private school or reforming a current school, each requires passion, determination, creativity and a calling. 

Stay tuned and please let me know what you think about following your dreams.   As an educator, what is your dream or vision?  I would really like to know.

The school opening is July 13, 2009.  Go check out our website at www.elitescholarsacademy.com  It will be updated almost daily. 

God Bless

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 involved.  Flexibility and collaboration is the name of the game.  This is a requirement, or your push for advancement will be utterly painful.

As I go through this process, I am learning at a lightning speed pace.  There are no books on these experiences; no blue prints or established coaching programs.  There are independent organizations and consultants who can help with various aspects of the charter process, but few who can really walk you through the entire process from A-Z.  Much of the reason for this may have to do with the newness of charters in most states. 

Yet, there are hundreds maybe thousands of individuals that are now applying for Charter schools.  With the push from President Obama, more people have caught the vision and have decided to move with aggressiveness toward the golden road of “charter schools.” (there really isn’t a golden road, this is my form of dry humor)

However, I must warn you.  It is not as easy and glamorous as it may seem.  Undoubtedly, you must be called, committed and passionate about the vision, because there will be untold challenges that will come your way.  Yet, the challenges really never outweigh the rewards.  

If your charter concept ultimately improves the lives of students, and gives parents a viable choice or alternative to ehance the overall educational experience of their children then go for it.  

Here are some of my additional thoughts to help guide Charter seekers through the journey:

• Depending on the state you are located, a charter can sometimes take up to two years or more to open.  In Georgia, the application process for us took 20 months.  Therefore, you need lots of patience.
• Determine from the begining what type of charter is best for the community and the vision of the school.  This is extremely critical as it will impact every facet of the school from funding to hiring staff.  In Georgia, there are three types of charters:  Independent (New Start Up); LEA (partnership with the school District);  State Charter; and  Commissioned, another form of a Stater Charter.  Each has its own distinctive benefits and draws backs.  Do the research up front before jumping into it.
• Define and recruit the right stakeholders, from the beginning, who will work and walk with you through the entire process.  Do not take it on by yourself.  The vision is important, but it is critical to have a few stable and committed stakeholders with you from the beginning.
• Clarify, Clarify, Clarify the relationship between the Charter and the school district.  Do not wait until the charter has been approved.  If possible, get that clarification in writing. 
• Find a facility that can be easily retrofitted or updated. 
• Develop clear, concise and achievable academic goals.  This will be the cornerstone of your school. 
• Work with a CFO, Accounting Firm or School Management company to help you develop a sound budget and accounting practices. 
• Develop a marketing plan for the school.  Student enrollment is totally contingent upon this plan. Marketing should begin once it is decided that you will petition for a charter.
• Research the top 15 to 20 charter schools in the country.  Create a list of their best practices and find ways to integrate those best practices into your own plans.
• Develop partnerships or some form of think tank with other charter petitioners.  This is a great networking strategy, and will provide unlimited resources for you.
• Determine whether you need or want to develop a non-profit for the school or a seperate organization to support the work of the school. 

The charter school movement sounds glamorous, but it is a lot of hard work. Please do not think you will get through the process easy, it is truly a journey.  Be focused, centered and committed to the vision. 

There is a ton of information that I will bring to the forefront as I have more time to write about Charters.  I am confident that this information will help others get through the journey more effectively.

By the way, you will have times thay you will feel as if your energy has been for naught.  I have had those moments, more than I would like to even admit, to include this last week.  But God has a way of moving the right people into your life to motivate, inspire and encourage you to keep moving on. 

A parent approached me after a meeting most recently, and embraced me while saying, “thank you so much for your vision. Our county really needs a school like this, and I am looking forward to my child attending your school.”  I replied to her, “it’s our school, not mine.” but she quickly responded saying, ”but it was your vision, thank you.” 

Wow, how humbling and encouraging.  At that moment, that very moment, I needed that encouragement.    That moment took me back to the first day that the vision of this school was concieved in my mind. 

If you have a vision, move on it.  It may take a while for people to understand the vision, but if it is a true vision, others will join in to help the vision come  to pass. 

What do you think about Charters?  Do you have a vision for a school? Let’s hear it.

Join the Movement..The Teachers Movement

Graysen

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 that all stakeholders are transformed and impacted, whether positively or negatively. 

The magic of transformation lies in the balance of three critical areas:  Power, Passion and Position.  How each is used will determine the magnitude and potency of the transformation. 

Power

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton was first coined with this phrase as he addressed a Bishop in a letter–reflecting on issues of his day.

Most recently, I have been reflecting on this phrase.  In education, as with any field or occupation, the use of power can elevate or destroy.  It all depends on who and how the power is used.  I don’t need to say much about this, as I am sure many teachers and administrators have experienced both the negative and positive expressions in the field of education.  Bottom line, we must all be careful as teachers and administrators with the limited power that is entrusted to us.  Whether it is in the classroom, Boardroom or the office of the Superintendent, the use of power must be used to uplift, empower and bring justice to the powerless. 

Power always becomes dangerous when it becomes a tool to build ones ego.  I have seen this in my few years in education, from the classroom on up to the Boardroom.  It is our responsibility to walk humbly, conscientiously, and reflectively as agents of power. Otherwise, the use of power becomes a tool for the ego, which ultimately becomes self seeking only.

Passion

Often passion is under rated and unappreciated.  As I have worked in numerous leadership positions, I have found that those who have passion seem to find ways to succeed.  The reason for this is because passionate people are internally driven.  Something on the inside creates the excitement, purpose and energy of passionate individuals. 

Typically, when I am looking to work with someone or hire a staff person, I look for competence and passion simultaneously.  Both competence and passion help to create very energetic and high performing communities.  In some instances, I have intentionally hired less qualified individuals who are passionate, over those who may have the full professional profile and no passion.  Why?  Passionate people are trainable and self-driven.  Give a passionate person a task, and they will learn it and complete it every time. Passion is a necessity for positive transformation and effective public education. 

Position

Superintendents, Board members, principals, teachers, students and parents all fill different types of positions and roles in the community of education.  As a result, each position carries with it certain level of power and influence, but each level or form of power is necessary and benefial if utilized appropriately.

Too many times, people play games with their positions, inappropriately using the power that comes with that position.  Posturing, manipulating or degrading others due to ones position is not only bad business, but harmful to positive transformation. 

Of course, power and position go hand in hand.  This is why it is so critical to be reflective and aware of the type of power “position” carries.  It is my belief that we must use our positions in education and in life to serve others and to make a positive difference in the world.  Not all see it that way, as has been demonstrated in numerous business scandals around the world.  We also see it in the education field in more ways than one.  

• Superintendents vs. Board of Ed
• Teacher vs. student
• Parent vs. Teacher
• Principal vs. Teacher
• Parent vs. Educator (principal, teacher, Superintendant & BOE)
• Principal vs. Central office

I could go on and on with the various conflicts that are created due to the misunderstanding or misuse of “position” and power. 

Position is important, and can provide the necessary power to usher in positive transformation in the community of education. 

Just a few thoughts, what do you think?  What are ways we can use power, passion and position for positive transformation in our educational communities?  

Join the Movement — The Teaching Movement  Graysen

5 Ways to Activate Your Natural Teacher

Kioni uncovers five powerful ways to bring out your best teacher by becoming a great coach!

Get your 7-Day Audio Mini Course here!

Send your questions to submissions@myclassroomrules.com and check back next month to see if I answer it here or on our video blog at www.myclassroomrules.com.

5 Ways to Activate Your Natural Teacher Coach

 In case you haven’t figured out by now, I am an educator, but my primary role is that of a coach.  In my opinion, coaching is one of the most important of the helping professions.  Why?  Because coaching allows clients to take control of their own lives while they forward goals that they have always wanted to accomplish.  It is also the most complimentary profession to teaching because an educator’s ability to allow students to be in control of their own learning process activates an inner motivation that creates virtually effortless achievement.  Now, you might be thinking, I’m not a trained coach, or I don’t think coaching is something I can do in a classroom full of kids.  Well, let me tell you this:  Each and every one of us has a coach inside of us, and believe it or not, you probably use it daily with your students, and you don’t even realize it!  So just how do you bring out that natural coach that’s just waiting to jump out and inspire your students to success?  Here are 5 surefire ways to get in touch with your natural coach:

1.      Be present

It is always important for anyone, let alone a teacher, to be present in all aspects of their lives.  What does it mean to be present?  It means that at any given moment, you are not living in your past, or your future.  You are living in that moment.  You are able to pay attention to what is happening right then and there without fear of what has already been done, and without worrying about what will happen in some non-determinable time that may not ever happen.  Most of us live in one of these two places for the majority of our lives and that stops us from being as powerful as we could be in any situation.  It is time to practice what it means to truly be alive…and that can only happen when it’s right now!

2.     Practice awareness

When you learn to be present, you will experience awareness.  This is important for a teacher because when you are caught up in your own “stuff,”  it is very difficult to tend to twenty-five plus students who are also going through theirs.  Let’s face it.  You might be going through a lot, but while you are “present” in that classroom experience, you are responsible for those students who were put in your care.  Awareness comes when you can begin to see things for what they truly are, and not what you may have made them out to be.  We all put labels on things but in your true ability to be aware of what is going on in your classroom, you might surprise yourself with what you come up with when you take those labels off and just pay attention….

3.     Always come from a place of love

Love is the heartbeat of the human soul.  It is what lets us know that someone accepts us and it is what makes us strong.  Love has no weakness but that in the absence of it, many can and will lose their way…especially children.  Think about how many times a student refused to listen or do what you said.  Where were you coming from in that moment?  What was your tone?  How much could that child trust you in that moment?  Now what happens when you give that child space and let them know that although they may be wrong, you still love them and expect the best from them?  Think about that in every area of your life.  The easier it is for you to do everything with love, the easier it will be for everyone, including your students, to do the same for you in return.

4.     Respond, don’t react

Oooo…yeah.  That’s a big one.  How easy is it for you to take a breath and come at your students from a place where you actually think about what you were going to say— after they just came back from roaming the hallway? Or, after they just let you know what they thought of you and your homework.  Take the time to think about what you are going to say or do in any situation because as you notice, the world is watching, and so are your kids.  They are paying attention to how you respond to them and that lets them know whether or not you are there for them, or a paycheck.  It’s your decision.  Choose wisely.  Go to the MyClassroomRules.com website to find more information on our LIE model that gives you a simple yet powerful way to understand your own interpretations of a situation so that you can respond appropriately.

5.     Know what you stand for and “Walk the Talk”

On the My Classroom RULES! website, and in many of our teleconferences, we talk a lot about what it means to be authentic and “walk the talk” about what you say you value in your life.  Remember we said your kids are watching your response to EVERYTHING?  What message do you think it sends to them when you tell them not to scream or yell at one another, or at you…as you are standing there screaming at them?  It is very important for us as educators to be the example we want to set for our students.  If you don’t want your students yelling, don’t yell.  You would be surprised how well that works.  Imagine a child yelling at a peer or at you and you simply say…”Why are you yelling?  Does Ms. Carter yell at you?”  What can they say if you really don’t yell and they never see you yell?  Trust me, it makes an impact on them.  Take the time to think about what you value in your life and in your classroom and translate it into action in every aspect of your life.  When you do, watch the magic take place.

Check out the Discussion topic “Do What I Say, Not As I Do” to chat with other educators about the importance of walking the talk, and check out iPEC’s Life Potentials Training to learn advanced coaching skills that will take your profession to the next level! 

Biography

Kioni Carter is a Brooklyn native, an author, as well as a life coach and educational consultant.    She has been an educator for 10 years, and therefore caters to the urban school community with the express and sole purpose of taking them to a new plateau of thinking and creating in their schools and in their lives.  Currently, Kioni provides coaching and training programs for educators in the NYC Public School System as well as in the education-based, non-profit sector. Her primary workshop, My Classroom RULES! is her pride and joy and she launches the My Classroom RULES membership community on October 20^th of 2008.  She also provides programs for the urban community at large, including the newest addition, the PIMP MY VIBE™ Project.  Her dedication to the true transformation of her clients is what got her the name “The Butterfly Queen.”    Her workshops and tele-classes have proven themselves to be both dynamic in presentation, and thought provoking in nature.  As a result of her need to influence her community and the unique quality of her work, Kioni has been invited to be part of various events, locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Kioni is a graduate of Cornell University with a major in Human Development and minors in Africana Studies and Dance.  Kioni is also a graduate of Long Island University-Brooklyn Campus with a Masters of Science in Elementary Education, and she is a graduate of the Institute for Professional Empowerment Coaching (iPEC).  Kioni is an active member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Kioni uses her straight forward and friendly personality to make her clients feel comfortable all the while urging them to take the control of their lives that they need to in order to reach their goals.  Through personal experience and professionalism, Kioni not only teaches her clients about their own personal power, but also creates a genuine atmosphere for transformation. 

The name “Kioni” is a Swahili name that means “the one who sees.”  Kioni adopted this name to express her clarity of thought as well as her clarity of purpose, as it pertains to her work with her clients and in her community.

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, high school biology

teachers, community college or university professors - or someone you know who teaches in the business sector. Get a few of these teachers in mind and then think about each of the following attributes and whether they would apply to those special teachers you have in mind:

·              Do you know a teacher who does immeasurable good?  

·              Do you know a teacher who induces children, young adults, or adults to learn?  

·              Do you know a teacher who incurs debt to provide materials and experiences for his/her students?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is incredibly gifted in his/her command of a discipline or subject area?  

·              Do you know a teacher who has an impact on young people’s or adults’ lives?  

·              Do you know a teacher who imparts knowledge - not only to those who are interested, but to those who don’t appear to be as interested?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is impassioned about learning?  

·              Do you know a teacher who improves the world in small ways and/or in grand ways?  

·              Do you know a teacher who battles illiteracy - in any of its different forms?  

·              Do you know a teacher who has an imagination?  

·              Do you know a teacher who can ignite a classroom?  

·              Do you know a teacher who fights ignorance?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is impossible to ignore?  

·              Do you know a teacher who tackles seemingly-impossible-to-teach children (or adults) - and then teaches them?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is idealistic, even visionary?  

·              Do you know a teacher who students idolize?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is full of information - and loves sharing it?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is intentional in his/her planning and instruction?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is introspective?  

·              Do you know a teacher who has inner, governing values?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is innovative?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is insightful?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is intuitive?  

·              Do you know a teacher who models industriousness?  

·              Do you know a teacher who possesses integrity?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is intense?  

·              Do you know a teacher who is involved in school and community?  

·              Do you know a teacher who leaves a lasting impression?

Unfortunately, while “Teaching is not a lost art…the regard for it is a lost tradition.” Jacques Barzun

Take the time to acknowledge a teacher today - including if that magnificent teacher is YOU!

Remember, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” (Henry B. Adams).  I hope you will let all of those teachers who have affected you know about their efforts and the difference their efforts

have made for you - especially when they helped you decide to become an educator yourself. 

And please feel free to access the scores of free resources that you can use to support the learners in your classroom, including PowerPoints, PDFs, and  Word documents, by going to:

** http://www.OwningWordsforLiteracy.com - and you can click on the Downloads tab.

To get numerous articles with teaching tips (for free), just go to http://www.ArticlesforTeachers.com and see what’s there for you to use in your classroom.

(c) 2009 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., “The Ph.D. of Productivity”(tm). Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do. Sound interesting? It is!

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.  My passion for teaching increased significantly, and I found myself in many situations teaching on a variety of subjects in the church.  As was told to me by numerous adult students, my classes were always thought provoking, action oriented and passionate.  People truly enjoyed my teaching approach and the content that I delivered.  Quite an amazing experience.

1995-2002

This feeback from my peers, parishoners and others affirmed my gift to teach, but did not necessarily affirm my calling to Pastor–two distinctly different careers.  Yet, I continued on the path to pastoring.  I served in many roles in the church as I was being trained and mentored by great men and women.  One of the primary areas that was passed on to me quite frequently was the youth department.   I found that as  I engaged youth, that it was very easy to connect to them and to young adults.  My message seemed to be relevant and exciting for that specific group.  For many years this is the area where most of my focus would be centered.  

Over time, I transitioned from direct church ministry to working with a para-church organization–Young Life International.  Young Life gave me the opportunity to serve as a full time mentor and teacher in a christian context with teenagers.  I had a ball.  My skills in the areas of speaking, relational building, fund-raising, project development, and building campaign projects were enhanced significantly.  At the time, I believed Young Life would be the vehicle that would enable me to work out the details of my passion, but this was not in the cards. 

I eventually accepted a calling at a prestigious and affluent presbyterian church after seven years of working with Young Life.  My role changed significantly as I moved into the  position of assistant pastor of community outreach.  Race Relations, community development, and community service were now my new areas of empahsis.  During the two and a half years in that role, my teaching gift and my passion for it was affirmed more than ever.  It was due to this that I made a decision to pursue a doctorate. 

After serving in Christian ministry full time for nine years, (1993-2002), I decided to pursue a Ph.D. in Old Testament at Emory University, located in Atlanta GA.  In November 2002, I made the move to Atlanta from Memphis Tennessee to pursue my dream to teach full time.

All the while I was convinced that my calling in life was to teach, but I had no idea that my gifts and skills would take me to public education.  After living in Atlanta for less than three months, I was offered an opportunity to substitute teach, which led into a para professional position, which later led to a teaching postion, administrative position and then to a founding principal of  a cutting edge public Charter school. 

To make a long story short, my plans changed significantly, but I was flexible enough to hear my inner voice directing me to what I was uniquely designed. Rather than pursuing a Ph.D. in Old Testament, I redirected my energy to the field of public education and eventually completed a doctoral degree in Education.  Ten years prior, I would have never imagined myself as a public school teacher.   Now–I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.  Education is truly where I belong, and every experience leading up to this point has made me a better educator.

Though my path to education was rather unconventional; I am convinced that my experienecs and journey were designed to make me an unconventional educator, and I am very pleased with that.  I look forward to making a great impact in our world as I continue to develop schools and programs that will help young people become competent, conscientious and compassionate global citizens. 

Teaching is the greatest career on the planet!

What are your thoughts?

Deliberately Design Your Professional Presence - Accessorize & Professionalize Your Look

Accessories are a fabulous way that you can show your style and your professionalism. Attending to accessories gives others the sense that you will attend to their details, as well. If you can’t remember your jewelry and you didn’t find the belt that goes with your pants and if you didn’t

polish your shoes and you didn’t iron the shirt that looks like it was at the bottom of a damp laundry basket for a week…(well, you get the picture)

.Then I will wonder if you will find my child’s homework, remember to call me back when I leave you messages, sign the form we need to take to the doctor’s office, etc. By paying attention to your accessories, you let others (students, parents, other staff, administrators, the public) know

that you are paying attention to the business of education, as well.

A few simple ideas:

1.       If you wear pants or a skirt with belt loops, wear a belt.

2.      If you are a woman, wear earrings (pretty common for men nowadays,

too, of course).

3.      Consider having matching and/or coordinating earrings, bracelets,

and necklaces (and maybe rings). You don’t want to OVERdo it, but subtly

coordinating your jewelry shows others that you are thinking about what

you’re putting on.

4.      Scarves and/or ties are a simple way to accentuate your wardrobe,

without spending a lot of additional money. You can have the same navy

jacket but it can look different because you’re wearing a noticeably

different tie or scarf.

5.      Shoes are an accessory that nearly everyone notices. Keep your

shoes clean and polished. Pay particular attention to the heels of your

shoes. If they are worn down (or worn off!) then get them repaired or

replaced.

You may not think of yourself (and particular aspects of yourself) as being

accessories, but you and they are! Your hair, nails, teeth, and skin need to

be clean. This part of your professional presence has nothing to do with

whether or not you are good looking, but rather is about tending to

yourself.

·         Do you have sick- or healthy-looking skin?

·         Are your nails and hair clean or do you look bedraggled?

·         Are you getting enough rest or do you look beaten down to a nub?

·         Are your teeth clean and flossed - or do they appear to be wearing

              little sweaters? Eeeuw.

Sadly, no one else can make the changes necessary for you to be clean, be rested, be healthy, be vibrant - except you.

Especially when you are a beginning teacher and are working what seems to be(and is) 70 - 80 hours a week, you must be particularly vigilant to get the rest, proper food and drink, and health care you need. And, please, take a wonderful shower or bath everyday. You look better and feel better. (Note: I know that some of you who are reading this are thinking, ‘Why does she have

to tell people to take a bath?’ Well, when you’ve spent as much time in schools as I have, sad to say, there are a few folks who haven’t gotten the message, so I figure it’s worth mentioning).

Look around you - both at school, at the store, at community events, and at social functions. Notice the people who appear to be the most ‘pulled together’ and see if part of what gives you that sense is their attention to their accessories. You can learn a lot by just seeing others as an observer.

Attend to the accessories you wear and ‘live in’ and notice that your overall professional presence is enhanced. Particularly if you are making a conscious effort to ‘bring it up a notch,’ see if others don’t begin to comment on how much better you look or say, “Are you doing something different.” They won’t be able to say exactly what is different, but they know something is.

And, if this topic intrigues you enough that you’d like more free articles on how to deliberately design your professional presence, just go to:

**Articles for Teachers     <http://www.articlesforteachers.com> http://www.ArticlesforTeachers.com

In addition, if you’d like to access a huge variety of teaching resources (that you can download for free), just visit:

**Owning Words for Literacy      <http://www.owningwordsforliteracy.com>

http://www.OwningWordsforLiteracy.com

Meggin is a former teacher, college of education professor, and now business owner. Through her company, Emphasis on Excellence, Inc., Meggin McIntosh changes what people know, feel, dream, and do. Sound interesting? It is!

C 2009 by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D., “The Ph.D. of Productivity’T.

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 teachers I hire with the same opportunities.  It is my belief that our school will succeed because of quality teachers, not an expensive program.  So all of our available resources will go into the teachers at our school through professional development and such.

I have been strategically planning on ways to ensure that our staff has direct experience with trailblazers in the field of education.  This year, I have narrowed it down to three primary people:  Harry Wong, Ron Clark and Marva Collins.  I have had the unique opportunity to correspond with each of them throughout 2008/2009, and I have become a better educator as a result.  They each bring to the table their own unique approach and educational philosophy, and this is what makes getting to know them so wonderful.  Ron Clark has built an amazing school culture–you gotta go check this school out; Harry Wong has become the guru of classroom management and teacher training around the world; Marva Collins, well she brings an entirely different flavor to the table.  Her use of the Socratic Method in the urban community of Chicago is probably one of the most astonishing stories in education.  She literally started a school in her home with her life savings of $5,000, and did it for 30 years–Wow!

MARVA COLLINS

My most recent dialogue took place just over two hours ago with Marva Collins.  I went through her company to contact her, and then a couple of days later I checked my voice mail to find that she had called me–personally.  At first, I must admit, I thought it was a joke, but it wasn’t.  She actually called me back–of course I was very excited. 

I returned her call and spent approxmately 15 minutes on the phone with her, and I listened.  Really, I didn’t have much to say, except that I wanted her to come to speak and to help train our teachers.  However, my brief discussion with her humbled me, signficantly, and I became a student by teleconference.  I barely got out my request to have her come to our school, because I was so engaged with the wisdom that she freely gave.  She was very easy to talk to, and very down to earth.  It was a true honor to have someone of her reputation take the time to speak with me. 

If you don’t know who Marva Collins is, I suggest you go to her website at www.marvacollins.com, and then rent the movie The Marva Collins Story with Cecily Tyson and Morgan Freeman.  The movie will touch you, and her story will definitely motivate and inpsire you. 

WISDOM FOR EDUCATORS

While speaking with her, she told me a few things that were priceless, yet very very simple:

1. Children only do what they know.  They will never do anything different, until they learn something different.
2. We should be preparing our students to attend Ivey League Schools.  Whether they go or not is another issue, but we should be committed to ensuring they are prepared to succeed in these environments.
3. Excellence is never easy.  This is why so many of our children give up.  We must help them cross the bridge to excellence.
4. Always ask God for direction.  You can’t do it on your own.
5. What will your teachers do to make their classroom our your school universally excellent?  We must stop practicing education as if it is only local.  If our schools are excellent in our communities, then they should be excellent anywhere else in the world.  Practice to build schools of excellence, no matter where they are.
6. Find ways to implement the Socratic method to help our children think.  Reading and engaging the classics will open the minds of our children, enabling them to develop goals for their lives.   When a child has embraced meaningful goals, they have no time to indulge in mediocrity.
7. Settle for nothing less than excellence.

These were not the exact words of Marva Collins, but pretty close.  I paraphrased and fleshed out her wisdom the best I could. 

I plan on engaging her deeper, and I really look forward to her visit to our school.  She is an amazing woman, and a dynamic educator….no–an excellent educator. 

Please do a little research on Marva Collins today, and let me know what you think.  In the meantime, seek to be excellent in everything you do. 

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Graysen