Magic is magic

Today we heard from a basketball icon and legend and I was surprised by his business acumen. Magic Johnson captivated the audience as he shared his expertise on making a profit while making a difference. A caring man, he reviewed a business plan on the spot and provided "real time" support to a group of visionary thirty year olds. I was amazed at his knowledge of education, 21st century technology and critical urban issues.

He admitted to having reading problems as a teenager, but overcame his deficit with the same strategy that made him a basketball star....practice. An amazing man making a real difference just like magic.

My Wisest Investment

As we experience our first Urban League conference, my husband and I are impressed by our daughter's influence in this org.
As she ends her two year term as president of the Young Professionals, her influence is heavily stamped in dynamic and relevant ways.
She is a true visionary leader- with devoted followers. We observed her impact anonymously for 2 days. Her leadership was heralded by many.

I often reflect on my own contributions and relevancy to the world. Cassye is verification that I need not worry. She is my wisest investment.

I am enjoying time away from work. After having spent some time in a slow moving town, "Palacios", with family, I'm reminded of perspective. I try to stay connected to all my worlds or it's just too hard to re-enter. For instanceI spent time at the bank closing out my term as president of a non-profit. I dreaded that like --a broken leg because I didn't want to interact with anybody or anything unless it was in my 'world of family' It was torture making the connection.

So once done, I read e-mails from work in about 5 minutes-responded to none. I didn't want to--I felt I had to--re-entry is eminent I feel myself separating more and more after one week--after next week it will be even harder--It is destined to be a fast paced and fun filled time. I'll be in the company of the "cerebrals". Which is going to be amazingly exciting--all those young minds solving the worlds problems--(my gosh they are all so very brilliant-i love that) and all the old guard-encouraging them and paving the way for action. I'm pumped that my youngest is key to the movement and the chests of me and my husband will probably be visible to the entire world.

Critical Friends

Most of our team members are experiencing CFG training and I am delighted for I believe it will bring a new dimension to our work. I'm inspired to contact my first CFG group members and renew our energy for the process. The joy of looking at student work, to help teachers refine their day to day practice is rewarding and I miss those opportunities to impact instruction in a real dynamic way.

By having more of our group knowledgeable the variety of protocols and their many purposes, I think it will be easier to adhere to the guidelines. Lack of familiarity with the true process often led to abreviated use which always made me cringe.

We can now move beyond Text based, final word, and tunning protocols and move to hopefully some of the ones that really focus on refining our work.

Dreams Need a little work

John C. Maxwell in the first line of the preface in "The Complete 101 Collection" states, "I've been passionate about personal growth for most of my life. ....I wouldn't have achieved any of my dreams had I not been dedicated to continual improvement. Such a simple statement but so profound in its implications. Perhaps unrealized dreams dry up for lack of continuous personal growth. Perhaps the original effort, ideas,time and other critical elements may move the dream forward, yet may not sustain it.

One of my favorite poems from Langton Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

What is the most important thing?

What is the most important thing for us as educators? Where should we place our priorities? Are we making progress? moving forward? changing lives? As we move with unbelievable speed toward the end of this year, I am focused on assessing my 2008-2009 accomplishments. While my management objectives will be met, have I changed the life of one child? Have I impacted a teacher so that it is long-lasting.
Have I empowered, supported all of my team members, family, and friends so they have felt time spent was worth their while?

It's my personal assessment and it may not really matter to anyone else, but for me, the questions are monumental. I don't want glory, akalades or fame. To be truly humble is something I desire.

I just want to know-before I start this all over again next year. Did I do the most important thing?

Webinar Savvy

Today the leadership team of C & I PDS hosted a webinar. It was extremely exciting. Another technologically tool mastered--well a few more attempts and perhaps I can truly say mastered. There was a learning curve that provided challenges, but the enthusiasm exhibited by the team was wonderfully rewarding. This is what stretching the mind is all about. The energy that emanated from the small "production" room was palpable. The OD Team from PDS was wonderful in their collaborative spirit and encouraged in ways words can't truly describe. I now feel a kinship to Evelyn Wagner's team, Bibi, Pam, Farhan who were our number one cheerleaders. Kudos to my team and kudos to the Organizational Development team.
We're all strivers.