Are We Doing Our Part - Day 1 Blog Challenge

Last night I had the opportunity to listen to #Principalcast hosted by Theresa Stager. Last nights guest is one of my hero's and inspirations Kelley Tenkeley.
The concept of blogging and the importance of blogging was a big part of the conversation. I am in now way going to ever be in the same league as Kelley but I have begun my own personal blog challenge ands that is blog once a day for a month ( except Saturday's ) and see where we go from there. My concern was what if I have nothing to write about. the advice given last night was don't worry about the reader write about something that motivates and is important to you. So this is my first blog in the blog challenge.

I cant write this post without first praying for a safe return of all the IDF soldiers and that G-D watch over them and we have peace in the region speedily. I also pray that G-D can comfort those families whose Husbands, Fathers, and Sons gave the ultimate sacrifice their lives for the safety and security of Israel.

This is absolutely a time for prayer, trust, faith and belief. We know that G-D has a plan and that every thing G-D does is just. I don't think we as humans need to worry about G-D. To me the bigger question which many Rabbi's have asked are we doing our part? Are we doing all that we can do. Whether that means prayer, giving charity, doing more good deeds or being nicer and  friendly to our fellow man. It is no coincidence that Jews find themselves in the period of  mourning related to the destruction of the Temple which was destroyed ( the second Temple ) because of baseless hatred.

So I ask again are we doing our part 

But I believe this question can be ask in all area of our lives. For me am I doing my part in finding a job and growing my consulting business.
As educators are we doing our part to give our students the skills they need to be engaged citizens in this global economy we live in?  Are we doing our part in making sure we reach those hard to reach students?
Are we doing our part in making sure we create an inclusive environment for all students.

I don't have all if any of the answers. For some things we do need to  rely solely on G-D and his  protection but in Judaism we also have a concept that we don't rely on miracles. So before we blame others and we blame the system or so and so let us ask ourselves

ARE WE TRULY DOING OUR PART 

Half Down and Half To Go

Picture: www.thethingswesay.com

Yesterday, someone posted on Facebook that we are at the  half way point of 2014. Half of the year is behind us and yet we still have half a year to go. What are we going to do with the second half of 2014. Are we going to stay the course or maybe this is a good opportunity to change course. For me, I need to change course. My time frame dates back almost exactly to last year when in August of 2013 I resigned from my last position as Head of School. The last year so far  has been a journey with many ups and downs and while I try to stay positive the reality has been less than positive as evident from my lack of blogging over the last six months.
Below is a post I wrote in January of 2014  and now I would like to revisit it at this mid way point of the year .

It has been a while since I posted something on my blog. The last few months have been difficult for me and my family and I didn't have the drive and honestly desire to blog. I got into a rut and was (truthful still am) feeling a bit sorry for myself. I have looked on websites, sent out tweets, made proposal submitted resumes and I still find myself without a job.
Perhaps finally writing about it will give me the energy to move forward and start looking towards the future. I know G-D has a plan and that I didn't devote my life to education (mainly Jewish Education) to stop now.
I have created a short check list to help me and maybe others move forward during this difficult time. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas as well.

Short Term

Do something productive/ constructive daily
Share thoughts and ideas, at least 3 times week via blog, twitter, Facebook etc.
Keep up on the latest ideas in Education by reading blogs, books and tweets each day
Continue looking for a  job and promoting my own consulting business and website at www.star-educational-consulting.com
A bit harder 
Stay positive and focus on the future not the past

Long term goal 
Come with an idea and start writing a book of my own

There is no silver bullet and I know this is all easier said than done, but I am hoping as we enter 2014 I too can now look forward to a brighter and better future. 

I would like to thank my family and friends, which includes my PLN for their  constant support and help 

Here's to a brighter and better future 

Many of the feelings expressed are still true and present. I ask myself if  I didn't accomplish  my short term goals in January and things are still the same what is going to help me accomplish the now?

I don't have an easy answer and would ask my friends to comment help.
Here what I do know though 

• I am more committed to helping other educators and sharing my ideas. 
• I am committed to think out of the box with innovative and creative ideas
• I am committed to changing my outlook and I will find a job

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY I AM COMMITTED TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY

To be a good educator, leader,family member and friend you need to make connections and develop relationships. For me that means onlinee and virtual connections which I hope to one day make personal and face to face.  

So if I message you on one of the many social media outlets out there I am not trying to be a pest or a nudge just trying to develop and enhance our connection.I promise to be more positive in our conversations as well. 

I look forward to connecting with all of you 

BE WELL 

Akevy 

Creating a Culture

Picture: misfitpolitics.co

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the iJed conference in New York with over 300 other Jewish educators from around the world.  The experience was amazing and perhaps on a personal level for me the high point was seeing and hearing Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks in person. Rabbi Sacks is a personal hero and someone who I have quoted many times in the past and to see and hear in person was a true thrill.

On a professional level the one big takeaway for me was the importance of creating a proper school culture. School culture is more than “As mentioned previously, the notion of school culture is a bit more complex than pom-poms and color war chants.” (Source SCHOOL CULTURE: A REVIEW OF THE RESEARCH & LITERATURE) School culture is pervasive and covers all areas of leadership for student learning and achievement and even our approach to how we educate and treat all students (including those with diverse needs)

The report mentioned above states the following: “Contemporary research continues to point to the impact of school culture on a variety of important outcomes. In a major meta-analysis of research on leadership and student achievement, Waters and associates (2004) discovered a strong correlation between aspects of school culture and how well students performed. Student achievement was related to a shared set of core beliefs, a focused and clear sense of purpose, recognition of staff and student accomplishments, intellectual engagement, and celebrations of success. Although structures fostered connection, discussion of purpose, and school improvement, it was clear that these were deeply embedded in the culture of values, stories, ceremonies, and celebrations (Waters, Marzano, & McNulty, 2004).

This idea to me was the true takeaway from the conference. We can’t talk about our view on diverse learners, how we are going to incorporate technology and other important tools and the issue of affordability and sustainability without talking School culture. What our beliefs are going to shape the type of school, we have and what outcomes we want for our students.

What I am saying is not new nor is it my own. The report on School Culture and Literature in July 2013 stated:  

THE PERVASIVE IMPACT OF CULTURE

Culture affects all aspects of a school.

It influences informal conversations in the faculty lunch room, the type of instruction valued, how professional development is viewed, and the shared commitment to assuring all students learn.

1) Culture fosters school effectiveness and productivity

Teachers succeed in a culture focused on productivity (rather than on maintenance or ease of work), performance (hard work, dedication, and perseverance), and improvement (continuous fine-tuning and refinement of teaching). Such a culture helps teachers overcome the uncertainty of their work (Lortie, 1975) by providing focus and collegiality. It provides motivation to persevere in the demanding work of teaching thirty students in a small, usually isolated, space. It encourages, sanctions, and rewards professionals in the constant task of improving their craft. (Purkey & Smith, 1983; Levine & Lezotte, 1990; Newmann & Associates, 1996; Leithwood & Louis, 1998).

2) Culture improves collegiality, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving practices

Schools that value collegiality and collaboration offer a better opportunity for the social and professional exchange of ideas, the enhancement and spread of effective practices, and widespread professional problem solving. (Little, 1982; Peterson & Brietzke, 1994; Kruse & Louis, 1997; DuFour, 2007).

3) Culture promotes innovation and school improvement

Toxic cultures that harbor mediocrity, inertia, and apathy are unlikely to be innovative. In contrast, schools that encourage change and risk taking foster people who seek innovative practices and experiment with new approaches. In positive cultures, staff plan and implement new practices. (Little, 1982; Louis & Miles, 1990; Deal & Peterson, 1990; Kruse & Louis, 1997; Waters, Marzano, & McNulty, 2004).

4) Culture builds commitment and kindles motivation

People are motivated and feel committed to an enterprise that has meaning, values, and an ennobling purpose. Motivation is strengthened through rituals that nurture identification, traditions that intensify connection to the school, ceremonies that build community, and stories that convey the heart and soul of the enterprise.   (Schein, 1985, 2004).

5) Culture amplifies the energy and vitality of school staff, students, and community.

It has long been known that social climate and culture influence the emotional and psychological orientation of a school. Many say that the context is infectious. This is especially the case in schools that are optimistic, caring, supportive, and energetic. Staff, students, and community are likely to take on those same characteristics. But the opposite is also true. Some school cultures are toxic. The social milieu is so negative that even the positive individual can become discouraged or disheartened.

6) Culture focuses attention on what is important and valued

Rules, job descriptions, and policies can influence what a person does. Yet unwritten rules, informal expectations, and rites and rituals may be even more meaningful precursors of positive action and sustained progress. Unstated, often hidden, assumptions and expectations are embedded in cultural patterns and become more intensified over time. With meaningful values, daily work is centered on important issues of quality instruction, continuous refinement of teaching, and accelerated learning. (Deal & Kennedy, 1982; Schein, 1985, 2004).

http://thepositiveprojectonline.com/2013/07/04/school-culture-a-review-of-the-research-literature/

If however I had to rank the different culture or for argument's sake tell you which one I find the most important it would a culture of learning.

A culture of learning affects the following areas:
·         It creates a transparent culture amongst teachers in that teachers are willing to learn and grow.
·         It creates a feeling of learning-reflect-share
·         Creates lifelong learners amongst the faculty which in turn creates this culture for our students
·         Only when the adults and teachers are learners can we expect our students to be learners
·         One must be open to change and willing to grow, which is created when people are constantly learning and willing to explore new ideas
·         Fosters a growth mindset
·         With all the above creates an environment where all children can grow and succeed

At times culture is something that we talk about or that is something for the school leadership to address and doesn’t affect me. Hopefully I have made the case that school culture is not something that can be ignored and at least in terms of a Culture of learning it is something that all of us need to be working on.

I want to thank the organizers of iJed for putting together a wonderful learning experience. 

Personal Reflections; A tribute to my father Z'L

The following was said this past Saturday night at a Siyum I made in memory of my father Z'L

This coming week on the sixth day of AdarI we will commemorate the 28th Yartziet of my father Z'L. The Hebrew word for strength Koach has the numerical value of 28. The day my father passed away, I was in Israel during my year long study after high school in Yeshivat Sha'lavim. When I found out the news of his passing I was immediately taken to speak with the Rosh Yeshiva Rav Meir Schlesinger. What he told me then I have  used  as a basis for my own faith and strength during the difficult times that I and my family have faced over the years.
He told me that G-D gives us the strength needed to overcome the different tests that we are given so that we will pass the tests that are presented to us. I responded that I would have taken this test 20 years from now. Rav Meir responded that 20 years from  now it wouldn't have been the same test. My father was a source of strength and we as a family continue to struggle, but we know we have the strength to pass any test that we are given.

We are now in the month of Adar. Adar is known for the phrase;   "Mishnichnas Adar Marbim B'Simacha"   ( "From the time of the month of Adar we increase our happiness".) On a personal level I have had a hard time understanding this phrase. Adar is the month in which my father passed away and in the past few years in the month in which my mother-in-law passed away as well as two of my wife's grandparents. I believe that the word Simcha needs to mean more than just joy and happiness

It says in "Ethics of our Fathers"; "who is truly one wealthy, one id happy with his lot in life". It uses the word Simcha. There I believe Simcha represents a more still happen when one understands that everything he has comes from G-D. That understanding and acceptance are the only thing that could create true happiness.
What does this happiness have to do with Purim and the month of Adar ?
Rav Hunter explains that Purim is the only holiday that will be celebrated in the exact same way even after the coming of Messiah. This is because the other holidays are a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt the original redemption, but that would no longer be necessary since we have experienced the ultimate redemption. ( They will still be celebrated not just in the same manner we celebrate them currently in exile) Purim, however which took place in a time when G-D hid his face (in dark days) will always be celebrated since it reminds us of how we need to act even in dark times. If you will it remind us that everything comes from G-D and only with that understanding can we achieve true happiness.

My father lived a simple life and was a simple man. Never did he complain, but rarer accepted with a smile, his lot in life. It wasn't easy in 1976 before it was popular had a heart bypass and a valve transplant surgery.
He was always there for his children, my mother and his parents as well as his friends.
My hope and prayer is that we his children, grandchildren and one day great children can take this lesson and message of Simcha, which my father embodied and be a living tribute to his life and legacy.
Abba you have missed so much and we miss you so much, but I hope that we your children  (including your daughters-in-law and son-in-law) and your grandchildren continue to make you proud and carry on the  legacy of the person you were.
Your Loving Son
Akevy

Looking Forward; The Need to Grow

Picture courtesy of fogcalendar.com

As I have mentioned in my previous two blog posts I am moving forward and as the saying goes keeping focused with my eye on the prize.

A necessity of moving forward  is the ability to grow. I recently finished the book "Great Leaders Grow" by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller.
They use the following acronym for Growth:

G- Gain Knowledge 

R- Reach out to Others 

O- Open your world 

W- Walk towards Wisdom 

I would like to add my own understanding to these terms, which I believe are so important if we are to achieve our own personal growth and to help us allow our students to grow.

G- Gain Knowledge: We all have to be life long learners and instill that love and passion in our students. As it says in Ethics of our Fathers; "Who is truly wise one who call learn from all".

R-Reach out to Others: If you ask people what is the one skill, our students will need to compete in our global economy on the top of the list is the ability to collaborate and work with others.

O-Open your World: As we learn and grow, we need to make what we teach  relevant and real. Learning is no longer limited to, our classrooms, but rather the world is now our classroom.

W- Walk towards Wisdom: I think this is a given. We always need to be looking to know more, learn more and gain from wisdom of others. As the saying goes, we got to where we are today by standing on the shoulders of those that came before us.

As we continue on our journey, let us remember the importance of Growth and what it means to GROW

Not Losing Focus

I mentioned in my post yesterday that I have been in a rut and honestly, I think I lost some of my focus and motivation. I just finished reading "Causes and Cures in the Classroom" by Margaret Searle.

The book ends with the following; "The dream most of us went into teaching with was to make a significant difference for our students. The way to do that has nothing to do with quick fixes or canned programs. It has to do with teachers who genuinely care and are always looking for better ways to help students help themselves." 

This really spoke to me both about education and about life. Too often we get caught up with what is the latest trend or am I using the most cutting edge tools and technology available. While that is important and we need to be current we can't lose focus on what really counts and why we are educators.
At the end of the day the bottom line as Margaret and others have said is that we need to show students that we care about and as my friend Angela Maiers says we need to show them that they MATTER

I would say that  "Not Losing Focus" is one of those things that is easier said than done and perhaps as I outlined in yesterday's post "Moving Forward" we need to create a checklist.
These ideas are noting new and many of them, I have gleaned from all of you.

• Making SMART goals
• Showing our students and others that We care and that "You Matter"
• Applaud the Effort 
• Don't label, but rather guide and support
• Do something positive every day 
• Take time for yourself 

The list can go on. Please add your own thoughts 

Akevy

Moving Forward

Picture courtesy of lovethispic.com

It has been a while since I posted something on my blog. The last few months have been difficult for me and my family and I didn't have the drive and honestly desire to blog. I got into a rut and was (truthful still am) feeling a bit sorry for myself. I have looked on websites, sent out tweets, made proposal submitted resumes and I still find myself without a job.
Perhaps finally writing about it will give me the energy to move forward and start looking towards the future. I know G-D has a plan and that I didn't devote my life to education (maninly Jewish Education) to stop now.
I have created a short check list to help me and maybe others move forward during this difficult time. I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas as well.

Short Term

• Do something productive/ constructive daily
• Share thoughts and ideas, at least 3 times week via blog, twitter, Facebook etc.
• Keep up on the latest ideas in Education by reading blogs, books and tweets each day
• Continue looking for a  job and promoting my own consulting business and website at www.star-educational-consulting.com

A bit harder 

Stay positive and focus on the future not the past

Long term goal 

Come with an idea and start writing a book of my own

There is no silver bullet and I know this is all easier said than done, but I am hoping as we enter 2014 I too can now look forward to a brighter and better future. 

I would like to thank my family and friends, which includes my PLN for their  constant support and help 

Here's to a brighter and better future 

Akevy