Episodes
Thursday Dec 18, 2014
Episode 41: The Georgia Vision Project with Dr. Stan DeJarnett
Thursday Dec 18, 2014
Thursday Dec 18, 2014
Dr. Stanley DeJarnett is the Executive Director of the Georgia Vision Project
The project came into existence in 2009, but implementation didn't begin until 2010.
It is…
“… A collaborative effort between the Georgia School Boards’ Association, The Georgia School Superintendent’s Association and about 35 partner organizations…”
“The Georgia Vision Project exists for the purpose of transforming public education in Georgia.”
Dr. DeJarnett and I talk about what the Vision Project is and how it works.
For example, Stan notes, “It is about sharing a clear and compelling vision of where public schools are going.”
He comments that there really are two target audiences:
1) Teachers and School Administrators
2) Parents
Stan reflects, “The story that our teachers have to tell about the lives that they change through their interaction with students is the story we want our community to hear.”
He continues, “We make a huge difference in the lives of over 1.7 million children in this state every day and this work is being done by teachers and those who support teachers.”“We hope that the reality of what we do in our schools every day…a positive reality…can be reflected in our message.”
The Georgia Vision Project has 7 Components:
1. Early Learning and Student Success
2. Teaching and Learning
3. Teaching and Learning Resources
4. Human and Organizational Capital
5. Governance, Leadership, and Accountability
6. Culture, Climate, and Organizational Efficacy
7. Financial Resources
Check out several short videos to learn more at the Vision Project website.
Here is the link to the homepage...Georgia Vision Project
Enjoy!
Length 44:35
Thursday Nov 13, 2014
Episode 38: Protecting the Performing Arts
Thursday Nov 13, 2014
Thursday Nov 13, 2014
Over the last 10 years, the performing arts have often been pushed to the side in the name of needing more math and science or simply cut to balance budgets.
It is unfortunate.
Students desire to study and perform in the arts often in addition to studying math and science or other academic content areas.
The Georgia Institute of Technology has one of the largest marching bands in all of the colleges and universities…and there are no music majors at GATech. Hmmm ... even future engineers like the arts...
In order to protect the arts in schools it takes commitment and a willingness to make cuts in other areas, instead of in these classes. It takes becoming good at creative scheduling and looking closely at what the students want over the classes they could do without.
What could you do to help protect the arts in your schools?
Length: 33:37
Tuesday Oct 14, 2014
Episode 36: Growing Up in Poverty and Lessons Learned with Dr. Hayward Cordy
Tuesday Oct 14, 2014
Tuesday Oct 14, 2014
Dr. Hayward Cordy is the Executive Director of the Oconee RESA.
Hayward grew up in Wrightsville, Ga-Johnson County…the son of sharecroppers. As you listen to Hayward talk, think about the ultimate lessons that his family taught him. He could have complained and wanted someone to save him. He could have bemoaned his station in life. Instead, he focused on succeeding. He didn't let others derail his focus, he stayed the course and earned college degrees and eventually became the superintendent of the same school system where he had once attended class.
Listen for Hayward to explain … Damaged Goods, Choices and Consequences, The Greatest Lesson Taught to him by His Family, and An Improbable Dream Became Reality.
There are many lessons to be gleaned from Hayward’s memories.
I hope that you will come back and listen, again and again and share with others.
In a world where it is easy to be negative about all of life experiences…Hayward’s recollections make you realize that hard work and determination do pay off!
Thanks for listening! I hope that you will take his words to heart!
To discover more about the Oconee RESA or to connect with Dr. Cordy use the link or address blow.
http://www.ciclt.net/sn/clt/oconee/default.aspx?ClientCode=oconee
Dr. Hayward Cordy
Executive Director
Oconee RESA
206 South Main Street
Tennille, Georgia 31089
Phone: 478-552-5178
Length: 52:12
Sunday Oct 05, 2014
Episode 35: The Law of the Inner Circle and Team Building
Sunday Oct 05, 2014
Sunday Oct 05, 2014
According to John Maxwell, "A leader's potential is determined by those closest to him."
John notes, "When you have the right staff, potential skyrockets."
The team or organization leader needs team members he/she chooses. Many times they can inherit and/or have someone from higher up in the organization want to add people to the team. This is unfortunate and can cause issues of with results orientation and effectiveness. When given the opportunity to select his/her own team mates the leader needs to take advantage of this to select the best and the brightest that will bring their special attributes to the team.
It is important for the leader to recognize that he/she wants to select those individuals who address the weaknesses of the leader not clones of the leader.
( Patrick Lencioni )
The leader has to take time to support and develop that team that will become his inner circle. This is the group that will connect with each other and will develop a deep sense of trust to the organization, the leader and accomplishing the mission. Check out Patrick Lencioni's The Five Dysfunctions of the Team.
This does not happen overnight it requires the leader spending time developing his team.
This means interacting with each other not just in meetings and eating together. It means having an opportunity to laugh and play together and to experience turmoil and difficulty together.
Check out my thoughts about playing soccer, racing cars, the fluer-di-lis, and the lightening bolt.
It also means that the leader needs to find out what training and coaching they need and insure that they get it.
As a note, it is possible that you will make a bad selection for the team, the leader has to be willing to address that because it is a weakness for the team that will disrupt success.
I hope that you enjoy this episode and I challenge you to take the time to examine your organization and ask yourself …
Do you have an inner circle?
Do you support them?
Does someone not need to be on that team?
Some words of wisdom from John Maxwell:
"One of the mistakes I often made early in my career as a team leader was that I thought everyone who was on my team should remain on my team."-John Maxwell
"Hire the best staff you can find, develop them as much as you can, and hand off everything you possibly can to them."-John Maxwell
Recommended Reading:
John Maxwell's:
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork
Patrick Lencioni's:
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Also, you can subscribe to John Maxwell's Minute with Maxwell.
A daily dose of leadership advice from John at no cost to you.
Enjoy!
Length: 31:21
Thursday Sep 25, 2014
Thursday Sep 25, 2014
This November, Georgia will elect a State Superintendent. The group has been down sized since the campaign trail started. The candidates for the office have been reduced to two: Valerie Wilson and Richard Woods.
I recently attended The State of Education in Georgia Conference at the University of Georgia. During lunch the two remaining candidates were each given 15 minutes to speak.
The podcast today is my recording of their talks. Listen to their thoughts and comments. Keep in mind that if you are a Georgia registered voter that you will have a chance to vote for either candidate this fall.
I refrain from doing too much editorializing. The only edits involve the time between candidates and then at the conclusion of each talk. Otherwise, you are hearing exactly as the audience heard them.
I have included links to each candidate’s websites as well as a link to my blog article about the coming election.
Enjoy!
Length: 34:04