Episode 47: Talking Education With Ron Walker

February 25, 2015

Ron has been an educator for over39 years. He has been a teacher, administrator, and consultant. He is the president of Walker Educational Consulting and is also the director/operator of the SAGE Academy in Gainesville, GA (A school that targets the needs of at risk children).

I’ll never forget the first time I met Ron…I was the new principal of a high poverty, high risk high school. He had been hired as an educational consultant. He told the faculty what they needed to hear not what they wanted to hear. He is always like that, but not just with teachers and administrators. With the political arena he pulls no punches, as well.

He has a heart for working with the most challenging kids and schools. He is a master of connecting the dots and helping teachers be successful. He pushes all to do their best and to do what is right.

Listen to him talk about what he sees as the real power of change that educators can make.

He is a wealth of information and he will make you think about why you do what you do.

His small private school, The SAGE Academy, is funded completely through his ventures.

Contact Ron on Facebook at SAGE-Academy

or

contact him through his email address

ronwalker62@aol.com

Enjoy!

Length: 48:31

Episode 41: The Georgia Vision Project with Dr. Stan DeJarnett

December 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. Stanley DeJarnett

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

Episode 38: Protecting the Performing Arts

November 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.

Whether its band, chorus, orchestra, theater, dance or a myriad of others; the performing arts have their place in our schools.

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

Episode 37: Experience Education

November 6, 2014

Taking the classroom to another level is what experience education is all about. In this age of standardization and efficiency what has suffered most is the field trip. In the minds of many, these are waste of time...no way!

Most travels associated with studies create the desire within kids to know more! Talk about ramping up learning! There is nothing better than exploring, touching the past, smelling the wilderness, and getting just a little bit muddy. As a principal and former Boy Scout Scout Master, I experienced some exciting adventures...and was able to find the right teachers who took Scout trips and made them part of experiential learning!

Too often these types of trips suffer from financial cutbacks and political garbage...Kids need to have adventures and you can make them happen!

You make kids want to learn more science, history and other academics if you just take the time and resources to make these trips part of your school culture!

Check out these links to know more!

Raccoon Mountain

Swim with Manatees

Jekyll Island Adventures

USS Yorktown

Don't give in...make these trips a part of the kids educational pursuit and watch the interest in learning skyrocket!!!!

Enjoy!

Length: 34:20

Episode 36: Growing Up in Poverty and Lessons Learned with Dr. Hayward Cordy

October 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!