Episode 55: Capturing a Child’s Heart with Flip Flippen

May 15, 2015

Flip is focused on helping kids and teachers be successful by changing behaviors and attitudes.

He is the founder and chairman of the Flippen Group, “an educator training, corporate talent, and team development company.” He is also the author of The Flip Side: Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back.

“Flip developed the theory of Overcoming Personal Constraints (OPC) to accelerate personal effectiveness by identifying and breaking debilitating behavior patterns that limit performance and hinder growth.”

“The theory and practice of Overcoming Personal Constraints are being used in board rooms, locker rooms, and briefing rooms to improve individual and team performance around the world.”

On today’s show, Flip connects his thoughts to creating better relationships in the school. He and his team work with the staff and students to understand how to identify those behaviors in the school house that keep the adults and students at odds with each other. He talks about the factors that need to be addressed to create a better school climate that will help adults and students be successful.

I think that you will really enjoy this conversation.

Flip is an amazing individual who has developed a way to reach out to many and help them overcome bad behaviors. After listening I encourage you to check out more about Flip and The Flippen Group.

Go to these links for more info:

The Flippen Group

The Flippen Group Education Blog

The Flippen Group YouTube Channel

Call 1-800-316-4311

Length: 48:40

Episode 48: Dr. Mark Wilson - iPrincipal

March 4, 2015

Dr. Mark Wilson is the founder of The Educational Leadership Group. You may remember that I interviewed him way back at Episode 8 . He is the Georgia Principal of the Year for 2008 and the National Principal of the Year of 2009!

Today we are starting a new monthly segment called iPrincipal.

Check out his TED Talk

He is a teacher, coach, consultant, public speaker and now an author. His book will soon be available but you get a sneak peek into it by joining us for these monthly segments.

Connect with Mark on twitter @ MarkWilsonGA and his website http://www.markwilsoneducation.com/

Each segment will start with an “ i ” (next month is Innovate). Mark will talk and share stories about the principalship. He will provide suggestions for the school building leader in addressing the many demands of the position.

This should be an awesome opportunity for professional learning!

Enjoy!

You can also contact Mark at

Mark.wilson.ga@gmail.com or call him at 706-474-2454

Length 17:34

Episode 46: Building Relationships with Hugh Kight

February 10, 2015

Hugh Kight is the principal of East Laurens Elementary School in Laurens County, Georgia.

Laurens is Hugh’s home. He grew up here, attended school, and eventually became a teacher and principal here.

Hugh is actually retired but “Un-retired” to be the principal of East Laurens.

Between his amazing energy and contagious smile he is someone who everyone should get to know. Just spend a few minutes with him and whatever troubles you will wilt away as you will see the silver linings, feel the sunshine, and want to smile…because you know that all will be good.

Mr. Kight is always looking for methods to recognize success. He connects with kids and, staff, and the community. He wants to find unique ways of saying … “Good Work! Keep it Up!”

Hence the Falcon Fun Zone!

A place where the teachers and staff can schedule to send kids who have demonstrated hard work, success, and achievement! A place where the kids earn time to play…(check out the pics of the many games and activities)! What an amazing idea!!!

By the way, the teachers have also been able to find time to initiate the room! (And the paintings of characters on the walls were created by a staff member!)

Hugh also has his Coca-Cola Diner…It's not sponsored by the corporation…but it grew out of an idea for having a room to celebrate and connect with others. Hugh is known for his cooking skills…just ask anyone about the chicken dinners!

In this room he often feeds staff, students, families, and community members. The walls have the school’s test scores and other data to show their gains and successes. Feels like you are visiting family…

Hugh likes to visit garage sales and flea markets…this is what led to his decorations for the room…Check out some of the really cool Coke artifacts!!!

I challenge you to think about the ways that Hugh has created to celebrate, connect, and build relationships and develop your own. It will inspire your kids to do well. It will help your staff feel valued and it will help you connect with the parents and community.

Enjoy!

Length: 37:26

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!