Teaching Learning Leading K-12

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

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

Episode 25: Do You Have a Teacher You Would Like to Thank?

This episode is quite a bit different than our others. This time you will hear many different people share their thoughts about a teacher who made a difference in their lives. You will hear recollections of good deeds, of persistence, of faith, of inspiration, and of encouragement. You will hear commonalities in most cases. You will hear sincerity and even though you can't see those telling their stories you will feel their tears and sense their smiles.

What about you? Do you have a teacher from your days in K-12, that if you could, you would say thank you? If so, what would you say?

If its not too late...why not reach out and take the time to say thank you...you made a difference in my life!
I hope that this episode ignites memories and that it entices you to go find that special teacher and say...Thank You!

Enjoy!

Episode 19: Dr. Tim Elmore and Growing Leaders

Dr. Tim Elmore is the founder and the president of the non-profit organization, Growing Leaders.

Tim worked with Dr. John Maxwell who has spent many years teaching leadership skills to adults. Out of this experience of working with Dr. Maxwell grew "the desire to teach basic life skills and leadership skills to kids while they are still in school." Hence, the vision for Growing Leaders was born.

Tim and I discuss his ideas about changing the school house. He talks about Marching off the Map or being willing to do school differently.

He explains, "Our current school systems were designed for a past era..." and our teachers feel like "more is added to their workload every year." He notes that as a result many schools are in "maintenance or survival mode" where the teachers and administrators are "not willing to live on the edge." Tim creates a brilliant image of the difference between pioneers and settlers. The settlers are comfortable with being in one place, whereas the pioneer has to explore.

Tim states that we need to be EPIC in our classrooms and schools...

Experiential

Participatory

Image Rich

Connected

He also explains the thought that..."Kids Google." Tim notes, "They don't need us for information, they need us for interpretation." 

Finally, Tim discusses the purpose of Growing Leaders and how it partners with schools and other organizations that serve children.

Tim was amazing to talk to! 

He is energetic and insightful! 

He has so many ideas that hit home. 

Enjoy!

You can find out more about Dr. Tim Elmore and Growing Leaders at www.growingleaders.com. 

Best wishes!

Length 31:07