Heroes Part 4

     Growing up as a boy who was, and still is, very fond of basketball, there were many "heroes" that I wanted to be like.  From Dr. J, to Dominique Wilkins, and of course my all-time favorite player, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, countless hours were spent outside on my dirt basketball court mimicking these players moves. Now as a mature man, though my jump shot has faded (only slightly), I still have "heroes in my heart" which give me a positive pattern to emulate.  It has been well said that "imitation is the highest form of flattery", and  I certainly believe that it's ok to be a copycat as long as you copy the right cat!  The next hero in my heart, Dr. Marcia Rock, is such a model of teaching excellence.


     I met Dr. Rock at the University of Alabama and was amazed by her incredible passion. She enthusiastically works to educate, and empower students to be people that not only make a living but also make a difference.  In addition 3 C's, commitment, competence, and caring makes her the consummate teacher and my hero.


     Dr. Rock is unparalleled in the level of commitment that she demonstrates.  First of all she is committed to a higher call.  Whereas many teachers view what they do as a career, she understands that it is a calling.  This creates an incredible passion for students that are oftentimes “overlooked” by others.  She unwaveringly works to leave no child behind.  Her passion is also demonstrated in her commitment to advocacy for students, especially those that do not always have their voices heard.  As an effective advocate, she has caused others including myself to join her in this endeavor.  She is also committed to being an agent of change.  Unlike many educators that communicate the need for change with their lips, she does so with her life.  A vivid example of this is the University of Alabama Project TEEACH program, which she directed.  This program  aimed to transform elementary educators into superior special educators.  As a member of the initial cohort, I experienced personal change as a result of being in the midst of Dr, Rock.  One of the vital lessons that I glean from her life is that superior teachers are servant-leaders. 


     In addition to commitment, Dr. Rock demonstrates a high level of competence.  This thorough understanding of her field allows gives her the ability to communicate in a highly effective manner.  Her ability to simplify complicated ideas for a wide range of students, and professionals is very impressive.  Most importantly, this competence translates into the use of research-based strategies, and methods as well as best practice.  The use of these practices gives students the best chance to succeed.  She stresses the importance of going the extra mile and doing the research instead of just “getting by” as a teacher.  Although she is competent and very capable, she is one of the most humble individuals in this world.  She uses her competence not to get “glory” but to make life better for parents, students and teachers. 


     Lastly, Dr. Rock inspires others to care for the students that we teach.  Unfortunately many educators care about everything except the main thing, students.  In a world where test scores are significant, Dr. Rock values students first.  She models this by leaving undeniable fingerprints of care and concern in the lives of her students.  My life has been significantly impacted because Dr. Rock cared enough to give me a chance.  Everyday countless numbers of individuals hope for and wish for a chance to rise up or reach their dreams.  I can easily identify with this group because prior to meeting Dr. Rock, labels were placed on me.  However, Dr. Rock saw my potential and had the courage to unearth the treasure within.  Without her sense of caring, and vision I would not be a teacher today.  This has inspired me to demonstrate the same level of care and the ability to see the enormous potential and possibilities within our students.  I am teaching today to give our students a chance, just like Dr. Marcia Rock gave me a chance!


     Thanks Dr. Rock for you are truly an inspiration.  You have given me the courage to be a relentless, resourceful and, reflective educator! 

Heroes Part 3

     Since day three of reminiscing about "heroes in my heart" is Wednesday I decided to  devote this edition to those who have shaped my spiritual being.  Heroes can be found not only in the traditional classroom setting but there are also many in the church environment.  For even in the ecclesiastical realm, education is vital.  As Hosea 4:6 says, "My people perish for a lack of knowledge."  Thankfully this has not been the case for me as I've been blessed to have many insightful and inspiring instructors who have helped me to grow spiritually.  For lack of time I want to specifically mention one that is very dear to me.

     As a young boy growing up as a PK (Preacher's Kid), going to church was of course a family priority.  As a matter of fact it seems like we spent much of our time in church (which is probably why I didn't have time for a pet!)  Showing up for church was one thing but staying alert in church was another matter for me.  I was known to have the tendency to sleep in the sanctuary from time to time!  However this was not the case during one of my favorites in the church, Sunday School.  A major reason for this was because my very first Sunday School teacher, my sister Deborah,  provocatively provided for me necessary experiences which can be described by the acronym "LIFT" which I describe below.

"L"- She quite simply loved children.  This may seem like an obvious characteristic that those instructing children should have but unfortunately, this is not always the case.  Some individuals seeking to lead students do not always exhibit love for them.  Of course it's difficult to effectively lead those you don't love.  In addition, kids can easily tell when they are not being loved.  The old saying is true, "Kids don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."  My sister had and still has an aroma that attracts children to her.  No wonder she eventually became a midwife!   From a child, my friends and I loved going to church because we knew there was someone who actually wanted us there!

"I"- She instructed us in an interactive way.  One of the things that I remember about those early years in Sunday School were the songs and chants that we used to do.  From "He has the whole world in His hands", to "Rise, Shine, and Give God the Glory", there was never a dull moment in class.  My sister implemented what today would be called research-based practices such as gestures, signals, and  mnemonics to engage her students.  She actually used whole-brain teaching methods before there was such a thing! 

"F"- This is an easy one.  She made learning fun.  This wasn't the norm thirty years ago, as kids were expected to come, sit down and be quiet.  Older members basically had the perspective that since church was so important it didn't have to be interesting.  However my sister was different.  She wanted us to have a good time.  In recent years brain research suggests that fun is not just beneficial to learning but required for authentic learning and long-term memory. No wonder we were able to retain much more in her class!

"T"- She helped transform us by Truth.  Not only did my sister have an effective teaching style but more importantly she had substance.  In that early Sunday School Class I was taught many truths which have laid the foundation for my present ministry.  That's why I never devalue or take for granted the importance of those who minister to children.  The framework that they provide is essential to ensure future growth.

     Well I've described another hero in my heart.  Thanks Sis for helping "lift" me to another level!

Heroes Part 2

A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops. ~Henry Brooks Adams

     I am privileged and proud to be part of one of the most powerful professions in the world. Few endeavors enable one to have such an enormous impact on the lives of individuals. Today I am able to enjoy this experience because of the influence of several teachers in my own life. As I reflect upon these terrific teachers and the powerful lessons they have instilled within, I am certain that I have been helped by real heroes! One such individual was able to broaden my horizons and fill my mental skies with positive expectations. This person, my High School English teacher, Barbara Belisle, is an extraordinary hero!

     I encountered Ms. Belisle during a period of my life when my primary passion was sports. During my 11th grade year many college coaches were trying to persuade me to choose their respective teams. At this time, like most immature youth, I felt that my future was in sports. However, because of Ms. Belisle's instruction, which went well beyond any textbook, I was able to better understand my true potential. How did this occur? First she had the Courage to Confront. I remember one day after class she pulled me aside and expressed to me that I needed to be concerned with getting a quality education. She helped me understand my need to demonstrate excellence not only on the court but also in the classroom. She also mentioned that since I was in the public's eye, I needed to make sure that I was equipped to be able to communicate in an effective manner. Her guidance changed my perspective and I went from being just an athlete to becoming an academician; from a sports star to a scholar. I am grateful that she had the courage to confront because she was truly concerned about my well-being!

     In addition, Ms. Belisle Creatively Connected with me as a student. I believe that good teachers are able to meet students where they are and help them get to where they should be. I must admit as a high School English student, I had not shown much interest in Shakespeare or Hemingway. However, this all changed after being in Ms. Belisle's class. Being a gifted author and writer, she would often begin class by quoting poetry. I was fascinated at how she could remember so much information and also paint a picture with her words. Her love of poetry sparked my interest and because of her I now quote poets such as Langston Hughes when speaking to students as I talk to them about their dreams, "Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly. Hold fast to dreams for when dreams go, life is a barren field frozen with snow." Thanks Ms. Belisle for helping bring out the best in me!

     Anyone who was fortunate enough to be taught by Ms. Belisle will agree that she is one of the world's greatest teachers. Her ability to teach all types of students was phenomenal. However, behind her brilliance in the classroom was one of her greatest strengths, a humble and caring spirit. Presently when I see her, she always demonstrates concern by inquiring about my family. She still encourages me to pursue excellence! Ms. Belisle, I salute you as being an inspiring hero!

Heroes

     This past weekend the movie, The Avengers, made its debut and set the record for the biggest opening.  The movie is about a group of superheroes who unite to save the world.  As I sat and watched the previews for this movie, my mind began to ponder heroes that I have in my heart.  These are individuals that have inspired, influenced, mentored and motivated me to maximize my potential.  A hero can be defined as "one who is admired for having exceptional qualities; one who shows great courage". While we normally think of fictional movie characters when the word is uttered, in reality to be heroic one does not have to possess the super strength of the Hulk or the physical powers of Thor.  Instead, there are certain qualities that enable everyday people to be regarded as "ordinary heroes".  Since this is Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take time each day to pay tribute to those "heroes in my heart" who have helped to shape my life.  At the top of the list is the person who epitomizes the word hero, my mother, Ora Jones.  Through her amazing attitude and awesome actions she demonstrated to me what being heroic is all about.  It's as simple as A-B-C.
     First my mom is my hero because she was always Available. During my life's critical or celebrative moments, she was always there. When I was sick, and needed loving care, she was there.  When I was hitting a game winning shot, she was there smiling.  During the birth of my children, she was there.  At the end of a burden-filled day, she was also there. In our culture, this trait is often taken for granted.  I've even surmised that many times individuals aren't heroic not because they are bad, but because they are just too busy. However my mom was always available to me, even when she didn't feel her best.  At times she would encourage, enlighten or empower me and at other times she would just be there to listen and shower me with love.  As you live out the days of your life, never minimize the importance of "being there!"
     Secondly, my mom is my hero because she Believed in me.  It was her belief in me that helped lift me during my life's lowest moments.   Even when others saw only negatives she would always see the positives and encourage me to be "the me that I was meant to be."  She had a knack for seeing more in others than they could see in themselves.  Then she would take it a step further and begin to speak life over individuals. Having someone believe in you is so vital that  many of the successful people in our world can trace their success back to at least one person who truly believed in them. Thank you mom for believing in me because it motivated me to be better! 
     Finally my mom is my hero because of her Consistently Compassionate spirit.  One of the things that I loved most about mom was that she was never fickle, flaky or fragmented.  She was always the same no matter where she was or who she was with. Furthermore, she had the ability to show love to all that she met, even those who were not very loving to her.  This quality, which I most admire about her, helps me journey through life, as I'm reminded of her favorite saying:
"If I can help somebody as I pass along,  if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he's traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain."
    Although my mom couldn't leap tall buildings in a single bound, or fly faster than a speeding bullet, she was able to do what all heroes aim to do, Make a difference in the world.  Today she continues to do so because of her lasting legacy that has been left behind in the lives of those that she touched.  Happy Birthday Mom and thanks for being my Hero!