The Greatest Impact

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

-William Butler Yeats

Everyday, I am reflecting about our students. Many of them, because I am new, have not developed a relationship with me thus far. Admittedly, when I look into their eyes, I wonder about their future.

In many respects, it is hard for me not to think about how my influence can impact their life. Our students have a variety of backgrounds. Some come from broken homes, some come from

highly successful pedigrees, others are somewhere in between.

Despite their background, I have concluded we have the ability and capacity to change their life’s

trajectory. What do you think? Well, if we are teaching our students to problem solve and critically think-we have opened and them up to a world of opportunities.

As a result, my mission will always be to support our staff to help our students learn and understand. This task is not always easy. That is why my focus is “less is more.” We cannot implement too many initiatives successfully. Patience, laser focus, and purpose will propel us and our students forward.

Teachers make the greatest impact on students’ learning. Let’s never forget, truly, how critical we are to our students’ future.

Rodney S. Lewis, Ed.D.

The Learning Process

“In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” 

-Phil Collins

There is nothing that gets me more excited than watching our students learning. The entire process fascinates me. The teaching , learning, assessing, evaluating, and planning fires me up!

I love asking myself three everlasting questions as I watch learning occur:

1. What instructional content will last beyond the summative assessment (endurance)?
2. What instructional content will have value in multiple subjects (leverage)?
3. What instructional content prepares students for the next level (readiness)?

The reason I am so passionate about this process, is because, ultimately, it is the only instructional process. Think about the “Ah Ha” moments we have all experienced. 

Moments like this propel my enthusiasm for intentional, purposeful, and meaningful learning. Maybe it is just the scientist or researcher in me that wants to know what works, how do we know it works, and how often does it work.

How do you feel about the learning process? Something to think about, right?

Rodney S. Lewis, Ed.D.

A Beautiful Connection

"There are days when you need someone who just wants to be your sunshine and not the air you breathe."  

-Robert Brault

As I reflect on my educational experience, I have concluded my former teachers were extremely POWERFUL and instrumental in my success! They assisted me in identity creation, development, and promotion. This group of educators embedded a vision and voice to my learning. When I traveled in a valley (challenging times), personally and academically, they propelled me to psychological victories. My former teachers valued me enough to volunteer their personal time to support my learning before and after school.

What Matters?
As I maneuver in this educational system of standards-based grading, response to intervention, professional learning communities, understanding by design, assessment for learning, love and logic, supportive feedback, differentiated instruction, and  balanced literacy-I have learned, more than ever, our students are not concerned about any of these frameworks and methods. Now, for us, these strategies are crucial in helping them deeply understand our learning targets. However, without a positive

connection, what is the benefit of differentiated instruction? When I was a student, I needed to believe that my teacher believed in me! If he/she did not, I could feel it! As a result, all of his/her researched-based strategies had no impact on my learning! 

Learning Community
Imagine if a student navigated an elementary school and every teacher gave this student specific feedback about his/her learning, provided positive affirmations about his/her success academically and personally, and validated this student as a human. Imagine this student maintaining this type of connection to a school for 6 years (from K-5)!  As an adult, would he/she become the next CEO of a Fortune 500 company, the best surgeon in the Midwest, Teacher of the Year, earn a Ph.D., develop a  successful small business, or create a Top 40 song? I am unsure. However, does this learning community allow him/her the finest opportunity to reach those profound milestones? You bet! 

Looking Back
I think about my childhood experiences. Certainly, I will never forget hearing gunfire while trying to sleep, watching gang members retaliating against one another, or viewing my neighbor lifeless on the concrete. I remember my days as a reluctant reader in elementary school, the failed science assessments (there were several), and the many.....many after school support sessions. Vividly, I recall teachers, coaches, and support staff telling me how "great" I was going to be in my future endeavors. They saw something in me that stretched beyond my wildest imagination. My teachers made me believe despite my neighborhood in North St.Louis, a 55% on a quiz, and not understanding the day's learning targets, better days were ahead. These educators convinced me that true intelligence was acquired through analysis and informational processing, not by lucky genes. They saw things, at the time, I could not see. On the other hand, nearly 25 years later, their premonition of my future makes perfect sense. 

I Love Them
I love my students. Love them! Their mind is mine for the molding! I know with positivity, corrective feedback, and most importantly, a purposeful connection-I can get them to see the premonition I have for them. My own experience tells me that against all odds, our students have the ability to achieve their goals! I am living proof!

When I see our students, I observe future leaders, doctors, teachers, scholars, entrepreneurs, and musicians! The list goes on and on. 

Everyday, I thank my former teachers by creating and nurturing the very thing they created and nurtured with me...a beautiful connection!

-Rodney S. Lewis, Ed.D.

Thriving in Higher Education

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

― Nelson Mandela

I have been exceedingly fortunate to have an opportunity to teach on a collegiate level.  In my short professional career, I have noticed that some students have fallen through the “cracks” and not reached their goal of graduation.  I offer five helpful tips to assist those in college and/or those considering higher education as a viable option.

Communication 
Most students DON’T communicate with their instructors/professors, advisers and etc. No one can help you, if you don’t ask for it.  Education is about information. When students choose not to communicate, they ultimately will miss information that will help them later in their career. If a class is difficult, communicate with the instructor/professor before the class starts. Inform them you will need additional support in that particular class. Get into the habit of clear and open communication.  You will soon realize the instructor/professor has your best interest in mind.

Stay Career Focus
Each class, each semester, ask yourself one question: “What did I do this semester to get the job I want”? Most students try to float through classes, hustling for the best possible grade – with the least amount of work. You need to keep your career in the forefront of your mind. If you don’t have to read the book for a particular class, then read the book anyway. Gain the knowledge you need to master that subject area. Education goes beyond the classroom. Please understand, it is not the school’s responsibility to get you a job, it’s YOUR responsibility to get you a job! Start researching your profession while you are in school.

Be More Proactive
Too many students have a “hand-out” mentality. They wait until someone gives them an assignment to start the process of learning. This mentality is not effective. Instead, have a  “ hand-up” mentality. Start raising your “hand-up” to participate in different clubs and school events. Consider volunteering within your local community to gain practical experience that will help advance your career.  You are paying for college; now take FULL advantage of your opportunity.  Stop studying just for the test, but instead, study to gain knowledge to master your field of choice. Again, education is about one word: information. If you have the correct information, then you will be paid very well to share that information.  Don’t just sit around waiting for opportunities; start creating your own opportunities. This will help you create your own luck!

Why? 
Please have a clear understanding of WHY you are attending school. Some students are attending college to get a job that pays well.  Some students attend college because of tradition established by friends and family.  On the other hand, some attend college to discover themselves. Whatever your reason is, please ensure your reason is strong enough to help you triumph over the obstacles you may experience along the way. Please choose friends that will help you fuel your WHY and as a result, you can help them do the same. Too often, I have seen good students dragged down by negative, non-motivated students. If your WHY is always in the front of your mind, then students, teachers, advisers or financial aid officers will NOT be able to stop your success.  Understanding the WHY of your college education will help you reach and surpass your goals.

Stop Complaining!
Every year, the month of May is “Hunting Season”.  That’s right…… “Hunting Season”!  In the month of May, thousands of college graduates throughout the country are “Hunting” for jobs.  The job market is tough for many college graduates in the United States. One way to ensure you decrease your chances of getting the job you want is constantly complaining.  Here is my observation: The students that complain the most do the least and are always unprepared.  Teachers don’t fail students, students fail students. Please…don’t leave your education and career in the hands of a school.  You have total control of what you learn every semester.  If you don’t understand a particular subject, don’t complain-instead move toward action. Ask your instructor, your department chair, adviser, other instructors in the program, your dean, your peers, get a tutor, or go online for help. Please realize when it is all said and done- this is your education.

“Get information - use knowledge - be educated”!

       
    Regards,

        ~ Ron S. Lewis, PhD. Candidate (2015)

Bring Your Vision To Life

“A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done."

-Ralph Lauren

We see things in our mind everyday and most of us are envisioning ourselves accomplishing great things. Yet, what is the blueprint for making your vision a reality? Well, it is actually very easy....in theory. I believe the challenge for some is their fear of failure and success. It is scary to think about going through the ups and downs, the setbacks,the possibility of all of your hard work not coming to fruition, and/or admiration for your creation.

I went through all of the above. To be honest, it is hard to imagine I am writing this as the principal of an elementary school with a doctorate at 31 years old. Seven years ago, as a physical education teacher, that appeared unreachable. I was told to stay in the classroom longer, get extra certification, and teach something different. Also, I was turned down twice while in pursuit of my doctorate. Conversely, I am extremely stubborn with my goals! I will listen to advice; on the other hand, I will also filter all that I receive. Why? I am on the inside looking in. My family, friends, and colleagues are on the outside. They can't genuinely fathom my innate drive for success. There is no such thing as I can't. There may be setbacks, letdowns, and points of regression; however, I will not stop until I reach my top!

There are many ways to skin a cat! Or for the sake of this blog, there are many ways to outline and define one's success.  Telling the world, embracing the process, staying laser focused and confident is my recipe for achievement. I live by those principles and hope they help you as well.

Tell the world what you see
If you want to know what I envision day in and day out, just ask! The reason I am an educator is because I am passionate about guiding, mentoring, and uplifting students! I can remember as an assistant principal, chatting with colleagues often about my initiatives and how it would benefit my students. I would talk to anyone who would listen. Whatever it is you want to do, let the world know. Because of social media, that is literally possible! Tweet it, post it, write it, say it, and start living it!  My experience tells me if you are willing to do the "dirty" work, passionate, and maintain a positive attitude-most people will be eager to assist. I felt if someone gave me the opportunity to display my vision, my work would not disappoint.

Embrace the process
I did not become a principal a year after graduating with my masters! It took five enjoyable years of learning, growing, and redefining who I am. You cannot rush the process. Time is a double-edged sword. It allows you to learn, grow, and redefine, but regardless of what happens-the clock keeps ticking. The beauty, in my opinion, of reaching your goals is the process. No process is perfect, and there are trials and tribulations with all journeys. Yet, those failed interviews and false job leads will support your vision as you get closer to crossing the finish line. Stay presence and enjoy!

Stay laser focused
Think about it; you have many talents-many things can occupy your time. But, your greatest gift is your greatest curse. Having too many goals, traveling in too many directions, is counterproductive to your success. My motto is simple, hyper-focus on one or two main goals and let the rest fall into place. This is important! Your vision, like living beings, needs time to grow and mature. Consistently stopping your ideas in the infant stage will keep you stuck in one place without you witnessing the progress you seek. If you "stay the course" and continue to press on a few targets, your progression will accelerate. No doubt about it!

Turn on the confidence and break the off switch
Wow! You have to believe you are going to win! There is no other way! Present your confidence in your walk, your talk, your handshake, your eye contact....your everything! As the old saying goes, if you don't think you can win-you won't! After a university's doctoral program rejected me twice in a month, I was stunned and broken. However, not all of me was broken...maybe 60%. The other 40% knew if I told the world about my hopes, embraced the process, stayed focused, and sustained my self-esteem-eventually my day would come. Today, hundreds of people address me as Dr. Lewis!

It starts with you....it ends with you
You cannot be stopped! Only you can stop you! Once you see yourself getting your job, promotion, and/or  degree, you can make it happen! Tell everyone what you want to do. The more you talk about your vision, the leaner it becomes. It gets clear, precise, and focused. Therefore, when the journey begins, love every....single....second! I believe there is incredible learning as you navigate your success! Savor each moment.

Finally, nobody truly knows what your vision is unless you tell them. With that said, be mindful of people or things trying to get you away from your true goals. For example, if there is a potential job paying more, but has nothing to do with your long-term vision-think twice! This is crucial because staying discipline is hard; however, once it is installed in your psyche, doing the unthinkable becomes a distant memory. For many, because of their lack of belief, their airplane never takes flight. Always reserve room for optimism. It is easy to break yourself down because of failure. On the other hand, all successful people would say their hardships motivated them to excel. If you are not failing at your goals-you are not working on your goals!

The power of your vision starts with you! Do the work!

-Rodney Lewis, Ed.D