I wrote recently about principal, Jim Wipke, and his endeavors to bring Extreme Leadership into the world of education.
Well…here’s evidence of his influence on another teacher in a very personal, direct way. The following email is from Paul Godwin (posted here with his permission). I don’t share this to toot my own horn–even though it sorta does, I guess–but more to give you a glimpse into the quality of heart that resides and thrives in the world’s great teachers. And also to underscore something I’ve come to understand about my own work: more than anything, it serves as a confirmation of the instincts that are already there, and simply lends the courage to act on the power of those instincts.
Here’s Paul:
“Two weeks ago I attended the Rockwood School District PLC Collaboration Summit in St. Louis, Missouri. I was fortunate enough to sit in on Dr. Jim Wipke’s presentation on his perception of leadership as it pertains to educators. As I walked out of the room I felt as if the clouds were separating and a beacon of light was shining down on me. Dr. Wipke spoke extremely highly of you and the books that you have written.
He was so energizing and motivating that I emailed him the next day to ask if we could talk about being a leader in the educational world. From what I have heard about Dr. Wipke, he is an amazing leader, educator and person.
I immediately went to Borders and picked up two of the three of your books he recommended (The Radical LEAP and Greater Than Yourself).
I would have bought The Radical Edge, too, but they were out. I just went to the Borders website and purchased it through them. That is what sparked this email.
For the past 10 years I have dedicated my professional life to kids and the field of education. I have taught 6th, 7th, high school, and 5th grade in suburban and urban districts around St. Louis. In December of 2007, I completed my Master’s in Educational Administration. In January I began my doctoral program in Instructional Leadership.
For the past year I have had my sights set on obtaining an administrative position. I was the runner up for 3 different positions and final four for a few others. I felt like I was just missing something that put me out in front of the other candidates or gave me the edge.
Until two weeks ago…
I have read [Leap and Greater Than Yourself] and felt a strong connection with the ideas behind your writing. You put into words and actions through your storytelling everything I believe leadership should be in education. I have never been able to express those thoughts or ideas for some reason or another until now.
Now the thank you part…
Last week I went on another interview for an Assistant Principal position. I felt as if I had no chance of getting this position based on many factors that had nothing to do with my capabilities as an administrator. It was more of a hierarchy within the district. I would have to ‘hop’ over people with experience in and out of the district.
Well, as it turns out, I was able to clearly convey my love, energy and passion toward children and education during the interviews more vividly than I’d previously been able to do.
I got the job!
I truly believe your books were a huge part of the inspiration and motivation I needed to help me overcome my previous ‘defeats.’ Thank you!
My wife, Kristin, has even made reference to the fact that I am ‘a more inspired person’ after reading your work. Your books were all I talked about each time I set the book down. So, Kristin thanks you too. My two little girls don’t know what I am talking about, but if they did, I am sure they would thank you.
Greater Than Yourself is a book I am going to purchase for all my grade level leaders. I really believe this book will help generate a more caring, focused and collaborative staff. I feel this book will ultimately help our teachers help our students!
Now, Dr. Wipke mentioned you might be coming to the Rockwood School District in September. I would be honored if I could thank you in person.”
No sir. The honor will be mine.
yay you steve. that’s a cool story. thanks for sharing.
i teach high school math and student leadership. i have read your books and so have a bunch of my leadership kids. the kids connect more to your books than any others. so thank you from us as well.
yay you steve. that’s a cool story. thanks for sharing.
i teach high school math and student leadership. i have read your books and so have a bunch of my leadership kids. the kids connect more to your books than any others. so thank you from us as well.
Cool! Sometimes one single book might just change the path your on. Amazing story. I just orderd a bunch of books from amazon, so I have to wait a while before ordering some more, but I will look into these books then.
Cool! Sometimes one single book might just change the path your on. Amazing story. I just orderd a bunch of books from amazon, so I have to wait a while before ordering some more, but I will look into these books then.
Definitely a great story. I have read all three of the books, shared them with my wife (4th grade school teacher) and with my adult children. They all have benefitted from the books. I think they are must reads! Folks that work for me – get the recommendation of add to your reading list.
The one thing that I have noticed from all of the people that I have shared Extreme Leadership with – they all apply the concepts.
My work team is definitely taking Greater Than Yourself on as a challenge. We are a couple of weeks in and we will be sitting down – in two weeks to review how it is going. Initial discussion from the individual’s has been positive. I can not wait to hear from the complete team and the GTY folks.
Definitely a great story. I have read all three of the books, shared them with my wife (4th grade school teacher) and with my adult children. They all have benefitted from the books. I think they are must reads! Folks that work for me – get the recommendation of add to your reading list.
The one thing that I have noticed from all of the people that I have shared Extreme Leadership with – they all apply the concepts.
My work team is definitely taking Greater Than Yourself on as a challenge. We are a couple of weeks in and we will be sitting down – in two weeks to review how it is going. Initial discussion from the individual’s has been positive. I can not wait to hear from the complete team and the GTY folks.
This book has truly changed my life. I am working towards my certification in Middle School Language Arts (I have 1 more semester before I student teach). I had an incredible opportunity to work at the middle school I went to as a kid this summer as a Summer School Teacher’s Assistant where I got to work closely with one of the Assistant Principals. She and I instantly formed a connection and I could tell that she was different from anyone I have ever met. At the end of summer school, she gave me the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given me – The Radical Leap. She told me that someone believed in her and gave her the same gift, and she felt I was ready for the message this book has to offer. I read it within six hours of receiving it, and am a different person because of it. In fact, yesterday afternoon, I met with the remarkable woman who gave me the book and the man who gave her the book and we talked about what it truly means to be an educator. It’s seeing people for who they are, not how they appear to be. It’s about creating an environment where children and adults feel safe, secure, and meaningful. And it all starts with taking a leap…. I can’t wait to read books two and three and see how this journey continues. In fact, I am getting ready to send a copy of Radical Leap to a friend and future teacher who I believe will embrace this message and change her world – thank you Mr. Farber and everyone else who has shared their thoughts on this book – I will be a better person and teacher because of all of you.
This book has truly changed my life. I am working towards my certification in Middle School Language Arts (I have 1 more semester before I student teach). I had an incredible opportunity to work at the middle school I went to as a kid this summer as a Summer School Teacher’s Assistant where I got to work closely with one of the Assistant Principals. She and I instantly formed a connection and I could tell that she was different from anyone I have ever met. At the end of summer school, she gave me the most beautiful gift anyone has ever given me – The Radical Leap. She told me that someone believed in her and gave her the same gift, and she felt I was ready for the message this book has to offer. I read it within six hours of receiving it, and am a different person because of it. In fact, yesterday afternoon, I met with the remarkable woman who gave me the book and the man who gave her the book and we talked about what it truly means to be an educator. It’s seeing people for who they are, not how they appear to be. It’s about creating an environment where children and adults feel safe, secure, and meaningful. And it all starts with taking a leap…. I can’t wait to read books two and three and see how this journey continues. In fact, I am getting ready to send a copy of Radical Leap to a friend and future teacher who I believe will embrace this message and change her world – thank you Mr. Farber and everyone else who has shared their thoughts on this book – I will be a better person and teacher because of all of you.
Steve, I’m sure the great majority of career educators would recognize and endorse the principles of Extreme Leadership and your excellent books. My favourite day of the academic year is graduation day. Not just seeing our students receive their degrees but hearing them, and often their parents, say “thank you” for the differences we’ve made to their lives.
Steve, I’m sure the great majority of career educators would recognize and endorse the principles of Extreme Leadership and your excellent books. My favourite day of the academic year is graduation day. Not just seeing our students receive their degrees but hearing them, and often their parents, say “thank you” for the differences we’ve made to their lives.