I just got off the phone with a very inspiring individual by the name of David Pinter. David is an elementary school principal in the Jacksonville, Florida area who is deeply devoted to changing the world of his students. He’s the very definition of Extreme Leader, as far as I’m concerned. Here’s an excerpt from his email that led to our subsequent conversation. There’s a lot more to tell in this unfolding story of inspired education, so stay tuned…
“I have always believed that the ‘passion’ in your life could be the ‘passion’ at your work AND that as family is at home, so can family be at work (with all of the beautiful intricacies held therein). Love, Energy, Audacity, and Proof (L.E.A.P.) has been part of our mantra for this year as we connected it to Diagnostic, Prescriptive, and Evaluative measures for children. Many OS!M’s have been experienced in our building this year pertaining to children, staff, community, and data.
“Our ‘kick-off’ for the year was based on the ‘beach’ theme of Edg and The Radical Leap. The entire faculty met at the local Life Guard Station for a crash course involving the rituals, routines, and purpose of being a Life Guard. Lt. Jim Palmer (yes, like the baseball player) took us through their motto of ‘when in doubt, go’ culminating in a literal ‘in-ocean’ team building experience. When we returned to our building that afternoon for a debrief of the morning’s activities, many of the faculty entered the room with T-shirts embossed with OS!M on the front. My eyes welled up. I am getting through, I thought…
“This year I have pressed the children, faculty, staff, and community with the focus of family: treat the children as though they are your own flesh and blood…the students [should] treat their school mates as they would want their brothers and sisters treated…treat the teachers as you would want your parents to be treated…treat the school facility as you would want your own home treated…. Connecting all we do in our building to “family” is so personal and understandable. Children 5 years of age to 95 years of age can connect…In the field of reading we would call it a “text to self” connection…
“Then, I read The Radical Edge [which was] a true ‘text to self’ connection. I think to myself, I’m not a freak! There are people in the world who believe your passion in life can be your passion at work AND family at home can be family at work…
“Thank you, Steve, for being ‘vulnerable’ in these two books! It is really setting many of us free out here!”
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