Leadership Education

Thought Provoking

May 22, 2013 By Teri 2 Comments

One week ago I was here; which is only 15 miles from where the devastating tornado cut its path.

I was going to share some thoughts about the diversity of the United States, and how freedom had both birthed and encouraged it through the decades.

Instead, I have pondered for the last two evenings, the power of community.

When you live in California, land of face-paced everything; where people are more transient by nature than rooted, and glitz and WOW! precede a lot…

Oklahoma was a breath of fresh air.

Gentlemen with weather-worn faces, who had a couple of decades on me, insisted on holding doors; preceded by a warm, “Let me get that for you, m’am.”

There’s a restaurant called “The Salt Lick.”

This “game” to the rest of the nation?

It’s an institution here. It offers opportunity for people to gather in a polite-yet-rabid fashion, in stadiums that have seen multiple generations of their family. They’re seated with yet another; on their laps or in baby carriers, celebrating a passion. When I texted my dear friend, Cathryn Brown, she agreed in spirit; responding with “Absolutely NOTHING about football can be over the top!”

Community is so very important.

There was a time in America, where neighbors gathered, shared house keys in order to facilitate repair men or a child who had forgotten theirs, exchanged conversation and shared life over meals while celebrating an event. In so many places, this has given way to a fast-paced lifestyle involving automatic garage door openers, and entry into one’s home through a side door in that same garage; with possibly nothing more than a polite wave to someone whom they simply don’t know, despite their proximity.

Community matters. It grounds us, allows us to share in the lives of others, and affords us the privilege of relationship while celebrating diversity amongst people.

So that when storms come, together we are stronger. More resilient. And have greater strength.

Praying for Oklahoma today and every day.

And resolving to shore up some of my community relationships with a bit more than a convenient wave.

Filed Under: In the Spotlight..., Leadership Education

A Great Opportunity!

May 13, 2013 By Teri Leave a Comment

In many parts of the country, those who home educate are in the throes of choosing their curriculum for next year.

“Being TommyMom” has afforded me many awesome opportunities and blessings; not the least of which was being asked to contribute to a book.

For a limited time, that book in the e-version is only 99 cents!

If you click here, and scroll down to the sponsors and affiliates section (clicking on the first box upper left with the graphic below in it), and you will be directed to a site that allows you to benefit from this excellent offer.

Whether you educate at home, or at a private or public school; you may want to check it out, if you love to read what other people are doing, and enjoy considering different approaches to a common end result.

Happy Monday!

Filed Under: Leadership Education, Leadership Parenting, Love to Learn

Kudos to You, Dear Mother!

May 10, 2013 By Teri Leave a Comment

Son #1 (remember him?!) is traveling back East on business for two weeks. I’m so excited for him, for the historical roots of our nation’s birth he is experiencing, for the sights he is seeing, and the opportunities his career and life are affording him. This picture, posted to his Facebook wall, made my heart sing, and my eyes tear up!

It is the “Make Way for Ducklings” statue located in Boston, Massachusetts.

In honor of Mother’s Day…here are some reflections.

May you be encouraged, refreshed, and have your faith restored in what is undoubtedly the toughest, and often most strident career on earth.

1. Faithfully focusing and concentrating on attributes you desire to cultivate in your children , can often be like standing in an arcade with every game going at once! Everyone has priorities, opinions, and desires. Trust yours.

2. God gave you your kids to raise, therefore, you have the greatest vote there is making you the “expert.”

3. It isn’t your job to raise children that are tough, hardened and calloused to the issues and events of this world. Rather, it is better to encourage them to become people who greatly impact what is currently here, in order to leave it better.

4. Regardless of which educational model you choose, understand that you educate no one but yourself. Strive to be inspirational, encouraging and a person who offers both challenging and inspiring opportunities within the context of home.

5. Remember those years that seemed unproductive, in which you could quantify nothing but laundry, messes made, and dirty hands and faces cleaned? They were inclusive of countless hours reading, re-reading, and reading yet again, from picture books and readers from the early years. Have faith if you are still there! They are the gateway and foundation to a life of learning and doing so with enthusiasm and excitement, if you persist!

6. Any classic worth reading at 5, is worth re-reading at 50. C. S. Lewis here, paraphrased somewhat by me. The truth is, modeling and teaching a love for great literature and an appreciation for those who write it, promises a life-long learner and reader; who approaches both with joy.

7. All of those crusts to the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches you ate mindlessly, while hoping and praying you were making an impact through a skill set faithfully modeled? They pale in comparison to the JOY that is sandwiched between other seemingly mundane responsibilities, when a mom is privileged to see the proof of her efforts!

8. Readers are leaders. Cultivation, as well as faithful modeling of this skill , along with the rich content the classics provide; produces individuals who can think critically and deeply; while resonating with life and the opportunities it affords.

9. Don’t give up! It is easy to succomb to the relentless onslaught of “experts”, trends, and peer pressure. And make no mistake: That pressure isn’t just coming from your kid’s friends! You have influencers in your life as well. Choose them carefully and wisely.

10. Faithfulness coupled with humility, goes a long way to creating a culture that lasts, is yearned for, and is replicated by the next generation.

Today, I am grateful. Grateful for moms (and dads) who read to, invest in, and nuture kids; often, while eating their 5,473rd PB and J! This simple, often ill-perceived act of selflessness produces individuals who grow up to change the world.

Along the way, they value classics, the authors who birthed them, and invest time to honor them.

Sometimes even if it involves stopping by a park in Boston to pet a duck.

Happy Mother’s Day.

XOXO,

Filed Under: Holiday Happenings, Leadership Education, Leadership Parenting, Love to Learn

Upside Down Leadership?

May 8, 2013 By Teri Leave a Comment

Last month, Gil James, Athletic Director at Newport High School, invited me to attend the Knights Athletic Booster Association Appreciation Night.

It was a simple, yet profound, thought-provoking evening.

My brother, Tim, was amongst those being honored, and they requested my presence to receive it.

My dear, nearly life-long friend, Cathryn Brown went along. She’s the definition of a true one; as she has supported me through this entire ordeal with a faithfulness that’s mind boggling. She and my brother shared a love for the game of football that I’m fairly confident can’t be rivaled anywhere else.

We were greeted by the above photo and promptly dug around in our purses for tissues.

As I’ve said the evening was thought provoking.

We were privileged to be in the company of greatness. Parents, coaches, and teachers who had faithfully, quietly, and consistently given 150% for the sake of kids. It was amazing.

There wasn’t a lot of fanfare; but the stories and expressions of appreciation given were riveting.

When it came time to honor Tim, they had two individuals speak. One was the head coach, the other a student named Isaac Dotson. Isaac quarterbacked the team and is an accomplished young man.

Here are some of the accolades they gave my brother.

Mike Miller:

“When I came here to coach, I thought this game was about Xs and Os.” Coach taught me that I was mistaken; as the real objective is the people and the lessons learned.

Tim thrived in a world where there were 150 irons in the fire. I certainly don’t work that way. But he had a special way of making you feel as if you were the most important person in the world. He would pick up the phone just to tell a joke or to give a word of encouragement. His humor was infectious.”

Isaac Dotson:

“It would be very difficult to express the impact that Coach Driver had on me. He was never ruffled or worked up…unless it was with referees!

His motto was always: ‘We live to fight another day.’

I never got to tell him what he meant to me and yet every time I take to the field, I play for him.”

What produces a legacy and leadership impact such as this?

The answers don’t always make sense in a world where packed arenas shouting your name and seminars bringing in 6 figures seem to define and smack of success.

No, this particular evening it was evident that much of true leadership is founded on being the servant. On consistently doing the seemingly mundane; and doing it over and over and over again.

Leadership that impacts is often forged in temporary failure, in reinforcement of valuable lessons, amidst undesirable circumstances.

It’s messy, can include temporary set backs and multiple disappointments.

It doesn’t always involve glory, accolades or trophies.

But given the impact that it ultimately has in the lives of others and for the greater good; it is always worth the sacrifice.

And make no mistake. Sacrifice is always involved.

Right along with the determination to fight another day:

For what is right, true and good.

It’s called example. And it always produces a ripple of meaningful legacy.

Thanks again for the reminder, Tim. I am both honored and proud to be your sister.

Love you.

Filed Under: Leadership Education, My Brother Tim

Creating Space

April 22, 2013 By Teri Leave a Comment

So, lately I have been busy beyond belief. This isn’t stated to imply that others aren’t equally busy.

But busy honestly isn’t better. In fact, it can make you less effective, lag in impact, and affects your ability to produce results that matter.

With that in mind, I want you to know that I’m not planning on going anywhere long term.

But, after thinking and mulling some things over, I think I need a little break. I have only ever taken one, and that was when my brother, Tim, passed away.

Space is good. Quiet is sometimes even better. Social media gives us opportunity to connect instantaneously over any number of subjects, for many reasons, and in powerful ways.

It can also drain, cloud boundaries, and create urgency that perhaps shouldn’t be there.

Resting allows us to come back refreshed, energized, and with perspective that is renewed.

I’m counting on it!

I love you, cherish our community together, and will be back May 6th.

Filed Under: Leadership Education, Leadership Parenting, Real Life

It Works…Every Time

April 12, 2013 By Teri 4 Comments

“Every human being is born with genius and is destined for greatness.

It is your job to find that genius and then move them in the direction of their greatness.” ~ Dr. Raymond Moore

Easter Sunday, we celebrated in a mighty way; except it was very different.

Trevor and his brother, Wesley, are Son #3′s closest friends.

After we had been acquainted with their family for a relatively short period of time, their mother, Cherylyn came to me. She wanted to know “how we schooled.”

Staggering under the load of both personal and social expectations, the Klemens were dying on the vine. Not that I am the end-all to anything. Many days, I silently wonder about my own sanity; knowing my children are doing so as well, only not always with the silent piece! I was shocked when she said she was trying to carry 14 subjects. I recommended they give Leadership Education a try.

When Trevor was in grade school, professionals came to her and told her that they were of the opinion that he would never read. He simply didn’t have what it would take.

Boy Howdy! Were they ever wrong. Really, really wrong.

Trevor is a wonderful young man. He’s quiet, slow to speak, but at the same time one of the quickest wits and funniest minds I’ve had the privilege of knowing.

And he has struggled. Tremendously. He simply couldn’t find something to ignite a passion. So he began to doubt. He’s been through some really rough phases. Therefore, so has his mother. And his father. Let’s not forget him!

Worse yet, I know that there was a period of time, where Trevor began to wonder if what had been said about him academically was possibly the truth. It was awful on many fronts. Awful, because words resonate with their tone, intent and message for life sometimes. And the things that are said, aren’t often carefully calculated over the course of years, decisions, and futures.

Enter the Fire Academy Explorer Program.

Trevor began to be excited. Well, let’s not get hasty. He’s a very well thought, calculating individual. He perked up. Yes, that’s better.

He went to class after class, community service event after event and (gasp!) took tests. And he passed. With flying colors. Every week, and every time.

He began to diligently work out. And he passed some more tests.

You see, his parents never took the professional prediction to heart. They wouldn’t give up. And neither would he!

He studied, read, read and studied. And his mom helped him; while his dad, his brother and his friends encouraged him.

Eventually, his tests were so well done, that they could use them as the answer key for others.

One time when we were riding together, he gave me a low-down on what had always appeared to me, to be water towers or containers. He explained shapes, colors, and sizes; and what the significance was to knowing this, so that you would know what was housed in them. It was my turn to be the Love of Learning Student.

A little over a month ago, Trevor set a precedent. He was the only ( as in ever, and only, out of anyone regardless of age or experience) individual in California Fire to be invited to the Regional Training Center for the California Wildfire Association.

It’s not for wimps.

They gave out awards like “Most Push Ups in 1 Minute.” Answer: 105 “Most Sit Ups” also in 1 minute. Answer: 58. They ran a 1 1/2 mile stretch. Fastest time?: 8:03.

It was unbelievable.

Academically speaking, one young man was awarded excellence for a 98.7% average.

Company 2 took third place over all, for a combination of both academic and physical prowess. They were the only company to place in both categories. Trevor was a part of that company.

As they marched in…

and were both admonished and praised by their mentors…

I cried.

Honored with awards so very deserved…

each of these youth simply shined.

At one point in this training, Trevor, along with the 40 pounds of gear he was wearing; fell 10 feet into a ravine. When one of the EMTs arrived to check him out, he told him that he should definitely go to the hospital in order to be attended to.

Trevor’s response? : “Sir, with all due respect, I need you to please move out of my way. I have a fire to put out and a tree to chop down; and I won’t be denied the reward of all of this work.”

No, Trevor, you won’t.

Here he is, seen with Chief Hall, who is over the Angeles National Forest.

And here he is with his mom and dad. Two true heroes along with him; because they moved him in the direction of his genius. They still are.

Are you questioning the journey?

Perhaps doubting your capability or passion?

Keep pressing on. Climb out of the ravine. Put out the fires of despair, and chop down the trees of confusion and ill-spoken words looming around you.

Because genius + passion = fulfilled mission.

This formula? It works.

Every time!

Love you Trevor!

Thanks for the inspiration and reminder.

Filed Under: In the Spotlight..., Leadership Education, Leadership Parenting

Education: We Should All Get One

April 10, 2013 By Teri Leave a Comment

I’ve slightly reworked a past post here, in anticipation of Friday. I honestly needed it myself; as reminders can be challengers to persevere. Enjoy.

My brother, Tim, was an odd duck.

He was passionate about…

and sincerely devoted to education.

He possessed three degrees himself…

undergraduate and two different Masters.

When I went through his things…

after his death…

I discovered his intent…

to pursue a Doctorate.

Why odd?

Because he resolutely believed the following…

statements quoted here by Oliver DeMille…

in A Thomas Jefferson Education.

“First, education is so many things to so many people: for some, education means job training, for others it means fixing social problems, still others see education as job security or a source of political clout. Americans love education, believe in education and pay big money for education, but few agree on what it is, what it should accomplish, or what methods should be used to achieve it.”

“The fact is, the only person who can fix education is the student.”

“Teaching, not education, should be our focus, because great teaching inspires students to educate themselves.”

“Most modern teachers, including those parents who deal with the problem by teaching their children at home, often find that their own educational experience is a real hindrance. How does a generation that grew up uninitiated in the classics now pass on mentoring in the classic works to the next generation: We know our children deserve better than what we can offer at home or school, but what can we do?”

“I had to choose whether to focus on the quality and excellence my new mentorial education offered or the more typical career training I was getting at the big university…

what no one seems willing to say openly anymore, perhaps for fear of turning students away, is that getting an education is their job, and that it is a supremely difficult job.”

“The solution to the American Education Quest is to focus on great teaching rather than education…Parents must lead the charge. Most public and private school teachers–and there are many good ones–are not in a position to change the current environment. Nor are many legislatures or school boards likely to adopt the classics/mentors model. Parents must do it in their own learning.” (emphasis mine)

The oddity of my brother was very complex.

He was passionate about people owning their own education.

He was passionate about education being for a purpose and mission, rather than the desire to amass initials behind one’s name.

He lived to help those that had gone off the rails due to various circumstances and personal choices within their own lives; to rectify and redeem often seemingly hopeless circumstances.

He absolutely backed the power of the family and the need for parents to lead the charge by personal example. If a family situation was impossible for students desiring inspiration, he created environments and cultures that were a pretty incredible substitute.

He lived to inspire great teaching methodologies both in and outside of the classroom that would challenge students to take the initiative needed to be world changers.

He believed that life, both the mundane as well as the celebratory, the good and the bad, the broken and redeemed, had lessons to offer. You just had to be in love with learning in order to see them.

All of this is a really tall order.

It will never be my intent to deify or exalt Tim to a place of supernatural capabilities in an attempt to paint him in a perfect light.

That would be an injustice to his true legacy; which was often dirty, inconvenient, misunderstood, rejected and appeared at times, to be somewhat upside down.

But in the end…

it was both effective and staggering in impact.

Some things Tim knew for sure:

1. Very little reform is achieved through committee. Individuals bring it about from the grass roots up.

2. One person can and will make a difference, by choosing what is right.

Every time.

Regardless of what the other guy is doing.

And sometimes, doing what is right is the only reward you will get.

Friday, it is my incredible privilege to highlight a young man here…

who stepped out in faith, took charge of his own education, and is succeeding mightily.

He has parents who cared, who dared, who persevered.

In my opinion…

they are already world changers…

within the “greatest of grassy influences”…

their home.

They are people Tim passionately yearned for…

when dealing with broken kids.

They’re parents accepting responsibility…

starting with themselves.

Getting a real education…

involves a lifetime commitment…

to doing what is right.

It’s personalized…

compliments your mission in this world…

and brings about change.

In you…

and through you…

affecting others…

which exponentially…

influences the world.

Tim got that.

And you?

Filed Under: Leadership Education, Leadership Parenting, Love to Learn, My Brother Tim

Thoughtful and Committed

April 8, 2013 By Teri Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Leadership Education

#3, You Rock!

April 5, 2013 By Teri 1 Comment

Nineteen years ago today…

we nearly died, this child and I.

“Oh the Places You’ll Go!” is a Dr. Seuss classic, but the places you’ve been, the things you’ve accomplished and the lessons you’ve taught your mother, are priceless!

Upon entering this world with a BANG!, you have continued to celebrate shock factor in all things.

Your filter can often be non-existent, your daring unnerving, and your humor incapacitating.

Here are some things I know:

To family and friends, you are always loyal and true.

But they, in turn, often have to prove the same loyalty in any given situation, at any time. Say, for instance, when you decide to conduct gravity experiments with pennies on The Tower of Terror in California Adventure, and are faced with being kicked out.

We also have to be prepared for random nights of insomnia, which result in both creativity and productivity that simply can’t be explained.

You love music, daring feats, crazy humor, and the underdog; not necessarily in that order but always with passion and sincerity.

Your bucket list possesses some rather interesting ambitions. Say, for instance, “wearing the Papal hat…for real.” Until then, you have dear friends who provide the next best thing!

You are truly one-of-a-kind!

Our lives would be much less exciting, fun-filled, and humor laden if you were not in it!

We love you, (adore you actually), and can’t wait to see what the next 19 years hold!

With a lightning quick wit, a mind that is constantly creating, questioning and analyzing, and a passion for learning…you can only succeed!

Happy, Happy Birthday, Son #3!

May it be a “Bang Up” year!

Love,

Madre

Filed Under: In the Spotlight..., Leadership Education, Leadership Parenting

“I Saw The Movie”

April 4, 2013 By Teri 18 Comments

Tah-Dah! Like that little glitch yesterday? Me, too. Keeps me on my toes. Sigh.

So…two days ago, it was Children’s Literature Day in America. If the post had fired, it would’ve been yesterday. I digress.

A few days ago, I asked Son #5 what book he was currently reading. If you recollect, he listens to most of them at this stage of the game.

Bringing me the Audible Children’s Library, he confessed that since finishing his riveting Riordan series, he was “stuck in a rut.”

“Would you help me choose a good book, Mom?” Darling boy. He’s my favorite for this simple act for at least a day or so. But wait.

Upon my making a selection, “The Stoic Face” appears.

Me: “What wrong?”

Him: “Um, I didn’t have that in mind.”

Me: “I thought you asked me to choose.”

Him: “Well, yes, I did. But I don’t like how that one ends. The dogs die.”

Yes, perhaps I did, indeed, choose “Where The Red Fern Grows”, and yes, again, perhaps I heard one of the most dreaded phrases ever to be uttered in the English Language when one should be discussing the joys of discovery surrounding a classic.

Me: “How do you know all of this already? You haven’t even read it yet!”

Him: ” I saw the movie.”

Me: “That doesn’t even count. There is a LOT of great, valuable, amazing, superb stuff that happens before they do. Now go and read it.”

And he is.

How’s THAT for “Inspire, Don’t Require?” Oh yes. Mother of the Year Award where Leadership Education is concerned coming my way!

So…

Because two days ago it was Children’s Literature Day, and because I love this quote…