Leadership Gratitude 101

Updated 9/29/19

As I reflect on those who have lead the districts or schools I have served, I am grateful for these brief, yet profound examples of leaders that have directly and uniquely impacted me.  Leadership begins with a relationship, and I would not be a leader today without their investment. Following are the many ways these men and women have walked along beside me in my career.

• Mr. Freeman ... gave me a chance!
• Mr. Mathis ... believed in me!
• Mr. Flack ... guided me!
• Mr. Cauthen ... trained me!
• Ms. Sherrill ... grew me!
• Mr. Taylor ... mentored me!
• Mr. Lovelace ... listened to me!
• Dr. McDaniel ... invested in me!
• Dr. Gummerson ... challenged me!
• Dr. Triplett ... allowed me to prove myself!
• Mrs. Brewer ... trusted me!
• Mr. Dowling ... modeled for me!
• Dr. Callicutt ... supported me!
• Dr. Epps ... valued and refined me!
• Mr. Clinton ... welcomed me!
• Mrs. Devine ... leads me daily!
• Dr. Booker ... empowers me through strategic planning!

I can only hope that one day an educator will reflect on my leadership as an experience that grew or renewed their passion for teaching, learning, or leading.  Each of these men or women amazingly offered just what I needed at that precise moment on my journey to "now" ... and I am forever humbled and grateful.  Like the turtle said sitting atop the fence post ... I have not reached this point alone!  :-)

Day 1 Letter to K parents

Dear Kindergarten parents,

With today being the first day for all of your students, I wanted to send this note to thank you for sharing your incredible children with us.  As I write this, we are having an extremely productive day. You have probably already noticed our exceptional team of Kindergarten teachers and assistants, and I am quite grateful for their daily preparation and commitment.  

For those who may be new to the Titan family, please know that the safety of your children will always be our first priority.  Next, we will promote their significance … in other words, that your child feels loved and uniquely understood.  Finally, we want to ensure their success … specifically their academic and social engagement and growth.  As a parent of three children myself, I fully understand the magnitude of our responsibility and thank you for your trust and support thus far.  

As a reminder, we will have our Independence Day next week.  This is a day for all students, especially those arriving with parents, to confidently and independently enter the school and proceed to their classrooms … certainly with staff supervision and guidance along the way.  An added benefit to this independence is minimizing interruptions to our teachers as they supervise your children or make final instructional preparations.

I am honored to serve your family and this community, and I also look forward to meeting those of you I have not had the chance to meet.  Enjoy your evening!

My best,

Mr. G

The 3 C's of Success

I had the chance today to sign a Dr. Seuss book for a student whose parents are annually (and secretly) collecting messages from influencers throughout his school years ... to be presented to him at graduation.  As I contemplated what to write, I simply shared how I have challenged myself, my own children, and other students throughout the years.  

1. Have the COURAGE to do what is right, even when unpopular or when no one is watching.  
2. Have the CONFIDENCE to be exactly who you were created to be ... based on your unique and God-given talents, interests, and strengths.  
3. Have COMPASSION for those different, hurting, or struggling.  

Success often seems measured by prestige, power, or a paycheck ... and certainly deserving or justifiable at times; yet so many mentors and examples in my life have consistently exemplified courage, confidence, and compassion on their road toward success.  

Still excited ... after 28 years!

There is just something slightly overwhelming, yet marvelously invigorating about this week in our school ... a week that replays itself at this time each year!  Our staff reported 3 days ago ... and our hallways and classrooms have awakened to the joy of smiles and laughter, the fumes from excessive lamination, the reviews of tropical vacations, the colorful creativity of new bulletin boards, the fresh eyes and ideas of newly hired teachers, the tear-jerking fragrance of a bazillion Clorox wipes ... and the anticipated, yet innocent arrival of nearly 800 of the very reasons we chose this incredible profession.

I should be asleep right now (it's half past midnight), but my mind is racing with to-do lists in eager anticipation of our open house and students' first day.  Even after 28 years in this business of public education ... there is still a longing to hear our crisp new flags proudly flying, to see the rainbow of 60 bicycles crammed into steel racks out front, to witness our incredible teachers intentionally connect with their new students, to see little feet inside brand new sneakers (even if on the wrong feet :-), to feel the eye and nose burn from bus diesel fumes, and to gently witness the love and strength that allows a kindergarten mom to let go instead of hold on tighter.  

Yes ... I am still just a big kid myself in many ways, still grateful to serve our students and their families, still humbled to lead our amazing staff, and still excited for the first day of school ... even after 28 years!