I want to share the story behind the story of the motivation driving me to write all of my UTrain Programs, because I was a teacher who dared to do it differently:
As I've mentioned in several of my books, five years into my teaching career, when I was a 6th grade teacher, I was almost fired, because at least five other teachers had ganged up to complain to the Superintendent about how much fun the children were having in my classroom, believing that my students couldn't possibly be learning anything.
I was called into the Superintendent's office one day and informed that my job was on the line and that saving it was 100% dependent on how well my kids scored on the Stanford Achievement Test Series. Thankfully I was told this just after giving the test to the kids, so I didn't inadvertently stress them out with my fear!
When the test results came in, I was blown away to find that my entire class had excelled beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Then I went to the school's files and investigated how these kids had done in their previous years tests. I found these kids had actually lost years of academic growth with their 4th & 5th grade teachers, many of whom were those complaining about me to the Superintendent.
Not only had they made up what they lost in their two previous years, they averaged an overall growth of 2.5-3 years because of what was happening in my classroom.
I marched the results right in to my Superintendent ...and after studying the comparisons he apologized to me on the spot!
My job was secure ... but the gift in all of this was that I suddenly had a new awareness of how much I was actually helping my students to achieve in measurable terms! This eventually led me to write books and programs, and to speak around the country.
All of my UTrain programs are built upon the basic foundation and fundamentals of the work I did with the high-risk populations of students from every imaginable walk of life that I worked with as a K-8 teacher, K-12 counselor and as a basketball coach.
I've written each of these programs with YOU in mind. Any person who can lead a group - give directions - open a discussion - can do these programs and transform the culture of an entire organization.
My speaking and training fees begin at $10K - so you can bring me in - or you can take these programs and make them YOUR OWN.
But don't take my word for how; anyone who can lead a group in an activity can do this ...
Hello, fellow PTA/PTO Members, School Administration, Faculty and Staff,
As the former PTA President of Ford Middle School in Allen, Texas and the initiator of the "Make A Difference Week" concept two years ago, I can tell you the activities during this week altered the energy in the school, as random acts of kindness filled the halls and expressions of appreciation and acknowledgment were the priority.
Each year we did our "Make A Difference Week" in January, just after the students got back from the holidays, in order to start the New Year off powerfully.
The inspirational videos (one of which was Mary's Acknowledgment Movie ) that the students silently watched with emotion, made a huge impact, and the stories related directly to the activities that were asked of the students throughout the week.
I have observed troubled students transformed from the power of "Make A Difference Week" as they came to life by the simplest acknowledgment of their good nature from their teachers.
The purpose of this week is to demonstrate to the students new ways of making a difference in our world. These next generations are our future leaders, and the world is greatly depending on them to create a more peaceful coexistence for humanity.
It's crucial for kids to understand the important role they play in the world, and it's up to us to remind them.
"Make A Difference Week" is a fun-filled week that encourages students to be the "highest vision they have of themselves," to bring out the good in others, and to practice the power of acknowledgment, appreciation and kindness.
One week can truly make the difference in our world by impacting the lives of our children, as we empower them to be the positive role models and community heroes for the generations that follow.
Now this amazing, nationally-recognized educator - Mary Robinson Reynolds - has taken "Make A Difference Week" to the next level.
I highly recommend her Make A Difference with the Power of Acknowledgment WEEK Program to kick off the NEW YEAR as a way to create a tradition in building a caring and compassionate community of young adults in your school.
Please pass this email along to your Programs chairpersons.
Angel Carlton
PTA President, Ford M.S., Allen, TX
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You, your staff and invested associates can have direct training by me at your convenience and as your schedule allows. You can utilize this DO-IT-YOURSELF Training at your home or office at you convenience, on your own schedule.
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