Dear Reader,
Our national dialogue about education is rather dreary, and often lacks real vision. Teachers claim that students aren't motivated by a curriculum that is designed to simply teach to the test. Disparity between schools, even those within the same school system, is evident. Administrators are challenged by tight budgets and constrained by antiquated policies and systems.
In recent months, we've heard from two educators who went on to do great things: Maggie McGuire of eScholastic and Gerry Laybourne, founder of Oxygen Media. Both leaders referred to their teaching experience as instrumental to the perspective that informed their later work.
Next week, Visionary Leader, Extraordinary Life invites you to hear a 3-in-1 treat: three inspiring educators who are leading innovative schools that base their curricula on deep respect for the child and a commitment to educating children within a committed community. Learn about the groundbreaking approach of the Oneness-Family School, dedicated to teaching peace and global citizenship to children. Discover the joy of stewardship that kids at Eagle Cove School experience. Find out how North Branch School dives deep into the complexity, messiness and fun of adolescence. This show will challenge conventional thinking about schools -- and give you some creative ideas to bring to your own community.
Very best,
Kate Ebner CEO Nebo Company |
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Monday, February 27 11 AM Eastern Time On VoiceAmerica Business The Future of Education:
Three Visionary Educators Share What Today's Kids Need Most from Education
 | | Laura Kang, Tal Birdsey and Andrew Kutt |
Listen Live on Monday. When Andrew Kutt founded Oneness-Family School in Chevy Chase, MD, he imagined a place where children learned firsthand that the world is one family. North Branch School Founder Tal Birdsey wanted to build a school for middle school kids in Vermont's Green Mountains that celebrates the complexity and individuality of children at that often misunderstood age. Laura Kang stepped into the role of Head of School at Eagle Cove School on the Chesapeake Bay because she was drawn to its mission of academic excellence, joy in learning and stewardship of community and environment. These leaders share a common mission to instill joy, confidence and love of learning in students - the success of their schools gives testimony to the difference they are making. What can we learn from them about creating schools that educate the whole child? Join Host Kate Ebner to discover the passion, innovation and philosophies that underlie three powerful visions - and how to take these ideas into your community. More. Be inspired. Missed the Live Show?
Past Episodes are available On Demand and Podcast Ready via iTunes or RSS feed.
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National Public Radio: A Vision Made Real Through The Collaboration of Talented People
Don Quayle stepped up to become the first president of NPR in 1970, after a decade of serving as a prime mover in the effort to build a regional and then national network of public radio stations. Motivated by a shared vision to bring programming that "respects the listener" to the nation, Don was part of a team of dynamic and creative leaders who built the infrastructure and programming that we may take for granted today.
In reflecting on changes in the 40+ years since NPR's first broadcast, Don's awe of the changes in technology over his many decades in radio was evident. His comments provided true perspective as to how far technology has taken our media. And, while Don stated that "we never could have imagined the technologies that are available today" that "put radio in your pocket," he continually emphasized the importance of people in order to carry a vision forward. "The people around you are what makes things work - what makes your product or service valuable. People are what creates the kind of service that other people will want to share and know." When Don became the first president of NPR, he put together a winning team -- a staff whose combined talents were the key to the success of NPR then and today. "When your hires are quality, they attract quality," he reflects. Don watched NPR grow with pride as the team he had put together, including Susan Stamberg and Nina Totenberg, in turn attracted and hired a high quality, creative NPR staff. What advice did Don have for us? He suggested that, as a manager, you should take a serious look at your team. Does your team have all of the qualities you need in order to provide the highest quality service and product? If not, Don recommends identifying what is missing and filling the gaps with highly creative people. "It is the creativity that you can't do all on your own. With the right people, you can harness the creativity of your team and deliver a quality product."
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Do you know where the gaps on your own team are? We can help you to identify the gaps in your team, and articulate the values, capabilities and qualities to look for in your next hire. Ask us about our DISC and PIAV assessments and team debriefs.
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The Inspired Leader on Kidscreen.com It's not what happens to you. It's what you do with what happens to you.
I've learned a lot about courage and resilience this month from guests on my weekly online radio show, Visionary Leader, Extraordinary Life. Chris Waddell: The Paralympic Skiing Champion shared his mantra: Run towards fear. After breaking his back in a skiing accident at the age of 20, Chris decided to show the world what he could do -- and open all of our eyes and minds about how we view our challenges. Winner of 13 medals in the Paralympics, Chris mastered many mountains at speeds greater than 70 mph without use of his legs! He retired from skiing and decided to climb Mt. Kilmanjaro, the "roof of Africa," under his own power using a handcycle. Chris completed this goal in the fall of 2011, climbing all but 100 vertical meters by using the power of his arms to wheel himself up the highest mountain in Africa. You can see this extraordinary journey on DVD . Why did Chris choose this particular challenge, one that is considered an enormous accomplishment for people with full use of their bodies? "It presented so many obstacles....." Gerry Laybourne: This legendary leader in the television industry called for us all to "be bold!" in our endeavors. I asked her if she was ever afraid of failing, and she laughed and said, "Not really. Failure is my best friend." She described the importance of taking on bold challenges and creating room for learning and, yes, even failing, which is often more fruitful in the end then a steady stream of successes because of all you can learn. Gerry said she envisions a world in which, "Women stop waiting for their turn, but step up and take their turn." With the voices of these leaders in my ear, I'm ready to take on big challenges in 2012 with the goal of stepping up to learn rather than focusing on whether I succeed or not. After all, if you make fear your best friend, imagine how much freedom, humor and grace you can bring to even your most daunting endeavors! Starting next month, this blog will be hosted on The Nebo Company website - we will link to the posts from this newsletter. Please join me there. I'd love to know what's on YOUR mind and topics you'd like to know more about. Please send me your ideas! Be bold! Kate
Find all blog posts here.
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Create Your Vision!
We have designed a quick and easy visioning exercise just for you! You will receive your own personal vision statement immediately upon hitting "submit." To create your vision statement, CLICK HERE.
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Missed the last show?
 Listen to the 1st President of NPR, Don Quayle, on the 2/20/12 episode of Visionary Leader, Extraordinary Life with Host Kate Ebner. Don shared his story and the original vision on NPR.
Be inspired.
Become inspiring.
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On how to bring a vision to life ...
"Remember that an organization is simply the creativity, intelligence and integrity that its people bring to bear."
~ Don Quayle
1st President of NPR
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Recommended Reading
One way to ensure that you bring out the creativity and talent of your people is to do a great job of bringing new people on board, especially at the leadership level. This definitive book provides case examples and strategies for successful onboarding.
Successful Onboarding
by: Mark A. Stein
and Lilith Christiansen
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