He was our teacher, sometimes our friend, but most importantly, he modeled the way we should approach life I heard about it afterward. I heard about the way our high school principal and teacher broke down in tears during his speech. I heard … [Read more...] about Myrrl Byler: Playing basketball with bookworms
Vashon Island: The Power of Friendship
In leaving the island, my wife and I rediscover the blessings that accompany true friendship Leaving is hard — whether it’s leaving Los Angeles, as I did almost ten years ago in October 2009 to go home to reconnect with my mother, or whether it’s … [Read more...] about Vashon Island: The Power of Friendship
Secret #3: Learn how to manage hard conversations
Taken from "10 Secrets To Empowering Teen Leaders," this one asks you and your teen leaders not to shirk the hard conversations This is a hard lesson, and one my students are only beginning to do well — in part because it’s at the edge of what I … [Read more...] about Secret #3: Learn how to manage hard conversations
Secret #2: Praise teen leaders, honestly and effusively
Taken from "10 Secrets To Empowering Teen Leaders," this one focuses on building self-confidence If you intend to get the best work out of your teen leader, you need to learn how to praise. Again, I turn to theatre director William Ball. … [Read more...] about Secret #2: Praise teen leaders, honestly and effusively
Secret #1: Take their ideas seriously.
Taken from "10 Secrets To Empowering Teen Leaders," this one demands you take them seriously. Once you do that, you’ll get only their best work I’ve been reflecting lately. How does a teacher empower young people to grow into leaders? … [Read more...] about Secret #1: Take their ideas seriously.
Earl Denlinger: A Unique Life
Music, love and faith guided my father's unique life and challenging death By Steven L. Denlinger Father’s Day is coming. Maybe it’s that time of year when you think about parents. Maybe it’s the fact that my wife’s mother is in the … [Read more...] about Earl Denlinger: A Unique Life
