Last fall I was contacted by one of the authors of our yearlong faculty book study, Web 2.0 New Tools, New Schools and asked to write a short story about how administrators use technology in innovative ways for the new book she was working on. Seems she had stumbled across my blog and liked what she saw. The vignettes in the book are titled One School Leader's Story and mine was to detail how we were accomplishing the implementation of Web 2.0 tools school wide and specifically to address how my blog was used to communicate expectations for teachers. I was completely honored and then almost immediately panicked! Who in the world would want to hear what I have to say? Y'all are forced to listen to me because you have to work with me. I mean really? I super procrastinated on this one but finally got my thoughts out on paper and got it turned in to Lynne Schrum's assistant. Whew! Done! It actually wasn't all that hard. It never is when I am describing the extraordinary work my faculty does with children. I had made up my mind that if she hated it I wouldn't even bother telling anyone I had done it. Turns out she loved it, thought it was wonderful - ha! Five days later another email arrived asking for another story - I couldn't believe it! This time they had me write about how we keep students safe as they access web tools on the internet. Armed with a touch of confidence I didn't procrastinate this time, got it written and submitted. I think I still expected them to send it back as garbage - they didn't. It was just what they needed. Whoa! I have to say that it was a lifetime high when my complimentary copy of Leading 21st Century Schools: Harnessing Technology for Engagement and Achievement arrived this week. There it was - my name along side the name of the school I love - in black and white!! It's just 1 and 3/4 pages of a 212 page book but I can promise you if my Moma was still alive she'd be campaigning for me to win the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature! I'd love to be able to insert what I wrote at this point but I can't - even though I wrote it I don't own it anymore...so you'll just have to buy the book or stop just long enough at my office door. I could probably be pursuaded to read it to you!Can you hear the music?
18 comments:
How exciting! I can't wait to see the book :D. ~rachel b
That is so exciting! I can't wait to read it. (And we all really do love hearing what you have to say.)
How cool is that --
Congratulations!!!!
Don't worry Susan - your moma is beaming and campaigning for you! Congrats - we are so proud of our principal!!MM
I have to pinch myself still that I work with such passionate people. I take for granted that I'm surrounded by risk takers, high achievers and relationship builders. I assume it's like this in every school. My partner teacher keeps trying to get me to visit other places so I gain perspective of what we have and who we have - but I'm afraid to look. Working for a published Principal is an honor! -Karen Morris
Woo Hoo. I am so excited for you. Yur mama is campaigning in heaven, maybe we can start campaigning for you here! So proud of you, can't wait to hear you read it to me!
Congratulations, Susan! It's no surprise to us (your adoring faculty) that you are a published school leader of the 21st Century. We are blessed to be under your wings as you guide us to new horizons! -Patti Bass
Congratulations Susan, you are truly deserving of this and so much more.
Sherrie
Susan,
Your Moma would have good reason to be proud! I can't wait to read it. I love your new picture!
This is no suprise to me at all as I know your mom is proud and looking down with smiles and admiration. Congrats! You deserve it as you are one of the hardest working people I have ever met. Way to go!
Tracy Ruark
Susan, I certainly am not surprised in the least. Anyone who can maintain my attention for more than a minute, which you regularly do, is an amazing writer. Also, you have been in out in front of a huge and very valuable educational movement at CCE. Yeah, that pretty much qualifies you as the "go to girl" for any such literary effort.
I know your mom would be proud, but I think you have out-done Alfred Nobel, as all he did was invent dynamite so that mine workers would not blow themselves to bits using liquid nitro-glycerin. You, on the other hand, have fostered adavanced thinking in thousands of kids, teachers, and parents. So, I say they should rename the prize!
Peace and "Good on ya",
(Yep, that's MY Principal!)
T-Cubed
Can't wait to read it!
Maybe this will lead to your memoir... 180 Days to a Successful Elementary School by Principal Phillips!
You go Clemson Girl!
LMetzger
Yeah! I am so proud of you! Congratulations! Love ya.
Wanda :)
You never give yourself enough credit. :) There are so many stories to be told from this incredible school and I know that this will be the first opportunity in a long line of many. Get your writing (or should I say typing) fingers ready because good work is always rewarded with more work! :)
You did great!
Your name will be known around the country!!!! Soon you will be writing your own books........like dayle. We will be coming to your conferences.
Good Job!
...and the best is yet to come! If you'd quit procrastinating, you could get that book written that needs to chronicle the work that's being done under your leadership. Oh, this is just the beginning...
I am proud of you too! What an honor to be recognized and asked for your input! I know Oprah will be looking for our school soon! Love, Karen Willett
Sorry I just saw this, but congratulations to you!!!
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