Page 85 - EdViewptsSpring2017

a lot of people in business.” I gave him from her desk drawer. She told me from December 2015, his students
my maiden name, and shocked, he that it was a statement I had made remembered him and lit a candle to this
hugged and told me, “You helped me during an opening keynote in 2014, teacher they had in the 60s — my Dad.
get through high school by something and that when she is having a “bad
you told me in 8th grade before you day,” she opens her desk and reads Aftermath
left this area.” What could I have said, it. “Surround yourself with people who Keepsakes are those items we
I wondered. “After school one day, you inspire you.” keep close and help us remember a
told me that my destiny was larger person, place, or event, whether it
than where I was living, and that I was Last Memory Slide – be a memento or a souvenir. These
destined for great things. That thought Trail Blazer keepsakes anchor in our memory
helped me get through all four years of “We Have Lift Off!” and sustain us as we interweave our
high school!” experiences with students, parents,
The laminated newspaper article and
Memory Slide - Colleague photo were dated September 1963. colleagues, and each other. Whether
the Kleenex box, 10 simple words,
“A Yellow Post-It Note” The 8th grade science teacher with destined for great things, or the yellow
his students are shown launching “Big
During the opening day of school this Bertha,” a 24-inch plastic rocket as a post-it note, “We have lift off” because
year, one of my teachers said she result of a summer course the teacher we, as educators, touch lives in ways
had something to show me in her took at Lehigh University, sponsored we cannot imagine and skyrocket
classroom. Instead of a new computer by NASA. “This was designed to whet others into realms of possibilities
program, or a bulletin board, or new the appetites of the upper grade stu- through our impactful voices. Reflect
materials, she took me to her desk dents for a rocket club,” he was quoted upon the keepsakes in your files, for
and pulled out a yellow post-it note in the article. And on his Tribute Wall they are the differences you have
made in so many lives.

About the Author
Dawn A. Moore, Education Specialist, serves as the District Director of Curriculum and Instruction at
Warren Hills Regional School District in Warren County, New Jersey and has been an educator for many
years. She has worked as an English teacher, a Reading Specialist, and a Librarian/Media Specialist
at all grade levels, and she has earned a Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and an Education
Specialist Degree, along with her School Administrator and Principal Standard Certificates as part of
the NJ EXCEL Program. Also, she has presented at FEA’s New Jersey Leadership Academy as an
Educational Consultant. Dawn has many “Keepsakes in her files,” and invites you to share yours with her at Twitter:
Dawn@Dawn44380974 or email them to zwan07@gmail.com.

Professional Standards for Educational Leaders

(PSEL) Reflection and Growth Tool

PSEL Leadership This free tool is a set of questions that align to the new educational
Reflection and leadership standards. They include the critical actions that are impor-
Growth Tool tant for a full understanding about how the standards can positively

impact all NJ leaders. The focus is on helping all leaders to grow in the practices that result
in higher levels of student learning. You will learn how the reflection tool will enable you to:
• Understand the impact the new standards will have on leadership in your school and
district;
• Reflect on your own practice;

• Drive collaborative conversations with school/district leadership team to explore how
these standards can build collective capacity to achieve school/district goals; and

• Develop a shared district mindset of what powerful leadership looks like in action.
For more information about this and other in-district programs, please contact Jay
Doolan or Linda Walko at 609-860-1200.

Educational Viewpoints -83- Spring 2017