Teacher Tales #38: Empathy, grace, modeling and leadership – Jana, teacher, principal, Associate Superintendent, consultant

In this episode, we journey through the career and lessons of a very wise role model in education. Her name is Jana, and she shares with us how she “never” wanted to be a teacher like her mom. Well, the first lesson she learned was to “never say never” because she met a special needs child who touched her heart and lit up all the “teacher buttons”. We can’t even begin to share all the experiences and wisdom here, so you will just have to listen and be touched by her stories that demonstrate what really matters in education – empathy, grace, modeling and leadership. She gives personal examples, shares heartfelt and touching stories that will inspire and touch the teacher heart in all of us. She also ends with a famous quote by Dr. Seuss (her favorite), which sums up what roles we all play in education: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not!” Teachers care so much, and we need to tell them how much we appreciate them and what they do with a kind word, a note of gratitude, a shout out on social media, a kind gesture, and maybe just by asking “how may I help you and support you?”

If you are looking to change the school culture, your classroom culture and just make learning better for all, check out Jana’s company REAL at her website www.realleaderslearn.com