Davenport Community Schools’ Post

"Key to Listen, Listen, Act is an aphorism we refer to frequently at TPF: 'don’t arrive with the answer.' When working on a challenge, it’s imperative not to show up to a community, project, or meeting already certain about the solution. While it’s important to honor your own experience and be prepared, it’s more crucial to show up curious and allow the contributions of others to inform the process for a stronger outcome." Read my latest blog for The Patterson Foundation where I connect TPF's philosophy of not arriving with the answer with Tulsa Changemakers' Listen, Listen, Act program. Debra Jacobs Wendy Thomas Marcia Bruno-Todd, MPA Jake Lerner Hannah Jarman Lydia Jeong Abbey Doyle

Raising the next generation of civic leaders! Are you funder or a school board member or a a middle or high school principal or teacher in California, Kentucky, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, or Massachusetts? We have seen exceptional work from Generation Citizen, which is working in all these states. This piece says it all: https://lnkd.in/e5pyV6aF

IonE Director for Leadership & Education, Cathy Jordan, works with partners from Hamline University, Gustavus Adolphus College, and Freshwater Society on Minnesota’s first nature-based field school, supported through LCCMR funding. In its second year, 28 teachers from five Minnesota schools are immersing themselves in nature during weekend retreats in the woods, learning to teach across the K-6 curriculum using nature-based instructional approaches. "Jordan’s research found that disadvantaged or uninterested students had even greater academic achievement compared to their peers after exposure to nature-based education." Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2G-vWw4

🌟 New Article Alert! 🌟 I recently had the opportunity to interview Jennifer Lee, a Texas public school teacher and single mom, who's running for #HouseDistrict55. Jennifer has been a strong advocate for public education, even participating in school board meetings from her hospital bed during the pandemic. 💪📚 In our discussion, Jennifer shared her insights on the challenges facing Texas schools and her vision for improving education, including increased funding and support for teachers. She believes that, “If you want something different, you gotta do something different.” Check out the full article to learn more about Jennifer's journey and her plans for Texas education. #Education #PublicSchools #TexasPolitics #Leadership #EducationReform

I am thrilled to showcase some of the remarkable achievements of our 9th-grade students following a recent session on self-confidence led by our partner school transformation coach. In our journey to foster self-belief and empower our students, it's essential to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments. Here are just a few highlights: Academic Excellence: Our students have consistently demonstrated outstanding performance across various subjects, showcasing their commitment to learning and excellence. Leadership Roles: Many students have taken on leadership roles within our school community, serving as class representatives, club presidents, and mentors to their peers. Extracurricular Achievements: From sports to music, drama, and community service, our students have showcased their talents and passions outside the classroom, highlighting their diverse interests and abilities. Community Involvement: Through volunteer work, fundraising initiatives, and service projects, our students have actively contributed to our local community, demonstrating compassion, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive difference. Personal Growth: Each student has embarked on a journey of personal growth, overcoming challenges, setting goals, and striving for excellence, demonstrating resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to grow. Join us in celebrating these incredible achievements and empowering our students to recognize their worth and potential. Together, we can inspire confidence and success in every student! #StudentAchievements #SelfConfidence #Empowerment #Education #ProudEducators #MiTranGlobal #PositivityHub #ImpartingPositivity

Embracing the essence of true equity in education demands attentive ears to student and family voices. Transitioning from performative gestures to genuine transformative change is paramount. Dr. Cooke in Chicago epitomizes leadership needed in this crucial juncture. Her invaluable thought partnership and consultation have been instrumental. Together, we stride towards a system that cares for every child equally. #EquityByDesign #ListenActTransform https://lnkd.in/eXdVgDKe

Empowering youth voice through leveraging the value of their leadership through giving them space and the support to share their lived experience as expertise is a perfect strategy that aids our youth in transitioning into adulthood successfully. https://lnkd.in/dWhMhy2v

Charter school leaders of color are not just important; they are essential for creating strong schools that reflect the cultural fabric and rich diversity of their communities. ❤️ In education, the power of representation cannot be overstated. It sends a powerful message to our children: Through hard work and innovation, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. ✨ However, these words carry true meaning when accompanied by real-life examples of individuals from all backgrounds in positions of influence. 🙌🏾 The foundation of representation starts in early education, and having leaders of color in charter schools is crucial for bolstering the confidence of charter students. If you have the privilege of knowing a charter school leader of color, we encourage you to tag them in the comments below to express your deep appreciation for their remarkable contributions! 📚

“Strength lies in difference and not in similarity”: hear it from musician J Grange, championning inclusion in education! Although progress have been made in the last 30 years, deep disparities remain. Let’s work together to create equitable, diverse and inclusive learning environments where every learner matters equally. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g3z5G4jZ

Hi, I’m Ben. I’m an edutainer who gives keynote concerts. I made this site specifically for those involved in K-12 and Higher Education. https://lnkd.in/eWBa5Kx6 Growing up, school was always hard for me - really hard - in fact, it still is. This was largely due to significant learning and neuro-diverse challenges that I have and am still learning to navigate. Despite these challenges though, I still find school(s) to be a worthwhile investment, and have found that I have something to offer both students, as well as those who teach and mentor them. My journey into youth and young adult leadership started in 1999, when I was just 15. I was young, but nonetheless, I learned a lot, gained a lot, and have spent the last 23 years involved in this field in one form or another. At some point, I also became a singer-songwriter, and traveled the country playing acoustic-based, indie/powerpop songs. You can still find them around the Internet. The entire time though, I was much more interested in connecting with others than being a rockstar. In more recent years, I transitioned into giving Keynote Concerts, where I combine my speaking and stories (from life, travel, touring, living with Learning Disabilities, etc) with original live music to create a unique blend of entertainment, education, and empowerment. I truly believe that I have something valuable to offer schools and universities - specifically when it comes to helping students with their emotions, their sense of self, and navigating uncertainty with confidence. So, whether you represent a high school, wanting to help students prepare for their lives beyond, or helping freshman think about how they want to spend the next four years, Or whether you represent a college whose students who are struggling to make sense of what's going on around them. OR, something I haven't mentioned. Send a message, and we’ll talk soon. Empowering Students, Encouraging Leaders, Enriching Culture - Ben #k12education #highereducation #k12 #highered #studentsuccess #studentengagement #empowerment #success #edutainment #pta #eastonpa #studentleadership #leadershipdevelopment #enrichment #culturalenrichment #culturaldiversity #neurodiversity #learningdisabilities #emotionalwellbeing #liveyourbestlife