Retiring school principal. Founder of Cortex Education, Consulting & PD that works. I'm passionate about how I can best help students succeed.
Mobile, AL
Joined June 2013
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Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
STATEMENT FROM DR. DAVID JEREMIAH ON 9/11 ANNIVERSARY:
Twenty-five years ago today the lives of 2,977 innocent individuals were taken when terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001. It was the first time in modern history that anyone had brought so serious an attack within the continental boundaries of America. That act would change not only the course of an untold number of lives, but the course of a nation.
For those of us who remember, it can be hard to think back on that fateful day without recalling the fear and devastation that gripped us. And for those who were personally impacted, the scars remain.
Part of grieving involves the immense sorrow we feel when we lose a loved one. Each of the 2,977 souls lost on 9/11 left someone behind. A spouse, a child, a parent, a sibling, a friend. And those family members and friends still feel that loss—being a Christian doesn’t change the pain we feel. But the message of Scripture is that we can respond to painful experiences with hope.
Though time has passed and the intensity of the feelings from that day may have waned, grief, fear, and even anger can still grip our hearts in the face of such tragedy and uncertainty. It is in these moments, though it may not always come easily, prayer remains our best response.
Pray for peace, in your own heart and the hearts of those around you. Hold fast to the Word of God and His reminders that He is with you.
“Do not be afraid of sudden terror” (Proverbs 3:25).
“The Lord will be your confidence” (Proverbs 3:26).
“Fear not, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4, NIV).
“Do not fear nor be afraid…for the Lord your God…goes with you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).
I could not explain the ultimate purpose of the suffering 9/11 inflicted when it happened, and I still can’t today, but I know God was present in the midst of our suffering then and He still is today.
The Lord is sovereign over all things. He was not surprised on September 11, 2001, and He is not surprised by anything happening today or tomorrow.
World events may shake us, events in our own personal lives will at times shake us, but when we fix our eyes on the Creator of the universe it will change our perspective.
And today, I want to challenge us—as we remember this day that changed lives, changed a nation, and changed the world—to also remember that there is only one Person that will never be shaken—our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
As we pause to remember the lives lost and the lives changed on September 11, 2001, let us pray together for comfort, peace, and healing. Let us pray that the Lord’s presence would be felt by everyone remembering the tragedy of 9/11 and that His wisdom would guide us as individuals, as communities, and as a nation.
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
If your writing, research, and social media feed is focused primarily at building your brand--not improving kids' educational outcome--you're doing it wrong.
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
Parents.
If your straight A student brings home an 20 on their ACT, they, and you, have been lied to. Repeatedly, and for years.
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
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Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
All these breathless pieces asking breathlessly “how do we retain teachers?!”
It’s not that complicated.
Enforce a discipline policy. Don’t micromanage. Give them a good curriculum.
Create the conditions that make the job a joy to do (as it should be)
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
The teacher's working environment is the student's learning environment. That's why PD should be focused on inspiring, affirming, and helping teachers be their best self. Doctorbradjohnson.com
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
This quote from @PamelaSnow2 is one of my favourites from this year. Such a powerful statement. Children's instructional time is invaluable, and we have an ethical duty to ensure it's used effectively and responsibly.
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
"effective investigative reporting will require journalists to cultivate a wider network of sources, including parents, advocates, and researchers—particularly cognitive scientists and others who study learning—rather than reflexively deferring to credentialed experts in education whose thumbprints are all over failed pedagogies and curriculum"
educationnext.org/how-to-be-…
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
Tne question administrators should ask their teachers/ staff most often is; How can I help you be your best? That one question can transform school culture.
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
For my British and European friends who are "shocked" and "surprised", here are 10 reasons you didn't see this coming.
Read this short post and then read the replies from our American friends who will confirm what I'm saying.
1. Americans love their country and want it to be the best in the world. America is a nation of people who conquered a continent. They love strength. They love winning. Any leader who appeals to that has an automatic advantage.
2. Unlike Europeans, Americans have not accepted managed decline. They don't have Net Zero here, they believe in producing their own energy and making it as cheap as possible because they know that their prosperity depends on it.
3. Prices for most basic goods in the US have increased rapidly and are sky high. What the official statistics say about inflation and the reality of people's lives are not the same.
4. Unlike you, Americans do not believe in socialism. They believe in meritocracy. They don't care about the super rich being super rich because they know that they live in a country where being super rich is available to anyone with the talent and drive to make it. They don't resent success, they celebrate it.
5. Americans are the most pro-immigration people in the world. Read that again. Seriously, read it again. Americans love an immigrant success story. They want more talented immigrants to come to America. But they refuse to accept people coming illegally. They believe in having a border.
6. Americans are sensitive about racial issues and their country's imperfect history. They believe that those who are disadvantaged by the circumstances of their birth should be given the opportunity to succeed. What they reject, however, is the idea that in order to address the errors of the past new errors must be made. DEI is racist. They know it and they reject it precisely because they are not racist.
7. Americans are the most philosemitic nation on earth. October 7 and the pro-Hamas left's reaction shocked them to their very core because, among other things, they remember what 9/11 was like and they know jihad when they see it.
8. Americans are extremely practical people. They care about what works, not what sounds good. In Europe, we produce great writers and intellectuals. In America they produce (and attract) great engineers, businessmen and investors. Because of this, they care less about Trump's rhetoric than you do and more about his policies than you do.
9. Americans are deeply optimistic people. They hate negativity. The woke view of American history as a series of evils for which they must eternally apologise is utterly abhorrent to them. They believe in moving forward together, not endlessly obsessing about the past.
10. America is a country whose founding story is one of resistance to government overreach. They loathe unnecessary restrictions, regulations and control. They understand that freedom comes with the price of self-reliance and they pay it gladly.
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
Thank you for a wonderful visit at @MCPSSVirtual, @JohnsonValAL! The campus was lovely and inviting! I enjoyed my time so much. #growingGREATNESS #MCPSS
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
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Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
Grounded in the National Board’s Five Core Propositions, the National Board certification process comprises four components to allow you to showcase your teaching talent. Learn more about the process hubs.ly/Q02x3JSW0
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
Nobody said leadership would be easy. But when we make decisions that are in the best interest of kids, it makes it all worth it. Schools don’t exist so adults can have jobs. Schools exist for kids.
Dr. Valerie Johnson, NBCT retweeted
We'd have a lot less:
Interventions to provide
Programs to buy
Paperwork to complete
Behaviors to combat
Achievement to raise
Gaps to close
Things to worry about...
If we'd stop everything & design, dedicate & deliver a solid Tier 1 for learning to happen instead of just teach.
