Lesson #6: God is Speaking

Written by:  Jennifer Appel  
Based on the stories told by:  Paul Dowdy

One day, my dad came home and said one of his kindergarten teachers came into his office and said she wanted to share a story with him that occurred that morning in her classroom.  It was the beginning of the year and Kindergarteners are in a formal school setting for the first time. I love seeing Kinders because everything is new and wonderful! So there are always great stories from Kindergarten teachers, as the kids are so honest and real!  

On the first day of school, my dad always went on the intercom and welcomed all of the students to school and made sure they knew who he was and he cared how much he about them.  It was a small way to wanted to jumpstart a great year.  A lot of principals do announcements, but an Award Winning Principal must still demonstrate HUMILITY, even when they're center stage!  

So he got on the intercom right after school started.  The kindergarten teacher said that her children listened very intently with great interest and wonderment.  Like I said earlier...everything is so fascinating to them!  The teacher explained that one of the kiddos had wide eyes looking at around obviously listening intently to my dad’s voice.  He then yelled out to the class: 
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“It's God...speaking out of the wall!"

​The kindergarten teacher said that she was about to start laughing but was able to compose herself.  She then explained that it was the principal making an announcement and that it was called an intercom system.

In an Award Winning Culture you have a lot of influence in your space but need to show Humility even when you are thought of as a "God-like".

What are your first day of school routines?

How might you stayed grounded when unexpected praise or attention comes your way?

Are you able to laugh at yourself and show HUMILITY in situations?

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About the Authors

Jennifer Appel is a teacher at Enterprise Middle School.  She has been teaching for 20 years.  Her passion for education comes from growing up in at education driven family (4th generation) and wanting to help and serve others.  She is now driven to create an environment where all students are able to learn and become passionate about serving others.  Jennifer can be contacted through email at awardwinningculture@gmail.com.  You can follow her on twitter at @jennifermappel.  Follow AWC @awculture on instagram @awardwinningculture.  Follow Wildcat Nation on instagram @emsleadership.  #WildcatNation #AwardWinningCulture
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Paul Dowdy is a retired elementary school teacher and principal.  Paul was in education for more than 40 years.  Paul created cultures of excellence at every school he taught at or lead.  Paul was also an adjunct professor at 3 different universities in the state of Washington and a regional director for Heritage University.  Paul has shared his stories all around the state of Washington in the form of presentations.  He's passionate about children and that reflected in all of his work as a reading specialist and his study of the brain and how that drives instruction.  Paul is not on social media...but can be reached near any body of water that's conducive to shadow casting! #FlyFishing