Well, this afternoon, I'm going to my second staff meeting ... not as a teacher but as a speaker. This is new for me. I can't even count how many endless school staff meetings I attended. The words themselves conjure up feelings of boredom, images of administrators going on and on, thoughts of all the other things I should be doing. No more of that for me, thank goodness!
Today is different. Today I've been invited to my second local school to talk about my book. It's really a struggle to prepare. What's a good balance ... between the good, the bad, and the ugly? How much harsh truth? How much validation? How much encouragement? How much promotion? Although they're fresh off a nice week off for fall break, it's still the end of the day ... it's still hump day ... they still have a full staff meeting in front of them ... and lesson plans to tackle ... and papers to grade ... and traffic to fight ... and families to take care of ... well, you know - the TO DO list if never-ending.
I pray my preparation and words will be a blessings, not a burden. I am thankful for this opportunity that I've been given to speak in front of my peers ... the ones I have such a heart for ... the teachers ... giving them a VOICE one book at a time, one speech at a time, one day at a time.
PS ... All speakers get nervous - no matter how long they've been doing it....no matter how calm they seem on the outside ... no matter how polished the material.
Want to find out more? How you can support those teachers in your life, in your sphere of influence?
Go to ...
www.IWillNotResign.tateauthor.com
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Barnes and Noble
On September 14th, I had my first book signing at a corporate book store, Barnes and Noble. Getting in with bookstores is supposed to be strictly between my publisher and their corporation, but it seemed that once the initial contact was made, it was all up to me. It took several emails and phone calls to get it nailed down, but I finally did it! And it was so worth it! It was extra fun that it was the one right in my very own neighborhood of Goodyear!
When the West Valley View published an article about me in August, they had mistakenly said my book signing would be that next Saturday. So, I guess quite a few people came in, expecting to see me and buy my book. Although it caused a bit of inconvenience for these customers, it let the management staff know that there was more interest in this book than what they had expected. So, instead of ordering only one box of books, they ordered another to make sure they had plenty of stock on hand. Although there were a few left over, it gave me a chance to have my books displayed right in the middle at the customer service desk!
Barnes and Noble put up a sign about my book signing quite a few days before the event, which I found out about from, of course, a friend on Facebook! When I came in on that Saturday to set up, the staff was very welcoming. They let me have a choice of where to set up, how many tables to have, and they even brought me an ice water from their cafe. As always, people started coming in and engaging in conversation before I even had everything out of my bag ... well, actually, anything, to be honest.
It was so exciting, speaking to people who came in ... for the whole three hours. I barely had a chance to sit down, which was just fine with me. I got to talk to local teachers, retired teachers, happy teachers, frustrated teachers, retired librarians, previous bookstore owners, curious parents, and even a former student of mine! Although I am grateful for each one of them, I was especially thrilled to have a district administrator as well as a school board member come in. The district administrator was quite humble, in his casual weekend clothes, but I later found out (thank you, Google!) that he actually has his doctorate in education! He has since contacted me and invited me to join in on some ongoing conversations about drafting educational legislation. I'm anxious to see how that goes, of course! The board member was very interested in the topic and after reading the book insisted that every member on her board should have a copy as well!
The thrilling part is that people are starting to listen ... different people groups and also the very ones I so desired to reach. Some days, it seems like this process is taking forever, just baby steps one shaky step at a time. Other days, I look back over the process and am pleased as can be at far it has come. All in all, at the end of each day, I know God is in control of this. It is all in his hands, in his timing. For all of it, I am grateful.
Please find out more about the mission at www.IWillNotResign.tateauthor.com
When the West Valley View published an article about me in August, they had mistakenly said my book signing would be that next Saturday. So, I guess quite a few people came in, expecting to see me and buy my book. Although it caused a bit of inconvenience for these customers, it let the management staff know that there was more interest in this book than what they had expected. So, instead of ordering only one box of books, they ordered another to make sure they had plenty of stock on hand. Although there were a few left over, it gave me a chance to have my books displayed right in the middle at the customer service desk!
Barnes and Noble put up a sign about my book signing quite a few days before the event, which I found out about from, of course, a friend on Facebook! When I came in on that Saturday to set up, the staff was very welcoming. They let me have a choice of where to set up, how many tables to have, and they even brought me an ice water from their cafe. As always, people started coming in and engaging in conversation before I even had everything out of my bag ... well, actually, anything, to be honest.
It was so exciting, speaking to people who came in ... for the whole three hours. I barely had a chance to sit down, which was just fine with me. I got to talk to local teachers, retired teachers, happy teachers, frustrated teachers, retired librarians, previous bookstore owners, curious parents, and even a former student of mine! Although I am grateful for each one of them, I was especially thrilled to have a district administrator as well as a school board member come in. The district administrator was quite humble, in his casual weekend clothes, but I later found out (thank you, Google!) that he actually has his doctorate in education! He has since contacted me and invited me to join in on some ongoing conversations about drafting educational legislation. I'm anxious to see how that goes, of course! The board member was very interested in the topic and after reading the book insisted that every member on her board should have a copy as well!
The thrilling part is that people are starting to listen ... different people groups and also the very ones I so desired to reach. Some days, it seems like this process is taking forever, just baby steps one shaky step at a time. Other days, I look back over the process and am pleased as can be at far it has come. All in all, at the end of each day, I know God is in control of this. It is all in his hands, in his timing. For all of it, I am grateful.
Please find out more about the mission at www.IWillNotResign.tateauthor.com
Friday, September 6, 2013
Movies and Real Life
I don't know what it is about movies and their impact on this whole process, but obviously, it's been pretty big. First of all, like I said in a previous blog, The Help (2011) was a huge catalyst in getting me to start writing the book. Standing up for what's right, regardless of the backlash, was the take-away I got from watching that movie. Although the players are different, I see teachers as being oppressed and not being able to have a voice, very similar to what the maids were going through in the movie. I also draw several parallels between myself and Ms. Skeeter, getting the truth out, no matter how ugly it might be.
So - my new movie inspiration is The Butler (Lee Daniels). If you haven't seen it, it's still in theaters, so try to go this weekend. It's well worth your time. My husband and I were both very impressed with the acting, but more importantly, the message behind the whole movie. The thread that ran through several characters and events was that change IS possible! The main character was so persistent throughout all his years of service in the White House, bringing to light the fact that the black staff was never paid as much as the white staff. Year after year, he would approach his boss with this disparity, but change never happened. At the end, knowing this would probably happen again, the butler first went to the president about it ... which surely prompted change! The message has to get to the right person ... how true that is.
The groups of people standing up for what was right - through so many different avenues - protests, sit-ins, freedom rides, speeches, meetings, organizing - was so incredibly moving. The civil rights movement is filled with ordinary people who chose to do extraordinary things. I know God has called me to be that person in this fight of our lifetime ... to give TEACHERS A VOICE! Please join me in this fight. It is worth the effort. Our kids are depending on us! Our future will be different because of it. Thank you for reading!
Get my book here at ... www.IWillNOTResign.tateauthor.com
See my Fox 10 interview on Newsmaker Sunday at ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igQLqkFRUvw
So - my new movie inspiration is The Butler (Lee Daniels). If you haven't seen it, it's still in theaters, so try to go this weekend. It's well worth your time. My husband and I were both very impressed with the acting, but more importantly, the message behind the whole movie. The thread that ran through several characters and events was that change IS possible! The main character was so persistent throughout all his years of service in the White House, bringing to light the fact that the black staff was never paid as much as the white staff. Year after year, he would approach his boss with this disparity, but change never happened. At the end, knowing this would probably happen again, the butler first went to the president about it ... which surely prompted change! The message has to get to the right person ... how true that is.
The groups of people standing up for what was right - through so many different avenues - protests, sit-ins, freedom rides, speeches, meetings, organizing - was so incredibly moving. The civil rights movement is filled with ordinary people who chose to do extraordinary things. I know God has called me to be that person in this fight of our lifetime ... to give TEACHERS A VOICE! Please join me in this fight. It is worth the effort. Our kids are depending on us! Our future will be different because of it. Thank you for reading!
Get my book here at ... www.IWillNOTResign.tateauthor.com
See my Fox 10 interview on Newsmaker Sunday at ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igQLqkFRUvw
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Seeing is Believing!
Well ... it was kind of surreal ... seeing myself on TV this morning! It was my first time. Less than a week ago, John Hook, a news anchor from our local Fox channel, contacted me about coming in to tape for his Newsmaker Sunday show. I went in on Thursday for the interview. Although I was super nervous, he put me at ease quite quickly when he came out to greet me in the lobby. I found him to be very personable and genuinely interested in my message and what we teachers are going through. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be on this program.
As soon as I knew it would be broadcast this Sunday, I contacted friends, family, senators, my congressional rep, our city council, our school board and anybody else I could think of! I figure if they don't get the message through the book ... maybe TV will be the ticket! Afterall, sometimes, SEEING is believing, right?!
(I am hoping to find a link for the program soon. I'll post it when I find it.) Thanks for reading!
Get your copy of I Will NOT Resign
Connect with the author on Facebook
As soon as I knew it would be broadcast this Sunday, I contacted friends, family, senators, my congressional rep, our city council, our school board and anybody else I could think of! I figure if they don't get the message through the book ... maybe TV will be the ticket! Afterall, sometimes, SEEING is believing, right?!
(I am hoping to find a link for the program soon. I'll post it when I find it.) Thanks for reading!
Get your copy of I Will NOT Resign
Connect with the author on Facebook
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Busier than ever!
You know - it's kind of crazy. I am beginning my third year of not working full time, and I am BUSIER THAN EVER! More days than not, I am asking myself, "How did I ever have time to work a full time job?" I mean - today, I almost did not have time for a nap! I know, you might be laughing - but for me, it's got to be scheduled in. With my rheumatoid arthritis, it is crucial for me to get the rest my body needs in order to be as healthy as possible. Along with that is my gym time which usually consists of a yoga class. What else? Well .. .marketing, networking, selling, planning for my book. And ... clipping coupons, ad matching, marriage mentoring, PTA volunteering, substitute teaching, shopping, cleaning, paying bills, and taking care of my amazing family. Whew! See - busier than ever! BUT ... I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am so grateful to have the freedom to have a schedule that allows me to take care of myself and my loved ones. This new chapter in my life has been a blessing.
So - whatever your daily schedule is ... busy, slow; full time, part time; mom or not ... find the joy in whatever that day holds. You know the cliche ... today is a gift - that's why it's called the present.
Blessings friends!
Until next time ~
Lori
If you haven't had the chance to get my book (I Will NOT Resign!) yet ...
get your copy today. Teachers deserve a voice!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Arizona ... we have lift off!
All I can think of to share about this week is THE most awesome feedback I've received from the book so far - and it came to me about an hour ago. I am over the moon! It means changes ARE happening, and there's proof! What do we want? -- to have a voice and be respected. It is happening. Small steps - but we have to start somewhere. My prayer is that changes like this will happen exponentially until EVERY teacher in America has LESS on her/his plate! Celebrating wit you ... Here you go:
So I have to tell you... today my principal
started out with this statement: "I read this book this summer that the Superintendent gave to me. It is called... I will not resign. We all
read it together and came to the same conclusion that we needed to take
something off of teachers plates this year that would make a huge impact. Then
she discussed how we have gone from cherishing students to testing without
cause. She then said as of today>> We will only have one staff meeting a
month and went on to name like five more things that we won't have to do this
year.
I just wanted you to know that your message of
loving kids is getting out there and that in order to do that you have to value
the teachers.
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Help!
Wow! It is seriously HOT here in Phoenix! I'm not really complaining, because honestly, it's not like I work out in the heat. We're inside most of the time. Thank God for a/c! To escape the triple digits, many of us duck inside movie theaters, watching whatever blockbuster (or lackluster) release is currently out. For those of us (yep - us) trying to stick to a budget, Harkins' Summer Fun movies will have to do! The things we do for our kids, right?!
Anyway - rewind to two summers ago ... the summer of 2011 ... when The Help was the big hit. If you saw it, I'm sure it impacted you greatly ... unless you're a robot. Ha! Well ... for me, it changed my life quite literally. This is the first "sign" I received that I was to write my book, I Will NOT Resign. After the movie, I reflected on why things got the way they did in that movie (and real life of course). I don't think it was purely evil motives - but also a mix of tradition and "that's the way it is". Oppression of certain people groups is not something that happens overnight or for just one reason. It hit my heart like a ton of bricks ... that is exactly what's happening in our education system. Our public school teachers are oppressed! If you don't think so, try speaking your mind in the next staff meeting (if you're a teacher) ... and see what happens. Do this repeatedly, and I can guarantee you that another career path will be in your near future!
This "rock the boat and you're out" environment ladled with fear and coercion is NOT a healthy one for our teachers or our students. As soon as I realized what a big problem it was ... I set out to write my book, raise awareness about what's going on on with our teachers ... and give our teachers a voice. Please help me spread the word ... today. Now is the time for change.
Hoping to give our teachers a voice,
Lori
BUY book here!
Connect with the author
Anyway - rewind to two summers ago ... the summer of 2011 ... when The Help was the big hit. If you saw it, I'm sure it impacted you greatly ... unless you're a robot. Ha! Well ... for me, it changed my life quite literally. This is the first "sign" I received that I was to write my book, I Will NOT Resign. After the movie, I reflected on why things got the way they did in that movie (and real life of course). I don't think it was purely evil motives - but also a mix of tradition and "that's the way it is". Oppression of certain people groups is not something that happens overnight or for just one reason. It hit my heart like a ton of bricks ... that is exactly what's happening in our education system. Our public school teachers are oppressed! If you don't think so, try speaking your mind in the next staff meeting (if you're a teacher) ... and see what happens. Do this repeatedly, and I can guarantee you that another career path will be in your near future!
This "rock the boat and you're out" environment ladled with fear and coercion is NOT a healthy one for our teachers or our students. As soon as I realized what a big problem it was ... I set out to write my book, raise awareness about what's going on on with our teachers ... and give our teachers a voice. Please help me spread the word ... today. Now is the time for change.
Hoping to give our teachers a voice,
Lori
BUY book here!
Connect with the author
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