Teacher Leader! Why it matters.

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Thank you, Dustin Dale

Allow me to introduce a thought-provoking perspective that might challenge some preconceived notions.

Intentional teachers who proactively inspire our youth are great leaders.

For the past few years, I've been blessed to work with a few educational organizations nationwide that understand that their educators are critical to the future of this country and the workforce.

Often, when I meet people and they introduce their careers, I hear, "I'm just a teacher." I tell them that they have one of the most important roles in our society. They are developing generational greatness!

I am a living testament to how impactful a teacher can be, and because of this teacher, I see myself differently for the better. This teacher took it upon himself to pay a couple hundred dollars for an AP test because I didn't have the money. He believed in me and wanted to remove any obstacles preventing me from succeeding.

He didn't know at the time that his belief in me would lead me 10+ years later to share servant leadership with millions of people through speaking, consulting, and all the work that Beyond the Horizon Consulting does.

His humble answer would be, "I am just a teacher," but truthfully, he was so much more.

I want this edition to resonate with all educators who follow this newsletter and those who may not realize that our educators are critical in our youth's development and, because of their involvement, can inspire the next best-selling author, the next #1 motivational speaker, the next best doctor in the world, the next female powerhouse CEO, or whatever context you want to insert.

It starts in the classroom with our teachers, who, through the power of leadership, make an everlasting impact on our students.

When asked, "What is leadership?" the reply is always the same. "It's not what you think it is, and what you don't think it is often turns out to be what it is."

This means we try to categorize leadership or speak about it as a tangible thing we hold or model. Leadership is the mindset of someone who understands the power of intentional connection, expectations, and validation.

These three concepts of a successful leader can be demonstrated firsthand inside the classroom, and kudos to the teachers who recognize them!

It can be daunting to take the time to meet a student where they are and guide them where they can go, but it's not impossible.

Going back to earlier, the fact that my AP teacher poured himself into my development at such a young age inspired me to be a continuous learner for life.

Demands can become overwhelming, parents can become overwhelming, administration can be overwhelming, and, in fact, life itself can become overwhelming. It's a fact.

But!

Never forget the amazing opportunity you have as an educator and how important you are! You can breathe life, inspiration, and energy into a young mind that may feel like it lacks any of those attributes.

Most of us have that "one" teacher story that made a massive impact on our lives, and I'd encourage you to reach out and share with them how they impacted you in such a way.

So here is to you, Hans Zipfel

I'm not sure you will see this, as I have been out of school for a long time, but you made an everlasting impact.

Thank you, sir!

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all the educators out there!

You can book Dustin Dale as your leadership/motivational speaker!

• To submit your event, please do so here: Dustin Dale Motivational Speaker; (dustin-dale.com)
• You can also work 1:1 with Dustin Dale through his executive leadership coaching program; please submit your information: Dustin Dale Motivational Speaker; (dustin-dale.com)

Make sure to check out Dustin Dale's books on leadership and mindset, which are available on Amazon.

Learn to Lead by Serving & Learn to Lead by Serving 2

To learn more about Dustin Dale; dustin-dale.com