“Leaders are readers”

Around 120 teachers at the Catholic Schools in Corpus Christi gathered on Wednesday, August 9, to listen to nationally renowned speaker Dr. Danny Brassell. The good news he told them: teachers can have a tremendous impact. The bad news: this impact can be positive or negative!

Sharing about some of his teachers, he emphasized the effect of creating excitement and joy vs. criticism, which caused him as a child to quit drawing for good.

One of his main points: never forget the “3Rs”: Read, read, read! But how can they achieve it at a time when many children prefer video games? Give them the right material: “Kids will only read when there are interested in the book,” is his motto. No kid would ever get excited in textbooks, while children’s books that the teachers themselves love to read might work much better. Dr. Seuss or Harry Potter books fascinate kids. And while girls love all kinds of books, whether they have female or male protagonists, boys will prefer books for boys – even if they are a little silly, “but that’s the entrance to get to Shakespeare.”

Giving the students time to read in class would also help them in other subjects “because leaders are readers.”

With many jokes and examples, Brassell, who worked in public schools as a teacher and administrator, pointed out many problems of the school system: too many standardized tests, for example. And a lack of joy and fun: “One teacher gave her students ‘Home games’ instead of homework – it made all the difference.”

With his passion for education, he inspired the staff of the Catholic Schools of the Diocese to rethink their methods and focus on creating excitement and fun for their students.

The teachers and administrators spent two days together. Tuesday was a Spiritual Day, starting with Mass and continuing with reflections – on “The Love of the Teacher imitating Jesus in John 13:1-20” and “Service and Ministry with Saint Teresa of Calcutta,” with experiences of Fr. Raju Thottankara.

Wednesday was all dedicated to professional development. Danny Brassell shared in the afternoon “50 Terrific Teacher Tricks” and “Bringing Joy back into Education,” whereafter the teacher reflected on applying the methods and tips they had learned. Now they are better equipped to welcome back all students on Monday!