Tue 27 May 2008
Jeff King-A Revolutionary
Posted by Nette @ Smiling Mom under Giving Thanks, Grandparent's love, Working Like a Dog
My dad is currently an elementary school principal and has been an educator for more than 20 years, and in one month is retiring.
Jeff King has spent the last couple years as a co-principal of an Los Penasquitos Elementary School. He’s reinvented himself numerous times over his past twenty-something years in the business. He started as a 2nd grade teacher, spent time doing administrative work in the district office, as a middle-school math teacher, then a middle school vice principal, elementary school principal, high school principal, and finally is finishing up his years as an elementary school principal yet again.
But more importantly my father has begun a revolution. It all started with a dream, and morphed into a reality.
His dream? He believed that all students could learn and be successful.
Revolutionary:
-adjective
1. of, pertaining to, characterized by, or of the nature of a revolution, or a sudden, complete, or marked change: a revolutionary junta.
The day he became principal at Los Penasquitos Elementary School, he began a revolution. Over the past eleven years with the tireless effort of all Los Pen teachers, support staff, and their two principals, Jeff King and Damen Lopez, Los Pen went from a school that was “doing as well as could be expected” educating some of the poorest kids in the community; to a school who routinely out performs their other more affluent neighboring schools.
Revolutionary:
-adjective
2. radically new or innovative; outside or beyond established procedure, principles, etc.: a revolutionary discovery.
Educating poor and underprivileged kids is my dad’s life work, his passion. I, as I’m sure many of his colleges, have gotten an earful on more than one occasion about why it is possible, important, even critical for all underprivileged children to be educated.
He along with Damen believed they had a message that must be shared with a larger population than just one elementary school. They believe that all children in low-income areas have the right to be educated and successful. As a result, Jeff and Damen started TurnAroundSchools, a company providing training for teachers based on the following principals:
* All children, even those who live in poverty or who are learning English, can be academically successful and attend college.
* Public K-8 schools have to power to make that dream a reality.
Now my dad along with Damen is educating teachers, principals, and superintendents in masses so they can begin revolutions at their own schools.
Jeff King.
A man who can be quite impossible and rarely takes no for an answer.
A father, husband, educator.
A revolutionary.
-noun
1. a person who advocates or takes part in a revolution.
Since I cannot be there on Thursday to toast my dad at his retirement party, I’d like to say the following:
You are a man who has changed the lives of thousands of students and teachers. You believe in the unique ability of each individual you come across. Because of you and your leadership, many children who previously did not have a chance, do. Because of you, lives have been changed. Because of you, I am a better teacher. Because of you, this world is a better place.
The mark you leave on education is one of high expectations, a belief that all students can learn, hope, and success.
You have inspired teachers to greatness, and children to dream dreams they never believed they could. Because of you, we all are better.
As I’m sure your staff is, I am saddened to see you retire. But we know you have great things in store. We know that you’ve been called to make a difference in many more children’s lives.
You have begun a revolution.
And we are so proud.
***************************************
Now it’s your turn… do you know Jeff King? Is there a funny story that sticks out in your mind that you’d like to share? A thought or toast? Please leave a comment and I’ll make sure he reads each and every one. Thanks!
May 27th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Jeff is an oddity in a world of corporate clones. So comfortable in his own skin, he seemingly lives by the one rule to just be himself. As a teacher I was thankful for his loyal approach to being different as it opened new doors to the way I could teach my kids. As a principal I will forever be appreciative of his mentorship as it taught me that the greatest leaders are the ones that take the greatest risks. They are never shy or insecure about the fact that they are different, in fact, they thrive on being different. When you mix that kind of uniqueness with the ability to get results you get an exceptional leader. When you find someone who can teach those traits to others, you get Jeff King.
May 27th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
My memories of Jeff (Mr. King as we knew him)……If we called after 9:00, there would be hell to pay!
May 27th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Jeff was the inspirational leader that came to Los Pen and convinced an entire staff to dream big. He made us believe that all children could learn regardless of their circumstances in life. He encouraged us to set the bar high, knowing students would meet our expectations. With his leadership we broke records and exceeded what any of us thought possible. Personally, Jeff granted me tenor and provided me the confidence to believe in myself, allowing me to make a difference in the lives of my students. For these reasons I will always be grateful. He will be deeply missed.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Anything written after 9:00 p.m. WILL have misspellings. Laugh with me…tenure NOT tenor. C\
May 28th, 2008 at 9:51 am
Thank you Jeff, the past nine years have been filled with hard work, inspiration, encouragement, friendship and fun. But most of all thank you for the laughter. Love you!
May 28th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
What a wonderful tribute to your father…and how lucky the kids are to have had such a caring principal!
Thank you for sharing,
Barbara
Barbara Ling’s last blog post..When life bruises you, decorate it with a happy face and rebound
May 29th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Jeff changed my life before I met him. Through the work he inspired and the challenges he so passionately nurtured at Los Pen, the staff I met when I joined the team as an experienced teacher was like a breath of fresh air. The collaborative spirit that’s impossible to miss on our campus is not the result of Jeff insisting that the grade levels hold team meetings. Rather, Jeff brought clarity to the goal, facilitated the needs of the staff, and invested his trust in the professionals with whom he worked. It is invigorating to work with a leader like that, even contagious. When Jeff moved on to other assignments, the seeds of leadership he had sown on every level continued to thrive. Damen, himself an exceptional leader, empowered us to press on with the mission, never leading in Jeff’s shadow, but given flight by Jeff’s example. Isn’t that what effective leaders do? When I say that Jeff changed my life, I mean that though I came to this place with skills and talents, goals for my students and my profession, I never anticipated the fulfillment I would receive from working so hard with other people so dedicated and focused. I have Jeff to thank for that. It is an honor to have worked with Jeff and a privilege to share his vision. I wish Jeff continued success as he continues to spread the message and every happiness in his retirement.
June 7th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Thanks for this super useful information. It goes to show that you CAN make a difference in a kids life. I had this nurse, Kathy (and now I can’t remember her last name). She was the nicest lady while I was going through a rough time in high school. I will never forget her and also the school pyschologist that was there. I have tried to track her down many times to tell her how I’m doing now but can’t find her…