Google Helpouts a Fantastic Way to Learn

Google has created another fantastic tool that just may be a wonderful tool for principals, teachers, parents and students.  The Google Helpout will help you to access professionals who are skilled and available to answer your questions.  The fantastic thing about Google Helpouts is that you are live by way of video and in real time.  You can also schedule a meeting where you can get your questions answered or access the coaching that you require.  This tool became available on November 5, 2013. The Helpout is a great way to get the solution that you need or to hear a different perspective on a problem that you are trying to solve.

What is Helpout about?

Google helpout offers live video that will give the user a one on one expert to help and offer advice anytime of the day. The expert can be an educator, businessperson, consultant or electrician.  That fact that this person is live is a relief for the person who needs help right away. This is a service that is not provided by other social media websites.  Google staff believe that people from all walks of life will appreciate the opportunity to get help any time of the day.

The Google Helpout can reach people who are too busy to attend a conference to get a unique perspective on their problem.  A principal or teacher could get advice on how to improve student learning or to discuss a professional development opportunities.  School districts that have a limited number of college counselors could get help for students.  A school could get information about ideas to improve parent participation. 

How can it benefit schools and colleges?

There are several unique ways that schools can benefit from the one-on-one support that a Google Helpout expert can offer. Here are some of the benefits

1.  Superintendents can get advice on how to manage multiple problems at a school district

2.  Principals will benefit from an adviser who can help with teacher training ideas

3.  Teachers can learn how to help students to learn students with

4.  Parents can learn how to help their student to earn better grades

5.  Students will learn how to get better grades and to prepare for college/trade school.

If you think Google Helpouts could help your school, Dr. Stephen Jones is honored to be one of the experts who were selected. You can get the help you need.  If you are interested in giving it a try go to http://bit.ly/16ZISPe. Don’t miss out on this great chance to get your critical questions answered.

Stay Focused on your Dream

When others tell you that you can't reach your goal stay focused because your answer is near. Don't give up after you've tried several times the solution may be in the attempts. The only limitation on your success is your own thoughts about what you are capable of doing. Quitters don't win focused people do.

Secrets to a Successful Principal and Teacher Relationship

In order to establish a successful principal and teacher relationship it’s important to begin with the end in mind.  The start of a successful principal and teacher relationship begins with ones expectations.  Great relationships are founded on good communication and trust. When there is a positive relationship both the principal and teacher have major enthusiasm regarding each student’s success.  Today is an important day in the history of the principal and teacher relationship.  Schools have been an easy target for budget starved governments.  It’s time to be proactive in working together toward innovative leadership and instruction.

During the past few years, I witnessed the total reorganization of entire school districts.  The principals and teacher who were committed to a school for two or three years are changed with no warning.  Many principals and teachers must change in order to receive the same level of success that they experienced in past schools.  Starting in a new environment can be positive when the new principal and teachers work together.  A book that I suggest is “Who Moved my Cheese.”  It’s important to look at life from an opportunity perspective.  Each day is a chance to do better than you did yesterday.  When principals and teachers seek common areas of agreement much more can be accomplished throughout the school year.  The important thing to recognize is the value of making changes to lead your school in a new direction.

One key priority for the principal is establishing a sense of confidence in the school staff.  Each principal serves as a role model for teachers who aspire to become principals.  Good relationships are established when there is ongoing concern for the resources that will help teachers to be successful. The principal should find ways to interact with teachers throughout a week.  It may be convenient to work until the next meeting but addressing issues as they arise will make staff meetings less cumbersome.

The principal must have the same heart for the children as the teachers.  A principal who teaches a class during the year has a better awareness of the students needs.  This principal can collaborate with teachers who are providing similar interactions.  For example, a principal who is teaching one of the sections of Algebra I can get ideas from other teachers.  This will foster a greater sense of collaboration.

It’s important to have goals and objectives for the entire school.  The principal and teachers should come together to create goals and share ideas.  The summer should not be the last time that the principal, his staff and teachers meet.  Everyone in the school should be aware of the goals and objectives.  There should be some visible ways in which everyone knows that the school is making progress toward these goals.   During regular staff meetings the goals can be part of the ongoing discussion.

Finally, it is important to expect the best for your school.  When the principals and teachers are working together and they have high expectations for the student great things can be accomplished. The principal and teacher relationship is a key element of each school’s success.  Today students need schools where they can learn how their knowledge applies in their homes and communities. If you are interested in your students success starts with building a solid principal and teacher relationship.   Stephen Jones is an author, professional development presenter and national speaker. Invite Dr. Jones to speak at your conference or to present a workshop. You can reach him at 610-842-3843.

13 Education Dreams to Achieve During 2013

The best way to achieve your dream is by making a commitment to start today.  Determine that you will not let another year go by where you have not pushed the limits to achieve your dream.  Even if you get half way there during 2013 you will be closer than you have ever been.  The greatest thing that you should fear is procrastination.  It will be your greatest enemy on the days when you do not feel like working toward your dream.  There are many outstanding and creative ways to get started. I suggest that your start by keeping a weekly list of things to do.  It’s time to cast off the old and focus on new opportunities. The year 2013 is a chance to make a big difference in the way that you feel about yourself and others. So here are 13 things that you can do to achieve your dreams during 2013:


1.  Write your own mission statement for the year

2.  Identify a song that will be your theme for the year.

3. Start working on your dream today by putting a plan on paper

4  Get started an associate, bachelors, masters or a doctorate degree or attend a trade school

5. Get physically fit so that your can have a strong body and a clear mind

6. Start training on your job that you put off

7. Use a journal to record what you are accomplishing each week

8. Start writing that book that you have planed for several years

9. Break into a new career by upgrading your resume and submitting to different companies

10. Identify at least mentors and keep them informed of your progress

11. Start a community organization to have a positive impact on parents

12. Eat healthy meals that you did not eat last year

13.  Try something new that you have not done before.  You may uncover a skill that you did not know about.

Feel free to add to this list. The year 2013 is full of possibilities. It's time to think out of the box. Dr. Stephen Jones is an education expert, authors and keynote speaker at http://www.drstephenjones.blogspot.com or 

call 610-842-3843.

The Secret to a Successful Principal and Teacher Relationship

In order to establish a successful principal and teacher relationship it’s important to begin with the end in mind. The start of a successful principal and teacher relationship begins with ones expectations. Great relationships are founded on good communication and trust. When there is a positive relationship both the principal and teacher have major enthusiasm regarding each students success. Today is an important day in the history of the principal and teacher relationship. Schools have been an easy target for budget starved governments. It’s time to be proactive in working together toward innovative leadership and instruction.

During the past few years, I’ve witnessed the total reorganization of entire school districts. The principals and teacher who were committed to a school for two or three years are changed with no warning. Many principals and teachers must change in order to receive the same level of success that they experienced in past schools. Starting in a new environment can be positive when the new principal and teachers work together. A book that I suggest is “Who Moved my Cheese.” It’s important to look at life from an opportunity perspective. Each day is a chance to do better than you did yesterday. When principals and teachers seek common areas of agreement much more can be accomplished throughout the school year. The important thing to recognize is the value of making changes to lead your school ina new direction.

One key priority for the principal is establishing a sense of confidence in the school staff. Each principal serves as a role model for teachers who aspire to become principals. Good relationships are established when there is ongoing concern for the resources that will help teachers to be successful. The principal should find ways to interact with teachers throughout a week. It may be convenient to work until the next meeting but addressing issues as they arise will make staff meetings less cumbersome.

The principal must have the same heart for the children as the teachers. A principal who teaches a class during the year has a better awareness of the students needs. This principal can collaborate with teachers who are providing similar interactions . For example, a principal who is teaching one of the sections of Algebra I can get ideas from other teachers. This will foster a greater sense of collaboration.

It’s important to have goals and objectives for the entire school. The principal and teachers should come together to create goals and share ideas. The summer should not be the last time that the principal, his staff and teachers meet. Everyone in the school should be aware of the goals and objectives. There should be some visible ways in which everyone knows that the school is making progress toward these goals. During regular staff meetings the goals can be part of the ongoing discussion.

Finally, it is important to expect the best for your school. When the principals and teachers are working together and they have high expectations for the student great things can be accomplished. The principal and teacher relationship is a key element of each school’s success. Today students need schools where they can learn how their knowledge applies in their homes and communities. If you are interested in your students success start with building a solid principal and teacher relationship. Dr. Stephen Jones is an author, professional development presenter and national speaker. You can reach him at 610-842-3843.

How to Save Money on Text books

The rising cost of books is one expense that stands out in all college budgets. Technical science and math books are among the highest costing text books and English textbooks are not far behind. For years students and parents have complained as their book budgets are stressed. The science books can start at $150 and higher and other books are costing more than $100. Across the country students at four and two year colleges are feeling the pressure of paying for the cost of living on campus and books.

The cost of books has resulted in innovations in the way that students are paying for books. This year the Chegg.com is breaking into the book market with very favorable ratings from students. They are ushering in the age of book rentals and buying books online. The book rental service allows a student to walk up to an IPAD and search for their book and then make a purchase. Some of the rental books are less than half of the cost of the traditional books. Finding a bargain like this is what the students have been looking for. It seems that professors are not aware of the cost of books when they are identifying them for their classes. There is some new legislation that is designed to get professors to look more closely at their book decisions.

Some professors are creative in how they are allocating books and resources for their classes. They are putting special information on their courses in a web based system that is owned by their university. Students can access old lectures and important documents and review them online. Sharing the information online can make some books less important. Students can read the professors notes wherever they may be.

Another website to consider is book.ly. This website compares the prices of the various textbooks on all of the online book websites. Some of the websites include half.com, ecampus.com, biblio.com and Chegg.com. This website is a great change since students are going from website to website to find the cheapest books. This is important since some professors assign more than one book for their classes. I can foresee a time where some books are only available in an electronic format.

Many of the book stores like Barnes and Noble now run campus book stores. Colleges were looking for ways to cut their expenses and book companies were willing to manage the stores. The book companies have immediate access to the books that they keep in their inventory. The book stores are changing with the times as K12 schools are looking at ways to reduce their expenses. Some states like California are cutting their book expenses. Hey are estimating that they will save millions of dollars by encouraging schools to purchase electronic books that the large book stores are offering.

There is a lot that you can do to save on the cost of books. Take the time to search the internet or better yet rent a book. I recommend that students try to go the first class before purchasing every book. At most book stores you cannot return books that you’ve purchased. You do not want to be stuck with a book that you cannot return. Talk to other students who’ve completed the course last year. There may be a few books that you can borrow. I wish you a successful book savings experience.

Title I Essential for School Survival

For more than a generation Title I provided support for our nation’s economically challenged schools. This funding has enabled schools to expand resources and instruction for students who live in poverty. It also has as a target the transformation of the level of parent engagement across America. An additional goal is to close the achievement gap by active financial commitments to school districts. There contribution is important because in the current economy it is difficult for schools to keep pace with the cost of educating students. Many of the large school districts are severely underfunded and they are laying off teachers and closing buildings.

Title I and similar programs need increased funding. Students need innovative teachers and teaching strategies in order to succeed. Too many students go from grade to grade without learning the fundamental skills that will help them to perform at high academic levels. Teachers can be a great asset to students when they connect with their students and parents each time that they start a new school year. Parents can also contribute in a significant way by creating a great learning environment at home. Title one is committed to helping schools to make better connections with parents and students who are in the community.

It is essential that schools become a learning environment where students become independent researchers of new knowledge. The use of technology is causing tremendous changes in the way that teachers and students share knowledge. We need to ensure that low income students are not left behind. Students need to have the secrets to success early during their academic experience. So schools must incorporate parents if they are ever to feel like partners. Some schools are already implementing innovative strategies to keep active parent involvement. These programs have included hiring parent leaders to work in the schools, after school workshops and other activities throughout the year. These changes are essential since many parents do not feel connected with their local school.

School districts need to shed the perception that they do not want parents involved. Teachers and parents have discovered that a lot of student support can be developed when there is a similar education mission. Title I was written to reinforce the need for strategic activities that will change the way that low income students view education. The United States cannot afford to let millions of citizens live without sufficient education. The number of schools where students are not performing at high levels needs to be diminished. This change is difficult when states are not able to invest in their own education system.

During these challenging times the message needs to be loud and clear that students are still suffering due to their economic circumstance. Parents of low income students are often the first to be fired during a recession. This makes the education crisis in the low income community even greater. Some youth may give up hope that they can ever obtain an education that will take them out of their community. They need to know that they can have a career where they can use their education to pursue post secondary education. The funding that Title I provides helps to make change in our education system a greater priority for our nation’s future.

Improving and strengthening schools will require a concentrated effort on the part of school districts, teachers, parents and students. The school systems will continue to fall apart of the amount of resources and money stays stagnant. The best education must be accessible to all students. Our future depends on it. To access Title I student and parent resources visit http://www.titleibooks.com

BP Oil Spill a Back to School Nightmare

As the new school year approaches a new nightmare is unfolding due to the BP oil spill. The students who are going back to school in the region will be adversely affected. There are parents and children who have been displaced due to the loose of their income. Parents have been forced to move out of their homes and school districts due to a loose of income. The impact on children is devastating when parents must continually move to survive. Students are withdrawing from school with little notice. A child who is already far behind will lose hope that they can ever catch up.

School District superintendents and principals need to be vigilant about this issue. Too many lives are at risk and the number of students in this situation is growing. During the fall each time a new student comes into a school another student will be leaving due to issues related to the BP Oil spill. BP needs to invest its time and energy in stabilizing families to alleviate the potential harm to children. An unstable family increases the likelihood that a child is not sufficiently educated.

Students who are in their senior year of high school will suffer too. If they do not know where they will be living it will make finishing high school difficult. It could also make them leave a high school that was their home for three or four years. If a student moves far away their plans to attend college may also be affected. The senior year for the typical high school student can be stressful but the BP oils spill adds a new element.

The BP oil spill is an early warning sign concerning the environment and economic issues we must face. Our country is in need of innovative students who can develop solutions for these disasters. In an industry that is so wealthy it’s hard to imagine that that there would not be safety procedures to prevent the type of accident that we have witnessed. Companies need to invest more in colleges that can do research and offer solutions in the time of crisis. They should invest in bright young minds.

The warning signs have been all around us but we have ignored them. Science teachers have been teaching our children that we are too dependent on oil while they are in K12 schools but nothing has dramatically changed. Students go off to college then the graduate and purchase inefficient cars that consume a lot of gasoline. Keeping this at the forefront of discussions with children will keep it on their minds when they become corporate executives. In the next decade we should see a rise in the number of solar panels, wind mills and alternative energy for cars.

It’s important that BP fulfill its obligation to correct all of the problems that they have caused. When you have more than 19,000 gallons of oil for a month you have created a catastrophic problem. It will take some families substantial time to recover their lost income. Workers who are in the fishing industry and oil industry have children who need an education too. Perhaps this is the time to emphasize the value of education and to produce the future generation of engineers and scientists who can prevent another oil accident. Let’s send students back to school with enthusiasm for learning and creating the future.

10 Education Tips for 2010

We are about to end another decade and its time to pursue education at its highest level. For centuries education has been the foundation for the growth of a successful society. So what is your education plan for 2010. Sitting on the sideline will not bring you the education that you need. Today you can take online courses or sit in on a class. Opportunities abound in corporate offices all across the country. For example Peirce College sends an instructor to a corporate facility to teach. You can prevail over the situations that have limited you in the past. Just go to a college and meet with an admissions officer. There are 10 education tips that we must follow:


1. Get up and get started on your goal every day

2. Make a commitment to end your procrastination

3. Organize your schedule so that you can easily fit classes onto the schedule

4. Talk to a new person every week about their profession

5. Ask one of your teachers to serve as a mentor who keeps you on track

6. Take a computer class to enhance your technology k skills

7. Become a part of a social network such as Linkedin and join various education groups

8. Identify a friend who will encourage you as you pursue your education dream

9. Attend educational seminars on a college campus.

10. Download educational MP3 recording and listen to them on your computer or IPOD.

What are your education goals for 2010? If you believe that you will succeed you are on your way to achieving you goal. You can make 2010 your education year just by following through on your commitments. Too many students start with a goal that is too big. Try to select a course or training program that you will enjoy for your first class. Your instructor will see your enthusiasm for their course and they will find it easy to devote their time to helping you. You can use 2010 to discover how the world all around you is full of opportunities to create your future. Dr Stephen Jones is author of the “Seven Secrets of How to Study, the Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide,” and the Ultimate Scholarship guide at www.studyskills2u.com.

Should Students be Paid to Attend School

Every day in many large cities 25 percent or more of the students in middle and high school do not show up for school. They have lost faith in the school system where they are consistently three to four years behind their grade level. Students are hanging out whenever they can just to avoid school. Some expose themselves to harm or abuse from their peers and adults just to miss a day of school. This student absence problem is not going away it is growing. It is progressing as parents become more detached from their students education or they are working two jobs to keep food on the table.

The attendance crisis is also a clear indication that young people do not know the value of education. They are not aware of the career opportunity that are slipping through there fingers. They do not see that their school attendance is preparation for the world of work. Who will tell them that they get paid for showing up for work? Prisons are full of students who have dropped out of school or rarely attend school. This further complicates their ability to develop the work ethics that should be instilled at an early age

In order to resolve these issues school administrators should meet with parents and students to brainstorm possible solutions. Each community can set up a unique system that works. The parents who are at various schools can share ideas that work. For example in the computer industry they hire hackers to test how well a company is protected from hackers and viruses. Involving students in the conversation will give school administrators an opportunity to hear their issues.

In light of the attendance crisis schools need a radical solution. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Pay students who go to after school programs to receive tutoring.

2. Track students study skills so that they will know how to improve their grades.

3. Allow students to earn a one day pass from their school where they can volunteer in the community.

4. Let students work part time during the day and take classes at night.

5. Students can earn points toward the purchase of some electronic item based on their attendance.

6. Solicit companies throughout the region to adopt a school where there are high attendance problems. Also get this company to provide mentors
for these students.




7. Get the students involved in clubs so that they can feel a sense of commitment to the schools.

8. If the student improves their attendance they become eligible to interview for internship opportunities

9. Allow the students to attend a cyber school two days out of the week.

10. Students who attend school faithfully during the 9th, 10th and 11th grade can achieve an opportunity to work part time during their senior year.

The partners who should be involved in resolving the attendance issues include parents, schools and corporations. Parents should not turn their eyes away from this critical community issue. Complex student attendance issues require innovative thinking. Sometimes students need to be saved from themselves. They often do not have the ability to see how their actions are leading them astray. Their minds may also be clouded or confused by peer pressure. It’s time to engage parents and students in a conversation that influences how schools inspire attendance. Students are constantly asking what’s the benefit of education. The message must be clear that student attendance is an integral part of their life as a students and a future employee.
Dr Stephen Jones is an education coach and author of Seven Secrets of How to Study, Parent's Ultimate Education Guide and the Ultimate Scholarship Guide information at www.studyskills2u.com

Back to School Cell Phone Craze is Booming

When students and parents start their shopping list for the new school year one item on the top of their list is a cell phone. How times have changed. The idea of searching for paper and pencils is taking a back seat to modern technology. The cell phone companies have caught on and they are releasing so many new cell phones each month that it is hard for anyone to catch up. Cell phones have reached epidemic proportions throughout American society. You cannot go to a city or countryside road without finding someone who is using a cell phone.

A growing phenomenon among parents and students is text messaging. The ringing of the phone has been silenced by the tapping of alphabetic keys. Messages between cell phones can be transferred instantaneously. Students are using text messaging to respond to each other and to communicate with their parents. Abbreviations are often used when text messages are sent. It represents a form of communication that has broad implications for society. Text messaging can take up time that a student would normally spend studying. At the same time students can send a reminder that a homework assignment is due. It has become a two edged sword that allows parents to pick up a child from football practice or to plan a trip to a movie.

Communicating fast has become an even faster way of keeping parents in touch with their student. Parents realize that when their son/daughter goes back to school putting down the cell phone to focus will require real discipline. Students are too easily disrupted by the buzz of their cell phones. The speed at which a student communicates can cause a chain reaction of positive or negative results for a student who has a test on the next day. Peer pressure can even occur when one student yields to the temptation to respond to a cell phone call rather than study.

Communication by way of the cell phone is here to stay. School districts are forced to come up with strong statements about when the cell phone may be used during the school day. Students try to find creative ways to ignore the rules. Parents are frustrated when they must go to school to retrieve their son/daughters cell phone. Learning by way of the cell phone has been a challenge for most schools. Cell phone use is not easily incorporated into class instruction like an actual computer. Some professionals have found ways to download papers to the cell phone and read them while they are traveling but this is not a priority for students.

Some students are using their cell phones to discuss assignments and presentations they are giving. Students can save some of the major points of their presentation on their cell phone. Students can send a reminder that a quiz is occurring tomorrow to a friend. Messages like it’s time to get prepared. Some students put reminders in their cell phone and the phone makes a funny noise to remind them to start preparation for a major test. The calendar can also be used as a way to manage time.

During the twenty first century technology will continue to influence the back to school journey. Schools that use laptop computers to educate students are already springing up all over the country. Cell phones do offer news, television and the internet but most students do not have access to these services. Moving forward bringing the cost down and increasing the services will make the versatility of the cell phone a total learning experience. It is apparent that going back to school will never be the same. Dr. Stephen Jones is author of a new book the Ultimate scholarship, Seven Secrets of How to Study and the Parent’s Ultimate Education Guide” and the “Ultimate Scholarship Guide.” Dr. Jones can be contacted at 610-842-3843.

10 College Freshman Success Tips

Every year millions of students go off to college with all kinds of hopes and dreams. During their high school graduation they are told the future is bright. As is common with any new experiences there are a lot of adjustments that students must make. There are a lot of encounters with roommates and adjustments for different ways of living. For example one student might be very accustomed to a clean room while the other likes to leave their clothes wherever they take them off. This is a common occurrence on a college campus. A good book for a college freshman is “Who Moved My Cheese” By Spencer Johnson. There will be plenty of changes during the freshman year. The first year of college is a significant time when students grow and change emotionally and intellectually. Here are a few college success tips for students to consider:

1. Arrive on campus early so that you can get to know where your classes are located.

2. Find an upper-class student who can serve as your mentor.

3. Form a study group for difficult courses right away.

4. Meet with all of the teachers during their office hours the first week of classes.

5. Focus on your fitness. Go to the gym three times a week.

6. Get to know your resident assistant. They can be very helpful.

7. Meet your faculty advisor and let him/her know your interest.

8. Meet the dean/director of your department. You never know when you will need their help.

9. Go to the library to get other books about your course topic.

10. Have fun and join an organization that allows you to network with students from other majors.

Attending college can be one of the most enjoyable experiences in life. I have met many students in college whose friendship has lasted for a lifetime. College should be a time of exploration where you get to find out many things about yourself. You can create a fresh vision for your future by participating in campus activities and taking on a leadership role in your college.

Allow your first year to be a time of seeking new information about your self and your career. If you are not exactly sure of what you want perform a career search. Sometimes just by talking to a company representative you can identify some area of interest. For example did you know that many math majors are hired by an insurance company? It’s important to have different types of career experiences throughout your college years. The freshman year is not too early to refine your career search. You can go to events to meet alumni and also attend the campus wide career fair.

Going to college is a great way to take the limits off of your possibilities. When you meet professors in their offices go prepared with questions. You must be willing to challenge yourself to learn new things from each of the courses that you attend. There may be questions that your professor is willing to answer when you are in their office. You can build a good reputation as a student who is serious about your major. Make this freshman year a success by exploring all of your options.
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How to Write an Outstanding Resume

Thousands of people are out searching for jobs and revising their resume. Their number one question is how do I make my resume stand out? Human resource staffs are overwhelmed with the resumes that are piling up on their desk. Did you know that some companies use computers to identify candidates? It’s whole new world and every resume needs its own unique selling proposition.

So first just get started. Some people put off getting started on their resume because they don’t know where to begin. I recommend that you brainstorm a list of all of your success stories. Write down all of the things that you can quantify. For example you managed 10 projects that saved the company money or you made sales person of the month by selling 10,000 units of a new product or you increased customer satisfaction by 10 percent. You may want to involve others in your brainstorming session. Sometimes hearing the accomplishments of others can bring out things that you did not consider. You want all of your facts to be accurate and clear when you write down facts to include on your resume.

Most companies are assessing the bottom line of their budget. They need to show a profit. They want to know how much money you can save them. This is the time to express confidence in how much value you will add to a new company. This will require some research of your past to accurately include ways that you have saved your company money. This will be well worth the investment of your time. It will be beneficial during your job interview to know facts about your contributions to prior companies. Also, you can maximize your visibility by submitting your resume to employment websites.

Demonstrate how you’ve been a resource for positive changes in your company. Maybe you’ve created a new procedure. Make your resume stand out by focusing on the content. Did you write a proposal that won $300,000 to implement a new innovative program? Think about the number of new relationships and partnerships that you’ve cultivated. Today companies must move fast to keep up with changing trends in customers purchases and services that they require. Companies want employees who are sensitive to customer’s needs and innovative in their thought process.

Creating a resume can also cause you to think about what you want to do in your next company. It is another opportunity to look at your skills and compare it to several industries. After you review your resume think about your transferable skills and what you want to do. If you’ve been working in corporate America maybe you should consider working for the government or a non-profit like a university. Take the time to research different types of companies. The health industry has a broad range of jobs.

So make your resume unique by spending time assessing all of your gifts and talents. Be ready to take the next step in your career. Your resume will tell a story about where you have been and where you are headed. You can’t afford to wait because your next job is closer than you think.

To Twitter of Not to Twitter

A few months ago I read an article about social networks and Twitter was a frequent topic. I had already joined at least five social networks. Why should I add one more? At first I tried to ignore the different articles that mentioned Twitter but then I decided to take a look to see what it’s all about.

I started out by following a few friends for a few weeks but then it made no sense so I went back to Facebook. I found that I had many friends on Facebook and Linkedin so I figured I would commit more time to find out about these powerful social networks. Each social network seems to have its own niche. It’s fun to see updated pictures and share the latest events in the participant’s lives. Some social networks help people to make business connections.

After reading a few more detailed Twitter articles, I decided to go back on the web to check it out. The light bulb went on in my head about the power of the Twitter community. I could follow people and they could follow me. I learned to share information while using 140 characters. My focus has been to provide education information to my followers and all who may be interested. There are many sincere people who list their website URL’s and reply to people who are seeking information.

Twitter has bought out my creativity. I try to share a unique quote every day. Sending out a word of encouragement plants seeds of healthy living throughout the Twitter network. You can also use Twitter Chat to reach groups of people who are rapidly communicating their thoughts. After you enter the website submits a topic that interests you to see if people are communicating their thoughts. While learning many things on Twitter you will have to be persistent but their always seems to be a benefit.

Twitter offers an opportunity for you to share your best rated websites. You can find out all kinds of information from people who are sharing their websites. The 140 characters also allows for a brief description of different URLs. Be ready to find good information when you least expect it. You will receive replies from people who are thankful that you are following them.

Twitter has a unique way of involving the We Generation. Sometimes Twitter gets over capacity because there are so many people using it at the same time. Even legislators have gotten into the act. They are sharing their opinions with their followers while they are making decisions on government policies. It is an opportunity to get instant feedback on a particular policy.

Now it is clear to me that following Twitter is worth the investment of my time. I Twitter every day two to three times a day. Rapid changes due to technology advances require people who can communicate swiftly. I have found a new network home in Twitter. You can find all of the wonderful twists and turns that make people unique. On Twitter your thoughts will become an extension of your reality.

Social Networks a School Fund Raising Dream

In these challenging times it is hard to believe that money is available for your school. Your school has used all of the traditional methods like candy sales, pretzel sales and pizza in a box. Having two children at home makes parents fund raising experts for twelve years or more. All of this fundraising has it place but what can a school do to take an innovative approach to fundraising. The rising tide of social networks better known as web 2.0 is bursting with alumni and others who have interest in supporting your school.

One of the best ways to have funding coming in is to identify your alumni. Where can you find them? Three websites I suggest are Twitter.com, Facebook.com and Classmates.com. There are millions of people each day who are finding friends from their past. It is an easy place to find alumni from your school. You can set up a Facebook alumni page for your school and get students to join before they leave school. You can give out your Facebook URL at the next school sports event.

You can update your Facebook page daily with school activities and special events. Sometimes in addition to money alumni can provide resources. For example an alumnus who owns a t-shirt design company may contribute shirts for a football event. Alumni from your school could donate money from items that they sell on eBay. Could you imagine having a bunch of alumni regularly selling items to raise money for your school?

You may even find and alumni on Twitter.com a social network that is gaining momentum. You can accumulate a following on twitter and send them daily tweets throughout the day. You can notify them of the accomplishments of your school. Each tweet will give you 140 characters to communicate your message. Your message gets right to the point. I have learned to be real disciplined when I communicate. The social networks are another way to get out information about your school and it will save you the cost of mailing information.

Classmates.com is another fruitful place to find alumni and organize events to support your students. There are millions of people on classmates. You can find alumni and create events that they can attend. If you find clusters of students in a state that’s next door like Pennsylvania and New Jersey schedule a meeting at your school or by way of a conference call. Today people want to stay in communication daily. On Classmates you can allow friends to join and save them as bookmarks. You can create a group where alumni can keep in touch with each other. The challenging times should inspire alumni to give more support.

Your school can create an electronic newsletter that goes out to current students and alumni. Take time each month to highlight alumni who are joining your Facebook and Classmates web pages. Your current students need to know that your graduates are doing great things. People enjoy reading about success stories. You can also notify an alumni’s company when they are doing something that benefits your school.

Your school can also use Myspace.com to create highlight videos of your school activities. You might be raising money for a new gymnasium or a football field. Your school can even send a visual representation of what the new building will look like when it is completed. Find ways to creatively highlight people who are contributing on Facebook and in your newsletter. Some schools have their own plaque of donors who made their new buildings possible. Why not highlight your alumni on the internet.

Using the social networks is a creative way to engage your alumni and bring more resources that benefit students. Alumni are easily reminded of the things that would have made their K12 experience better. We need every school to operate at their maximum levels to prepare them for 21st century careers.

Crumbling Schools Need New Ideas

Some politicians think that if they ignore crumbling schools they will just go away. Schools are just like the bridges and roads that have fallen into disrepair around the country. They will not go away. The school districts around the country have been repairing schools for years while trying to maintain failing budgets. There are ceilings falling down, hazardous rooms that are closed to students, cracking and dull paint and broken chairs and desks. Teachers suffer too. Many teachers spend thousands of dollars out of their own personal budgets to buy resources for their classes.

The crumbling schools did not get there overnight. School districts have delayed construction to meet their annual budget. As they wait the cost of materials and labor continues to rise and we have the perfect storm. The cycle continues where a school board says let’s wait and see how we can budget construction for next year. Students are at risk physically and emotionally when they attend a school that is falling apart. Students wonder who cares about whether they show up for school. School board members should take proactive steps to get legislators and the community involved in pursuing funding and all school funding must be equitable.

Teachers also suffer when schools are falling apart. They are shuffled from room to room. They are told to make due with what they have. While other schools issue lap top computers to students. Teachers need a boost in resources to provide instruction and innovative experiences for each student . One cannot expect teacher instruction to excel if they do not have the equipment for chemistry and biology courses that they teach. Corporations need to be more involved in supplying some of these resources.

The cost involved in the continuous repair of failing heaters, water systems, bathrooms and roofs of older buildings continues to increase. In many cases it is just better to build a new school. Why not get engineering and architecture colleges around each city involved in innovative projects with the crumbling schools. This is one way to create enthusiasm and innovative solutions for the problems that plague schools. It would also create engineers and scientists who are sensitive to the needs of schools. It is easy for college students to get stuck on campus and lack an awareness of the problems that schools are facing.
It’s time to stand up for schools and teachers who want to make an impact on student’s lives. Our country cannot compete with the rest of the world if we lack the will and commitment to change our schools. Presidents Obama must continue to fight to increase financial resources to construct new schools across the nation. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. Maybe legislators across the parties should tour schools to see their condition. CNN should do a year-long series on the crumbling schools. It’s better to prepare for the future by building innovative schools than to watch students drop out. Let’s think big and create schools that will be noticed around the globe.

K-6 Students Need a High School Graduation Vision

It’s easy to think that a student entering K-6th grade will graduate from high school some day but the reality is sobering. Nearly half of inner city and some rural school district students do not graduate from high school. Their education vision and experience needs to change at an early age. Why not help K-6 students to grab a vision of their high school graduation on day one. Students must know that they have what it takes to succeed in school. This vision must not only be captured in the student’s mind it must be their teacher’s expectation. A student’s gifts and talents must be exposed early if the student is going to thrive in every grade.

I have not run into a K-6 student who is making a plan to fail and not graduate. In fact many aspire to be doctors and lawyers. Each student must receive an internal message that makes school worth it. It will take creativity on the part of each schools leadership. The students are asking why should I stay in school if no one really cares. A little praise for each student’s accomplishments can go a long way. For some students the only praise that they receive all day is from their teacher. Students also feel inspired when they receive an award. There is a tendency to single out certain students again and again. For weeks when there is perfect attendance why not give an entire class a certificate. Did you know that some students will never earn a certificate during their entire time in school? Giving awards is one way to indicate that a student’s efforts are worth it. Students need to feel that someone cares about their progress.

It is amazing how many K-6 students that I talk to who want to start their own businesses. Somehow they know that having their own business I a good idea. All along we need to help students to take daily steps into their future. They must see themselves in a variety of jobs. Inviting guests from all fields of work to speak to students will broaden their horizons. What they don’t know is that they can start and earn a good living with more education. The K-6 student needs to know the amount of education that’s required to gain employment in certain jobs.

Six years can go by really fast. One moment a student is in the sixth grade and the next moment they are ready to graduate from high school. This is one reason why it is important for students to see themselves as graduates early. Each day their parent, teacher and counselor have an opportunity to inspire each student. It’s important to take the time to notice when they are maturing emotionally and intellectually. It is a great opportunity to give them positive feedback concerning their growth.

Every student is a high school and college graduate in waiting. Some students need to learn how to focus on their goals. Each student must be taught how to reach their goals and how to avoid distractions. Ask open ended questions to find out about their graduation plans. Listen before you speak and you can gain the students confidence.

Each day students attend a k12 school adds up to the long term goal of graduation. Igniting the fire in each student requires persistence from parents and teachers who tell the students that they expect to attend their graduation. Students like challenges when they perceive that the desired goal is attainable.

Crumbling Schools Need New Ideas

Some politicians think that if they ignore crumbling schools they will just go away. Schools are just like the bridges and roads that have fallen into disrepair around the country. They will not go away. The school districts around the country have been repairing schools for years while trying to maintain failing budgets. There are ceilings falling down, hazardous rooms that are closed to students, cracking and dull paint and broken chairs and desks. Teachers suffer too. Many teachers spend thousands of dollars out of their own personal budgets to buy resources for their classes.

The crumbling schools did not get there overnight. School districts have delayed construction to meet their annual budget. As they wait the cost of materials and labor continues to rise and we have the perfect storm. The cycle continues where a school board says let’s wait and see how we can budget construction for next year. Students are at risk physically and emotionally when they attend a school that is falling apart. Students wonder who cares about whether they show up for school. School board members should take proactive steps to get legislators and the community involved in pursuing funding and all school funding must be equitable.
Teachers also suffer when schools are falling apart. They are shuffled from room to room. They are told to make due with what they have. While other schools issue lap top computers to students. Teachers need a boost in resources to provide instruction and innovative experiences for each student . One cannot expect teacher instruction to excel if they do not have the equipment for chemistry and biology courses that they teach. Corporations need to be more involved in supplying some of these resources.

The cost involved in the continuous repair of failing heaters, water systems, bathrooms and roofs of older buildings continues to increase. In many cases it is just better to build a new school. Why not get engineering and architecture colleges around each city involved in innovative projects with the crumbling schools. This is one way to create enthusiasm and innovative solutions for the problems that plague schools. It would also create engineers and scientists who are sensitive to the needs of schools. It is easy for college students to get stuck on campus and lack an awareness of the problems that schools are facing.

It’s time to stand up for schools and teachers who want to make an impact on student’s lives. Our country cannot compete with the rest of the world if we lack the will and commitment to change our schools. Presidents Obama must continue to fight to increase financial resources to construct new schools across the nation. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. Maybe legislators across the parties should tour schools to see their condition. CNN should do a year-long series on the crumbling schools. It’s better to prepare for the future by building innovative schools than to watch students drop out. Let’s think big and create schools that will be noticed around the globe.

The Best 2009 Ever

Are you ready to have the best 2009 ever? If you are ready for a brilliant new year now is the time to define your goals. Get ready to start on a fantastic journey where each day you are able to deposit your entire energy into improving by 1 percent. If you actually practice this habit you can improve by 365 percent in one year. There is truly no limit to what you can accomplish if you let 2009 become a year when you expect new experiences to transform your life.

Are you ready to put up a new fight to resist negative thoughts that plagued your mind last year? As Barack Obama says “your destiny will not be written for you but by you.” The New Year will present many opportunities for you to change old habits. The best way to make these changes is to believe that the past does not control your present goals. The year 2009 is time to take the beginning steps in the right direction by writing down the top five goals that you want to accomplish. Take your eyes off of the things that you did not do last year and focus on the new changes that you will make today.

What is the best way to invest your time during 2009? Why not make a greater commitment to be an example of excellence to your family and friends. Find ways to encourage others to chart a new course for their lives. Frequently reach out to young people who need your advice and support. You never know when a special niece of nephew can be steered in a better direction because you invested your time to talk to them. It is rewarding to see how thankful they are to receive a contribution of some of your wisdom. Sometimes you will only plant a seed into their life that will blossom at a later date.

Plan to make 2009 a year of new solutions. Face challenges that act like a pressure cooker in you life head on. Release all of the pressure by letting go of past thoughts that haunted you about failures in school or in a business venture. These life experiences are stepping stones on your way to becoming an inspired person. Put your talents on display by knowing that there is an answer to every problem. The answer will be a new way of thinking that is consistent with your vision for the New Year.

If you want to do more during the New Year it’s going to take a greater effort. You will need to plant more seeds by networking and meeting with new people. Join a new organization where you can give and receive new advice and develop some trustworthy relationships. Go for a goal of meeting five new people each month. Be sure to provide some benefit to them and you’ll be amazed at the new ways that you will also benefit.

The year 2009 will be a wonderful year if you make it one. Be bold in the initiatives that you start and finish. Have a vision that great things will happen each time that you start a new goal. Dwight D. Eisenhower said it best, “Never! Never! Never! Give Up.” Make the New Year a time to fight for the things that you fervently want to happen. Expect the accomplishment of your goals to be a shining example of what can be accomplished with diligent work. Have a prosperous New Year.

Time to Manage Your Money

We are living in a time of financial crisis. Corporations are laying off thousands of employees. According to the United States Department of Labor and Statistics, the number of unemployed persons rose by 592,000 to 9.4 million in August 2008. While banks and insurance companies like AIG are on the verge of bankruptcy. It seemed that no one knew exactly what to do. So the government is bailing them out. There are too many people talking about the crisis and too few that offer solutions for the common person. Panicking will only add to the confusion that is pervasive in the country. The financial crisis should force each family to review all personal bills, financial investments and family insurance plans. It’s time to manage your money.

A smart financial plan begins with your own research and study of your financial circumstances. If you have not heard from your retirement company give them a call. You want to maximize the amount of information that you use to make good financial decisions. Don’t feel pressured to move money around or to take your money out of the bank and hide it. Remember your money is insured up to $100,000 for each bank where your money is deposited. It is still a good idea to have a conversation with the bank manager about your money. Get everything in writing so that you know what your bank will and will not do if it fails.

This is one time when procrastinating does not work in your favor. Everyday you could be losing money. It’s time to have a plan of action that you will follow. Your job may offer a financial planning workshop. Make time to attend a session. Prepare a few questions prior to the meeting. Ask if there is some type of financial planning website that you can review.

Most adults have never attended any type of money management class. They do what their parents did with their money. Their bills were continuously behind and the house was loaded up with the things that they wanted. When a person who freely spends marries a thrifty person their can be conflicts over money. This type of conflict can strain any relationship. In fact financial management issues are one of the primary reasons that married couples break up. Agreeing to manage your money with some flexibility must be a priority. Each single person and married couple should have a financial plan.

One of the effective things that you can do at this time is cut back on unnecessary expenses. Eliminating fast food from your diet may be one way to save money. If you decide to make this change you will improve your health and financial situation at the same time. If you go to Dunkin Donuts in the morning, McDonald’s during the afternoon and to a restaurant at night you can easily spend $50.00 a day and by doing this several times each week you will spend hundreds of dollars. Taking control of your budget means looking at every aspect of your life and considering the changes you must make.


Your goal should be to pay off bills and cut up all credit cards. Did you know that if you are late paying one bill your interest rate on other credit cards can go up? Paying your bills on time is an important habit. When possible pay a little more money on each bill. Get a copy of your credit report and eliminate any statements that are not true. Remember that banks and credit unions will look at your credit report score when you want to make a loan or ask for a line of credit. Manage your money by putting yourself in a position to pay off your financial obligations.

We each have a free will to choose how to manage our individual financial obligations. Learn to be content with what you have rather than letting your friend influence your buying decisions. Purchasing a $4,000 flat screen television may not be in your budget. Remember you can enjoy freedom when you manage your money and plan to live a stress free life. While the country is in this financial crisis you can still have peace by following your financial plan. Dr. Stephen Jones is author of the "Ultimate Scholarship Guide "available at http://www.sevenbooks.net.