Lessons Learned in the Middle

Thursday, October 13, 2011

University of Maryland Pride!


President Wallace Loh's Fall 2011 Video Message from University of Maryland on Vimeo.
Posted by Tom Saunders at Thursday, October 13, 2011

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Visiting South Korean Elementary School, Iksan, South Korea 2010

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Lessons Learned

I continue to learn many lessons in the middle! I have learned that middle school teachers are some of the most amazing people I know. I have learned that despite the widely held belief that public schools in America are not succeeding, I see children working hard and meeting rigorous academic standards on a daily basis. I have learned that if I were to be accused of a crime (I hope this will never be the case), I want a jury comprised of 7th and 8th graders. Without question, students in these two grades believe deeply in fairness and justice for all. I have learned that creating positive relationships with students, staff and parents is the key to success. I have learned that being a middle school educator allows me to have a front row seat to witness some pretty hilarious situations as well as those issues that are very sensitive and often life altering.

As a veteran middle level leader, I can say that I have the best job in the world. I have the opportunity to touch lives, teach valuable life lessons, plant seeds of hope, develop innovative programs and sip from the fountain of youth on a daily basis. Often, I have been told by my friends that I should write a book about my experiences. Since I don't have a lot of spare time these days, I have decided to BLOG instead. I hope to share various experiences, opinions and beliefs on a regular basis (probably less than regular basis).

If my writings should be of interest to you, I hope you will drop me a comment or two in the appropriate place. In this era of being able to reach the entire world through the world wide web, I am counting on the fact that I will attract a few comments.

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About Me

My photo
Tom Saunders
Maryland, United States
I am the Instructional Director of Middle Schools in Frederick County Maryland. From 1987-2012, I served in various roles in the Howard County Public School System, including: teacher, team leader, assistant principal and Principal. In 2007, I was awarded the Washington Post’s Distinguished Educational Leadership Award/Howard County Principal of the Year and most recently I received the 2008 Howard County Outstanding Technology Leader in Education Award. I am a member of two boards: Past President of the University of Maryland’s College of Education Alumni Board and the McDaniel College’s Teacher Education Advisory Board. In 2008, I started teaching one of the Intro to School Administration classes at McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. I am a life-long Washington Redskin fan and I love to root against the Cowboys. I am also an avid blogger. But most importantly, I am the proud father of two wonderful and amazing kids! I am also fortunate to have a very supportive wife who also happens to be my best friend.
View my complete profile

Need An Experienced Trainer?

I am always excited to share and collaborate! I have been asked to present to students, teachers, parents and leaders in the educational world and beyond. As both a trainer and a keynote presenter, I have had the opportunity to deliver workshops on topics like:

Leadership
Engaging the Millennial Learner
Leading from the Middle
School Improvement Made Easy (Well Sort Of…)
High Impact PD

Some of the organizations I have had the privilege to work with are:
Iksan City Public Schools, South Korea
University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
McDaniel College, Westminster, Maryland
Michigan City Public Schools, Michigan City, Indiana
National Middle School Association
MSET/MICCA
NECC/ISTE
Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Rockville, Maryland
Maryland Association of Student Councils

For more information about these programs and others I can offer, please email me at tsaunderselms@gmail.com

My Blog List

  • Cool Cat Teacher Blog
    Transform Your School with Ethical AI: Insights from Experts
    2 days ago
  • 1000 Awesome Things
    #793 All the food that comes out of a cow
    3 days ago
  • The Good Habits Blog
    Update: where to buy the book
    9 years ago
  • Education and Technology
    To Tech or Not to Tech....
    13 years ago
  • TED: Ideas worth spreading
  • Nunk News
  • MiddleWeb

Links to Important Sites

  • Frederick County Public Schools
  • FREE Web 2.0 Apps for Educators
  • Great Books for Middle School Parents
  • International Society for Technology in Education
  • LeadershipNow
  • Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals
  • McDaniel College
  • National Association of Secondary School Principals
  • National Middle School Association
  • Search Institute
  • The Baltimore Sun Newspaper
  • The Washington Post Newspaper
  • The Washington Redskins
  • University of Maryland Alumni Association

My best friend!

Ben Bradlee, Former Editor of the Washington Post

Ben Bradlee, Former Editor of the Washington Post
Meeting a Living Legend

Taking a Dip for a Good Cause


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Huddling-Up with 6th Graders...Go Deep!

DISCLAIMER

This is a personal blog. The views represented herein are that of the blogger, and do not represent the views of the blogger's employer(s). Furthermore, the views expressed herein should not be imputed to any volunteer boards or other community associations to which the blogger may belong. Comments presented on these pages may be attributable to outside users. If you have questions or concerns about this blog, please feel free to contact me at tsaunderselms@gmail.com.
Thank you!