Spence Motivational Speaker Speaks Out
Submitted by Allen Gwinn on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 15:32.
We received reports that some faculty were having problems with a "motivational" speaker, a third party, invited by Spence Principal Mary Davies to address faculty at a recent meeting.
Cheryl Jackson was the speaker, and she has written a response to some of the issues brought up on this blog.
Anonymous wrote: Mrs. Davies invited a motivational speaker to come talk with the faculty regarding all of the uproar that Spence is going through because of her. First of all, this person has no right to come in and act as the mediator between the staff and the principal. She is not a district employee, and Principal Davies also allowed the speaker to speak with students for a lengthy period of time, causing them to miss instructional classes. No parental permission was given for this lecture. This was done only to benefit Mrs. Davies because she is in the hot seat and wants others to fix what she has created. If the speaker really knew what has taken place at Spence, she would not have allowed herself to get in the middle of such a turmoil. Please, Mrs. Davies, stop making things worse for Spence. The damage has already been done, and you need only leave the rest of us here to go through an adjustment period and regain pride for our school.
My name is Cheryl Jackson, and I am the speaker you reference. The first time I spoke at Spence was not because of Mrs. Davies. She happened to be observing the class that I was speaking to that day. At the end of my speech she asked if I would come back and speak to the entire school, she said your school needed it. I kindly agreed.
Normally, I don't respond to blogs, especially negative ones but for the sake of the students, I will speak. I choose to live my life in the positive. The anonymous blogger here has done nothing to help the character and morale of Spence school. I feel so much anger in the posts that I have read.
I spoke to the children because I care. When I returned to speak to the students, I found out that in the 25 years of the schools history they had never had a musical. Your school needed $2,300.00 for the musical. In less than 30 days, I campaigned to raise the money for the school to have the musical and this week May 8,9 and 10th the musical will be performed.
Why not blog about that?
You wrote that if I really knew what was happening at Spence I wouldn't get in the middle of such turmoil. On the contrary, when I looked into those students eyes, I knew what was happening at your school.
When I went to your restroom and read all the filthy graffiti on the walls, I knew what was happening. When I heard the tone of some of the teachers as they spoke to the students, I knew what was happening and that is why I CHOSE to get involved.
I chose to raise the money to give YOU and the students HOPE. I chose to come back to Spence because kids held my leg with tears streaming down their faces and begged for me not to leave. I CHOSE to come back to speak to the children to give them a chance to be better.
The 11 year old girls perspective showed you that the problem with Spence isn't just about Mrs. Davies, it's about the students not having pride, the janitors not doing their job properly and are you ready for this, it's about the Teachers too. I'm sure you will agree with me that not all students and teacher's spoke to the 11 year girl that day but those that did, left her with this perspective. I said that to say this... you keep choosing to post horrible things about YOUR school.
People will think that your entire school is how you feel about Mrs. Davies. This is a personal issue. Don't make it public. It hurts everyone, including the students.
What will you do to change it? There is two ways to look at the glass, is it half empty or half full? Was I brought in to help you? I hope so, because you keep choosing to post things so I invite you to post the positive as well as the negative.
If you don't think change will happen, perhaps you should change schools, because it won't happen if you don't believe. I believe change will occur and if you were there the day I spoke, there wasn't a dry eye in the building (I have the videotape to prove it).
We will change Spence, with or without you. I have a petition that the students signed and I will also be happy to post their letters of commitment. The letters are from their hearts, they are tired of all the negative press.
If you are a teacher, for kids sake, teach these students how to resolve conflict the proper way. Blogging isn't the way. Especially if you won't say your name.
My name is Cheryl Jackson, I am a proud Motivator at A.W. Spence Middle school.
[Ed Note: Cheryl, I must take issue with you one one thing: airing concerns, publicly, about a public institution is the only way to keep things "in check."
If you operate a private business, you must satisfy its owners, board members, etc. When you operate a public entity, you are accountable to the stakeholders--which includes teachers. Put another way: there is a higher level of public accountability due from a public agency.
There are obviously strong feelings about the school, its principal, and many of its teachers. By getting these out in the open, and making it a subject for debate, you facilitate change.
It is not in our kids' best interests for these issues to continue to present themselves at Spence in such a pronounced manner.
Your efforts and your enthusiasm are commendable.]
Who is Ms. Jackson?
I have been told that Ms. Jackson is/was a contestant on Oprah's show, "The Big Give." I haven't been able to confirm that yet. How did she get involved with Spence? Why is she talking to faculty and staff about personnel matters and school morale? I was also told she spoke to students about how to "fix" their school. Why?
Of course, all of my questions are currently based on unsubstantiated pieces of information. Would anyone like to confirm/deny/clarify this?
[Ed Note: I wasn't aware that "The Big Give" had contestants. I thought it was an Oprah charity designed to feed the poor and homeless.]
Unhappy at Spence
I say that if you are unhappy, GET OUT! And, let those of us who are concerned about the students work to educate them--it is apparent that you will never be happy. It is hard to distinguish between the real kids and those who are not. Apparently, your unhappiness runs far deeper than what you are suggesting here... Also, God bless and keep you.
[Ed Note: And if you don't like the way the District is run, then get out!. The same for this city, as a matter of fact. No wait. If you don't like how this country is run, then get out!
Folks, this is a democracy. This is a public agency. You have the right to demand excellence. This kind of attitude does nothing except allow retrenchment and mediocrity to bloom.
I'd like to propose an alternative: if you're unhappy at Spence, then work to change it. Don't just accept it.]
Who is Ms. Jackson?
I am Mrs. Jackson. I will be happy to answer your questions.
I was not and am not a contestant on Oprah's Big Give. I have met and interviewed Oprah several times and have even played Oprah on her television show. But this sounds like Jerry Springer stuff to me. :)
How did I get involved with Spence?
I was invited to speak to a class at Spence about non-profit work , overcoming obstacles, and using your life to make a difference. In my speech it was said that the school had never had a musical, since this is the end of the year and a fund raiser could not be done, I campaigned to raise the money and I presented a check for $2350.00 to the school. I am a concerned citizen just like you.
Why am I talking to faculty and staff about personnel matters and school morale?
What are you referring to? When I spoke to the faculty, I discussed teamwork. If you are a teacher at Spence you know what I said. The meeting lasted about 40 minutes and my portion was about 15 minutes, the rest of the comments/feedback were from the teachers. I thought it was positive. In my line of work this happens all the time. A few months ago I spoke at the Zig Ziglar corporation about the same subject teamwork and never have I had such negative feedback. The reason I have been talking to the school is because I care, but I have been told that this is deeper than what I know and obviously it is. I have never been involved in anything like this before.
Did I also speak to students about how to "fix" their school. Why?
I spoke to the students and asked them what they would like to see different in there school and I have asked contractors to come in and remodel the bathrooms etc. for the school and to plant flowers for FREE because I want to be a part of helping this school and faculty succeed. It's a great school.
I hope this answers your questions. Unfortunately, I operate a non-profit and a food pantry so I can't stay on this blog to see if you respond. Have a nice day.
[Ed Note: Thanks for the clarifications. I hope it allays some people's concerns. This is how rumors get started (and how we put them to bed!).]
West Side Story!
West Side Story was wonderful but.....
1. There wasn't over 100 kids in it not even 50.
2. The director broke her arm the day before and the new theater teacher took over and well great job! You did great.
3. Mrs. Davies only attended the Thursday performance. It appears she has taken a three day weekend to avoid dealing with parents who might be reading the blog! As she has been going around and asking teachers for help keeping the parents off her back.
4. Davies punished one of the student actors because his mother came up to complain and ask why he had been removed from the musical the day of the show. Davies told the theater teacher to remove him because of the parent but then put him back in because of the NAACP has spoken to Castro's office about her evident discrimination against the African American teachers at Spence.
5. So to deal with her problems, she hides in her office with the counselor and leaves campus throughout the day and no one knows where she is.
6. During the week of TAKS, I was in the front office when a Spanish speaking parent came to Spence to speak with the principal. Mrs. Davies was hiding in her office and told the secretary to tell the parent she was not on campus.
7. I had a student tell me on Wednesday that she had signed the petition that Ms. Jackson has started and that she was paid $5 by Ms. Jackson.
Things just get more and more deceitful at Spence. Davies is dodging parents and having Ms. Jackson pay students to sign a petition. What is happening to our school? Can we at least get a principal that works and meets with parents?
Thank you to the administrators who have been covering for her and still care. Otherwise, we would have no leadership whatsoever because Davies is never to be found anymore....well that is a mixed blessing. Things are more peaceful without her for sure. However, since she is not there no one has any authority to really deal with the discipline because all of the other administrators are covering for her problems, the students are out of control. It is a ZOO at Spence.
[Ed Note: Keep reading. We're expecting some interesting developments as early as next week.]
Castro, Leadership
Let me get this right: A teacher MUST meet with parents, MUST call parents, MUST document all contact with parents, but a principal can just "wait out the clock" until school is over?
I challenge Mr. Castro to step up. He refused to meet with Skyline parents until the media noise hit a crescendo. A REAL man, a REAL leader, would order his principal at Spence to advertise and present an open forum with parents. And he should be standing right there with her, listening and explaining.
I dare him to do it before June hits.
True leadership LEADS, all else is bunk.
Or should I package that as a motivational speaker?
Skyline
Because there wasn't a problem there. Everyone was happy with everything going on there and there was no reason to go to that school...
Course that's what it looks like with your head in the sand.
The Speaker at Spence
Again Ms. Jacksoon-Kudos for you for taking an interest in our students! We do it everyday. You have only been at Spence one or two times, did you mention, that you gave our students money to sign a petition to help motivate them? The issues with the adults at Spence are much deeper than you know. Maybe you just do not get it. Better yet call Mrs. Davies. Oh I forgot she fell in her office yesterday and broke her arm.
[Ed Note: Money? We are trying to confirm this; but until we do, please treat this as unconfirmed (unless someone wants to go on record). Ms. Davies was injured??]
Don't Attack Cheryl
I really didn't want to comment on this blog, but when I got this email from Allen, I had to respond. It takes years to build a reputation and minutes to destroy one. My business cards say Passion, Integrity and Vision. NEVER in all of my professional years have I been accused of anything like this. What motive do I have to bribe a student to sign a petition? That doesn't make sense. I would NEVER stoop so low.
As for the Money? I was the biggest loser on season one of Deal or No Deal. I won $5.00 and I take five dollars everywhere I go to give away. I always give money away whenever I speak. Always. I am hurt and saddened by your comments. So AGAIN, FOR THE RECORD, I did not pay any student to sign anything. Please don't attack my integrity or my name. That's something money can't buy.
Every article that has been written about me talks about me giving. I'm writing a book about giving back. My television show is about giving. The headlines say "Jackson teaches the spirit of giving." or What would Oprah Do? She gives. Everytime I speak to students and adults I try to give something to create an awareness of how good this world could be if we worked together. I firmly believe we lead by example. I live my life to be a positive example and what you wrote is not an accurate description of who I am and what I do.
Don't attack me, I'm on your team. Have a nice day.
[Ed Note: Cheryl is right. Some of the comments made about her really appear to be ludicrous. If they're being made here, then they're going around at work. From what we've been able to tell, Ms. Jackson donated her time to Spence and its students--a cause she believed in.
So please, folks, don't shoot the messenger here. She's trying to make peace--not war.]
Don't Attack Cheryl
No one is attacking Cheryl, at least I'm not. We just think the problems at Spence can only be fixed by a new principal. We believe Ms. Jackson is being used by Mrs. Davies for her own benefit. Yes, there are always two sides to a story. We all have read about several. Ms. Davies will never accept the negative against her and try to fix it, she only deals with situations in favor of her. The division of the faculty that was mentioned in a past post was not caused by Ms. Jackson, but set-up by Ms. Davies. Ms. Jackson did come to Spence with good intentions. However, she does not know the real side of Mary E. Davies who made the following statements about herself, "There is a dark and evil side to me", and " I love confrontations" quote, unquote during a faculty meeting. A school can only be good as it's leader is. The good at Spence is in spite of the problems with the principal. Contrary to what some believe who have commented on this site, we do our jobs, and we are committed to doing them well. All principals have the right to build a successful school, but when you alienate the people who are charged with helping you to create the success, then you are surely doomed. The problems with the students are a direct cause of the lack of leadership shown by Ms. Davies. Leadership that has come too late in the school year. The lack of leadership that started two years ago and now it's too late to lead. It is impossible to regain control of something that you never had control of.
[Ed Note: As I say, I have no reason to doubt that Ms. Davies intentions were disingenuous when she brought Cheryl Jackson in. I don't know what the answer is, but it seems clear that something at Spence must change.]
Ms. Jackson's visit to Spence on May 5th
I believe the original post needs a little more clarification. Ms. Jackson came to Spence about 3 weeks ago and returned during the preparation for TAKS. There were assemblies held during her first visit in which she talk about her beginnings in the business of giving back to the community. During this assembly the musical West Side Story was mentioned and between the two different grade level assemblies, $600.00 had been collected from the students for the musical. All in the name of donations. On Ms. Jackson's second visit, her speeches were about passing TAKS and it was during this visit in which she donated money for the musical. The visit that upset teachers was on Monday, May 5th, 2008. On Thursday, May 1, 2008 we received an email from Mrs. Davies stating there would be a faculty meeting after school. The email contained a list of agenda items that would be discussed. On the morning of May 5th, we received a second email stating that the agenda for the meeting had slightly changed and we would have a speaker. During this meeting Mrs. Davies brought up this blog and stated it was created underground against her. Within minutes of Mrs. Davies opening statement, Ms. Jackson took over the microphone and spoke about the blogging against her. The floor was then opened to teachers to comment. Some comments were negative against the teachers who are writing on this blog. Some were positive about Ms. Davies. However, the purpose of this particular visit by Ms. Jackson I believe was designed by Mrs. Davies to continue to divide the staff and try to identify those who are blogging against her. Ms. Jackson probably does have a great heart and good intentions, but this time she was used unknowingly by Mrs. Davies. This is why teachers objected to Ms. Jackson speaking. We were told it was a faculty and it wasn't. We could not leave until it was over. Certainly Ms. Davies provided food in the name of Cinco de Mayo but nevertheless we were tricked into being there.
[Ed Note: I don't know how bringing in a motivational speaker can be seen as attempt to divide teachers--especially one with, as you point out, "a great heart." You'd think there would be something else.
I think a more appropriate question is: "are there any guidelines by which a principal must abide when calling a faculty meeting?" It would seem, logically, a principal could call a meeting at any time for any reason--unless someone knows something different.
Ms. Davies likely knows those who take issue with her. There are several who make no attempt to hide their identities, and several who have challenged her outright. It would follow, again logically, that she would have a right to pursue acquisition of this information.
The big question is: "what can she do with it?" She can probably use it in an evaluation, but again, what does that mean?
A principal is ultimately responsible for the performance and operation of his or her school. Anything that takes away from a positive trend reflects poorly on the principal. It would seem to me to be in Ms. Davies' best interest to "make peace" versus "wage war" wherever possible. Because ultimately, she will likely be called on to answer for the entire situation at Spence.]
Motivating Spence
Hello Ms Jackson-
So, here are a few observations from someone who is NOT a teacher at Spence, but IS active in DISD issues.
1. Please do not fall into the trap that being anonymous is not virtuous. I am a frequent blogger on DISD issues. Sometimes I use my name, sometimes I do not. I and others have to keep reminding others that in the DISD, what you say publically can gain you the mother of all retributions.
2. You never explained who, exactly, brought you in to begin with and why.
3. If you have a videotape of your presentation, I am also sure you have a release form from everyone who is in it, yes?
4. I agree with you, these posts about Spence are literally painful to read, and you observe that there is a lot of anger in them. Now, I am not sure what your training background is, but anytime you see a high level of anger amongst employees, it is imperative that someone from above look into this matter. Am I wrong that the only response from the Spence admin staff has been to ask you to speak? In other words, she brought in a complete stranger to get involved with a dysfunctional campus? Did she try mediation, arbitration or a good informal hen session first?
5. I agree with Allen here. You may not like what is written in these posts, but the graffiti you read on the walls, the looks in the eyes of the children--- all that didn't happen overnight. Are you saying that an effective principal would allow graffiti on bathroom walls to remain there for visitors to see? Will NOT talking about issues resolve them?
6. You say you were brought in to help? So, are you under contract with DISD, and if so, for how much and who authorized it? Is this "help" from above, or "change" from within?
7. What "change" do you see happening at Spence? Please elaborate on the "half-full." A musical is wonderful, of course, but the problems vented on this blog seem to be way more serious than a musical.
Again, I am not taking sides, just asking questions. I offer to all who read this, if you want help, you must get active! No matter which way you feel, if you support your principal or not, document all you see.
Ms Jackson is right, complaining doesn't get the cow milked.
When I was in the Army, the best advice I ever got was, "Don't come to me with a problem, come to mee with a solution." If you want any change, what is it and why???
If you belong to NEA-Dallas, then please call our president, Dale Kaiser, at our offices.
If you belong to another union, have you contacted them?
"Change" for the sake of change is not always a good thing. Mussolini changed Italy when he got the trains to run on time. The last Kaiser of Germany, Wilhelm II, placed Bismarck into retirement because he wanted "change."
We know what happened to them.....
I applaud any effort anyone makes to help a DISD school. However, it just seems that a serious overhaul of that school is a problem that must be looked from on high, and fundamental decisions of goals must be made.
Good luck to all at Spence.