Help Your Students LEAP into the New Year!

"Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement."- Brian Tracy

A new year causes many of us to go through a process of looking back, reflecting on the past year and considering what the next year will bring. It is often a time for resolutions for improvement in some area of life. Instead of approaching the New Year with resolutions, your students will create goals that are attainable by the end of the school year. Use the following lesson plan to help your students create “LEAP” goals – goals that are a set Length, use Exact language, state specific Actions and are Possible to attain given their ability and length of time.

Click Here to view this month's lesson - “LEAP” goals. You will be asked to login using the password you received via e-mail at the time you subscribed to CYLC Mentor Newsletter.

Did you use this lesson plan with your students? Please share some of your classroom experiences with using this lesson plan or share suggestions with your teachers on ways you adapted this lesson plan to work for you.

Teaching Economics with Fantasy Football

Do you ever struggle to make your lesson plans relevant to your students? One innovative teacher is using fantasy football to teach his students concepts related to economics, finance, business, math and more. Click here to read his story.

Breathe Away Stress

Teachers in some tough California neighborhoods are teaching yoga breathing techniques to help relieve stress in their classrooms. The students report that the program has improved their focus, sleep, calmness and mood. Read the full story here.

Conference Skills Helping in the Classroom

Alex Conte attended the Junior National Young Leaders Conference (JrNYLC) in the spring of 2009. Although he is from the Washington, D.C. area, Alex was able to gain new information and a new outlook on his local area by taking part in the excursions to the local landmarks and museums during the Conference.

Alex was selected to make a speech on the last night of the Conference. Even though he was nervous delivering his speech in front of a large group, he did an excellent job and gained a once-in-a-lifetime experience while boosting his confidence in public speaking. Upon further reflection on his time at the Conference, Alex said that he learned how to work better with others, treat them with more respect and to listen to their opinions.

On his first report card this year, he received straight A’s and consistent comments from his teachers about how well he participates in class and shows initiative. Alex’s mom was surprised to receive an unexpected phone call from his science teacher, letting her know how helpful he has been in class with students who don’t understand the material as well. In addition to excelling in the classroom, Alex loves to play sports including baseball, soccer and basketball, and continues to work with younger and less experienced members of his teams.

Comment below to congratulate Alex on his achievements as a young leader and share your advice on how he can continue to use his leadership skills in the future.

Students Can Now Receive College Credit for Attending a Program

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with nationally ranked George Mason University to offer college credit for our high school leadership and career programs! George Mason University was featured in U.S. News & World Report's "Best Colleges 2009" ranking as the number one national university on its list of “up-and-coming schools."

George Mason University sets very high standards for education, and we are proud to offer our attending scholars the opportunity to earn college credit while developing their leadership and life success skills.

Do You Know an Outstanding Young Educator?

Every year since 2002, the American Society for Curriculum Development (ASCD) recognizes creative and committed teachers and administrators under the age of 40 with their Outstanding Young Educator award. Award winners receive a $10,000 cash prize, an all-expense paid trip to the ASCD Annual Conference for the winner and one companion, recognition and award presentation at the Conference, and more.

Consider nominating an outstanding young teacher or administrator from your district. A complete listing and description of the ASCD criteria and selection process can be accessed online here.

January 2010: Message from the Director

Dear Educator,

The theme for this issue of Leadership Link is Goal Setting. As we enter the New Year, many of us will set new goals that we will strive to accomplish throughout the year. I encourage you to discuss with your students the importance of setting goals that are both challenging and achievable. Included in this issue you will find a lesson plan for you to share with your students that will help them to set and accomplish an achievable goal by the end of the school year. Also, be sure to review the “Today in Education” section for some innovative ideas that teachers are bringing to their classrooms.

I hope you were able to enjoy your year-end break. As your partners in education, all of us here at CYLC wish you a safe and happy New Year, and we join you in your excitement for the exciting challenges to come in 2010 as we guide and mentor our nation’s future leaders.

As always, please continue to e-mail me at anita@cylc.org with your questions, comments and suggestions.

Best Wishes,

Anita Barrett, M. Ed.
Managing Director of Academic Affairs
Congressional Youth Leadership Council