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Leading with Heart and Soul: 30 Inspiring Lessons of Faith, Learning, and Leadership for Educators

Irvin Scott

Dr. Irvin Scott has written a book of leadership lessons from his 30+ years in education. The book is unique in several ways: 30 quotes as the foundation for the book, stories are the vehicle for sharing, and the lessons are both personal and professional.

  Education   45,500 words   100% complete   Published by Jossey-Bass
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Synopsis

The pandemic has exacted a devastating toll on student learning in America; public confidence in schools is waning, and there remains an unprecedented teacher shortage in the US. 

Despite these obstacles, millions of educators, their students, and caregivers persist in doing yeoman’s work. This is not a time to turn away from our children, their caregivers, and the educators who teach and nurture them. Instead, it is a time to lift them up and celebrate the work they do to keep the flame burning through the hopes and dreams of the children they serve.

How do we empower innovative, servant-hearted educational leaders to meet the needs of students? How do we inspire whole communities to support the learning journeys of their youth? How do we engage the entire educational ecosystem—including nonprofits and other organizations—to break down inequities and barriers to learning and ensure that every student has the resources needed to thrive?

"30 for 30: One Educator's Story of Faith, Love, Learning and Leadership" details Dr. Irvin Scott's journey in education, as he seeks answers to the pressing questions facing the field. The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for innovative educational leadership in the United States, a need that he has sought to address during his thirty years of work in the field.

Dr. Scott's journey in education has taken him from the classroom to directing a Pennsylvania high school as principal, to overseeing the Boston Public School District as Superintendent of High Schools, to influencing schools across the country as Deputy Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and finally to teaching future educators as a professor at Harvard University.

"30 for 30" Offers a gripping account of Dr. Scott's interventions in the lives of struggling students and failing school districts, as well as his incorporation of Christian principles and Gospel music in his teaching. It is structured around thirty insightful quotes - one for each year of his career - that have given him wisdom and guidance. 

Through his experiences, Dr. Scott offers hope for an education system fraught with inequity, pointing to faith, compassion, and servant-leadership as the forces that drive lasting change.

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STORY IN THE PUBLIC SQUARE - THE PELL CENTER

Irvin Scott | Orientation 2018 | Faculty 8x8, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Irvin Scott Speaking

Harvard EdCast: You Gotta Have Faith

Dr. Scott has been a faculty member of Harvard Graduate School of Education for the past seven years. In that position, he speaks, consults and leads an Institute which enables a national footprint of religious communities. He is currently working on an OpEd, which is expected to be in a national media outlet in the next few weeks.


Similar Titles 

Victory in Our Schools: We Can Give Our Children Excellent Public Education John Stanford. Bantam Books, ISBN: 9780553379747

You Make a Difference: 50 Devos for Teachers Sherri Gragg, DaySpring, ISBN: 9781648703270

Irvin Scott

About the author

Dr. Irvin Scott is a learner, leader, speaker, author, philanthropist and Harvard educator devoted to teaching doctoral and masters educational leadership as well as founding the Harvard initiative, Institute for Faith and Education (L.I.F.E.)

Irvin Scott joined the faculty of Harvard Graduate School of Education during the summer of 2016. At Harvard, Scott's concentration is educational leadership. He also leads the initiative to bring faith and education communities together called the Leadership Institute for Faith and Education (L.I.F.E.), started in 2017 at Harvard.

Before coming to Harvard, Scott served for five years as the deputy director for K-12 education at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he led the investment of $300 million in initiatives focused on transforming how teachers are recruited, developed, and rewarded. This work was built on existing efforts that were occurring in the Gates Foundation's Intensive Partnership. At the Foundation, Scott also led a team to initiate the Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers experience, which has become a teacher-driven movement and can be found in a majority of states across the country. Look up #ECET2 to learn more. This teacher-led effort involves bringing thousands of teachers together to collaborate with their peers, engage in teacher leadership, and celebrate the profession. In an effort to address educational inequities in the U.S., Scott also led an effort at the Foundation to build strong partnerships and deeper engagement between faith-based organizations that serve underrepresented students, families, and communities.

Prior to his Foundation work, Scott spent over 20 years working in the "trenches" as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and chief academic officer. Right before going to the Foundation, Scott was the Chief Academic Officer for Boston Public Schools, where he was responsible for the academic programming of the school systems, as well as overseeing all regional superintendents and schools in the district. Scott previously served as high school academic superintendent for the district and co-chaired Harvard University's Urban School Leader' Summer Institute.

In 2006, Scott was selected into the Urban Superintendents Program at Harvard University. After completing a year of intense course work, he interned with John Deasy, Superintendent of the Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland from 2007-2008. During that time, he led a team to plan and implement the district's new Leadership Development Office for 225 principals.

Scott began his professional education experience in the classroom as an English teacher and choral director for fifteen years. He also served as the principal of McCaskey East High Schools in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for four years.

As principal, Scott led a team of teachers and administrators to reform the 3,200-student high school into eight small learning communities, as well as to develop core curricula for all students. He also directed Project Forward Leap, a nonprofit, academic enrichment program for urban, middle-school scholars in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Lancaster Pennsylvania.​

Scott holds a bachelor's degree from Millersville University; a master's degree in education from Temple University; and a master's and doctoral degree from Harvard University.

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Chapter One 

Without a vision the people perish.
Proverbs 29:18


A Vision for Life

I knelt on the concrete beside the student, watching and listening to him gasp for air. His quick breaths were labored, when they came at all. I found myself holding my own breath in anticipation of his next inhalation, then releasing when I realized he was still alive.

“It’s alright,” I said to him, grasping his hand. “Everything’s going to be alright.”

The paramedics had been called, and I hoped they were only precious seconds away. The young man’s eyes were open wide, shock and panic etched his face. His grip tightened around my fingers and his eyes searched mine as if he were pleading for his life. I shuddered at the stark tragedy unfolding before me. How did it come to this? I wondered. What landed this young man on the ground, in front of his high school, with a puncture wound to his chest, crimson spreading across his shirt.

An ensuing investigation would soon reveal the details, which involved an insult, a fistfight, a stabbing, and a young man clinging onto his life. I caught a glimpse of the fight from my classroom window that faced the front of the school, where the telltale signs of a skirmish were apparent to the trained eye. I had not been teaching long, but my eyes were quickly trained. I could tell that a physical altercation was breaking out. By the time I and several other teachers and administrators arrived on the scene, the damage had been done. The young student was lying in an expanding pool of blood, clutching his chest just below his left shoulder. This student was not taking any of my classes, so I did not know his name, but he greeted me politely in the hallway whenever our paths crossed. I rarely saw him without a bright smile, joking and laughing with his friends. Now, he laid on his side beside me, rocking back and forth in pain.

I had been teaching English for two years at J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. I had received many hours of training in classes like Foundations of Education 101, The Art of Teaching 202, and Classroom Management 101. I had had an entire half-year of Student Teaching, the practice-oriented course required for all those interested in teaching in a public school in America. But nothing in my preparational programs readied me to kneel beside a student gasping for each priceless breath. So, I resorted to another part of my background and identity to coach me through this tragic moment: my faith.

My life of faith was a part of me that rarely manifested itself in my day-to-day work of teaching in this public school. Yet, my next move was instinctive – a natural act for those who live a life of faith. As I knelt beside him, I uttered a prayer, just loud enough for the young man to hear. I prayed for his breath, his life, and his seemingly fleeting future.

“O God, preserve this boy’s life. You have a plan and a future for him, and today is not his last day.” Life is fleeting, but not today, I thought. I believed that his life did not have to end that day in front of dozens of traumatized students and teachers. He had to live, and I was going to do everything within my power to enable that. If that meant harkening back to the spiritual cries of my parents, and their parents before them, who were reared in the church and prayed ceaselessly over their children, then that was what I was going to do. Sure, the paramedics would come and give the medical care they were trained to provide. But they were not there yet, and this young man’s life was quickly ebbing away. 

So, I prayed over him. I did not realize it at the time, but at that moment I was living out a core tenant of what would guide my educational experiences for the next thirty years: vision. No matter how bleak the circumstances appeared, my effortless prayers represented a vision of what was possible for that young man. This core tenant would guide my thoughts and actions not only for him but for countless students in the years ahead. I continued, head bowed, until the paramedics arrived. 

A teacher had run inside to pull his file. “His name is Joseph Green,” she said to the oncoming First Responders as they jogged from their ambulance toward Joseph. “Age sixteen, no preexisting medical conditions. I’ve got his mother’s phone number right here.”

One of the paramedics took the folder from her. “Thank you, ma’am. How did this happen?”

“I don’t know—I saw a crowd out here, so I came outside to see what was going on, and when I got here Joseph was already down and bleeding.”

“He was stabbed by another student during a fight,” I said, standing up. The other First Responders had moved me out of the way and started giving Joseph medical care as they transferred him to a stretcher.

“I saw the whole thing.” I remained by Joseph’s side in the ambulance and at the hospital until he was stabilized, whispering prayers all the while.

I see now, many years after the stabbing, that my prayer was an act of belief. I believed that Joseph did not have to leave us that day. What often stands between a dire situation and immeasurable possibilities is the ability to envision a different outcome. I believed there were other possibilities that day. Possibilities that were not only better for him, but also better for those who loved him, for our school community, our society, and the world.

In the Church Pew

Fundamentally, two things stood between those moments of peril and a better state. First was vision, which Webster’s defines as “the power of seeing, sight.” The use of the word “power” in this definition is interesting to me. It suggests more than just the capacity to see what does not yet exist. During that bloody altercation in front of the school, all I and the other onlookers could see was that a student was dying before our eyes. However, I prayed because I could envision a different outcome, an outcome that I would want for my own children. 

The second thing that stood between the present state of that young man and a future full of life and possibilities was action. In that moment I was leading my peers and colleagues, and as a leader, it was important that I do more than simply see a different possibility from what I saw at the time. I had to act. What internal resources did I have at my disposal besides my vision and hope? My faith.

When it comes to working as educators, people whose ultimate goal is to facilitate experiences that enable others to learn, grow, and thrive, we must be able to see what others cannot yet see. One of the most powerful quotes ever written derives from a Bible verse, Proverbs 29:18: “Without a vision, the people perish or cast off restraint.” Every person who has had meaningful influence on the world has employed the power of vision. From the wealthiest person in the world to the humblest schoolteacher, everyone who makes a difference in their environment starts by envisioning a reality better than the one that already exists. Vision is the beginning of every good thing.

I grew up in the church—the sanctified church, as we call it. I remember people referring to our group as “Holy Rollers.” This was meant to be pejorative, but as with many of the intended pejoratives we would hear as children or parishioners, my parents had a way of turning what was meant to be a slight into a badge of honor, transforming insults into compliments. As a Black family of humble means, there was no other way to raise children who walked with their heads held high in a society that was still trying to make sense of both race and faith. With uplifted faces, I and my five siblings went weekly to Sunday service, Sunday school, revivals, nighttime prayer meetings, and every other kind of service my parents heard about or led. While my faith has formed an integral part of my being, as an energetic little boy I was exhausted with church!
Since I was a young child, I have heard faithful people recite Bible passages that have become a part of my mental lexicon. In a stiffly starched suit, I was marched down the isles every Sunday over velvety floors and plopped into uncomfortable pews. Wisdom flowed from the songs and sermons of preachers, deacons, and church mothers, and I soaked it all in. I did not know it at the time, but verses like Proverbs 29:18 would inform my role as an educational leader and a parent. This verse has permeated every aspect of my life and career as an educator. Now, as a professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education, I am taking time to reflect and pour wisdom into the leaders that I now train, as well as educators, leaders, parents, and students who will read this memoir.

Act from Where You Are

If we, as educators, are to keep our classrooms, schools, and districts from perishing, we must envision a revival in the education system and then act on that vision. The first step in enacting our vision is acting from where we are. To develop a powerful vision, we must begin from what we can see in the moment. To envision life and health for the injured student, I had to begin by seeing and acknowledging his gory state of suffering. I had to act from where I found myself in the “here and now”.  Visionaries rarely have access to the optimal resources to make their vision come to pass. However, when we have the vision, we have more than enough to make that vision come true. Our passion to make a change will drive us to find or create what we need to actualize our vision. We cannot afford to wait for a better circumstance—we act from where we are, using what we have, right now!

It often requires courageous, sometimes audacious, individuals to act. In other words, when leading with vision, we must be prepared to look and sound strange. There were many individuals standing around watching the young man lose his life. I am sure we all wanted him to live. However, aside from calling the medics, no one could think of anything practical to do. Yet, there was one action that may have seemed impractical and out of place; strange, even. That action was prayer. To act courageously requires setting aside how we are perceived. It necessitates refusal to conform to traditional, “rational” thinking. It means looking beyond the typical sources of answers and seeking solutions in ways that transcend the mundane.

“The way you start has a lot do with the way you end.” (Bishop Edgar L. Scott)

Part of having vision is having the end in mind when you begin. After working in education for three decades, I have had many beginnings. The first beginning was the start of my career as a teacher. This is when I experienced that tragic instance of school violence. But beyond that tragedy, I have begun countless new roles, projects, and initiatives. Like my father, Bishop Edgar L. Scott, said to his six children, “The way that I’ve started has had a lot to do with the way that I ended.” The thoughts and habits I have taken into a new enterprise have strongly affected its outcome.

I have a propensity to engage my entire being when I start something new. I became a teacher in 1989, having recently graduated college with a major in English. But I was so much more than that: I was a son, a brother, a lover of literature and music, a lover of people, a learner, and a servant of God. Consequently, when I signed on the dotted line to become an employee of the School District of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, all these identities came with me. And early on, all of them began to manifest themselves in my work. In other words, I sought to be my authentic self. When I knelt beside the young man grasping for life, I envisioned myself as so much more than an educator. I was also a man of faith. It was not a strange thing for me to kneel beside him, hold his hand, and pray.

I had my beginnings in the classroom. While I have held several high-level leadership roles (e.g., Nonprofit Director, Principal, Academic Superintendent of High Schools, Chief Academic Officer, and Deputy Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), I started as a teacher. The vision I have for my career has remained grounded in my classroom experience. No matter what position I’ve held, I have made every effort to stay connected to teaching and learning. These are, in the end, the core of everything that happens in education. Teachers, students, and the content they teach and learn compose the core of the work. Learning and growth are fundamental to the human condition. This is one of the reasons I love being an educator. All educators are in the business of helping students realize the essence of their existence. We exist to grow, learn, and fulfill our own potential and that of the people around us. At the beginning of each of my new roles, I have spent time journaling about how the position would be connected to the three core elements of education: teachers, students, and content. Several times these musings turned into concept papers that I shared with colleagues and others.

Distributing these concept papers was my attempt to do one more thing that has been critical for me when beginning a new role: building relationships with others. At the heart of all successful education ventures is relationships. When it comes to fostering transformational teaching and learning experiences for children and adults, building relationship and connection is critical. When I was a teacher, I used various techniques in order to connect with students. For example, I met students at the door before they entered the classroom. It was simple, but it was the one time of day when I was able to provide individualized attention. Over time, I looked for ways to do the same as a school administrator leading teachers and other administrators. The more open I was to connect with those I led, the more inclined they were to bring their entire selves to their work, to take risks, and to be vulnerable. Because of this relational connection, they were excited to participate in my vision to transform schools and school districts for the better.

I started in the classroom in a failing school district known for bad grades and fights. Thirty years later, I ended up in leadership positions where I have touched hundreds of teachers and thousands of students. Dad was right, the way you start truly has a lot to do with the way you end.
“Educators make a lot of withdrawals.” (Beverly Daniel Tatum)
There are times when an experience from years ago takes on new meaning in the present. This happened to me in the spring of 2017, decades after that fateful day when I knelt beside that bleeding student. An influential educator and psychologist named Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum came to the Harvard Graduate School of Education to address aspiring educational leaders. She came at the request of my colleagues and mentors, Dr. Deborah Jewell-Sherman and Dr. Mary Grassa O’Neill. I was a new professor at Harvard, and I respected the work of all three of these women, so I dropped in to hear the talk. In the course of the rich, intellectually stimulating discussion, something Dr. Tatum said transported me back in time to the young man’s panicked look and the pooling red puddle around him.

A student in the audience had asked for advice on how to lead in education at a high level. In response, Dr. Tatum admonished us all by using a metaphor that most of us were familiar with. “If you’re going to do the work of educating children at a high level, it’s going to require that you make a lot of withdrawals.” The use of the financial analogy was brilliant; she had our attention immediately. But she did not stop there. She went on by posing a question. “What happens when you continue to make withdrawals without making any deposits?” The rhetorical question was well placed. Everyone in the audience knew her meaning. Withdrawals are times when we must give of ourselves emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, financially, and relationally in order to serve others. Those others include children, their families, their communities, and the educators who support them. As teachers, we ask for a lot from ourselves. We withdraw time and effort to spend it on preparing curriculum, teaching in the classroom, grading homework and tests, and making emotional connections with students in need. But what do we deposit into ourselves? Hearing Dr. Tatum’s wise words at this later stage of my career made me wonder how I have been able to educate America’s children for so many years. Like so many educators, I have made and continue to make tons of withdrawals from my internal resources. This is especially true because I am passionate about educating in the most marginalized communities. Kneeling beside the dying student was one of those many withdrawals. To educate and lead at a high level, we rarely think of what these withdrawals cost us. We simply make them because we have the resources at the time when we see the need.

The purpose of sharing stories of my withdrawals is not to gain praise or recognition for myself. There are millions of educators across the country making similar withdrawals and having an even greater impact on students, families, and communities. As we make these withdrawals, we must not neglect the need to make deposits into ourselves. Only then will we persevere in the work of education—the work that touches the essence of our humanity. This is the point that Dr. Daniel Tatum was trying to get across to the audience of aspiring leaders when she said, “You can’t expect to give and give of yourself if you are never pouring back in. The work of educating America’s children is just too important and difficult for you not to pause and deposit back into yourself on occasion.”

I have made deposits into myself through my family and my faith. I became an even better educator as I took on new responsibilities as a husband and father. While I started my career being called “Mr. Scott” hundreds of times during the day, the title took on another dimension when I began to hear “Sweetie” and “Dad” in the morning and evening. It seems a bit paradoxical, but the more complex my life became, the more fulfilled I became as a person. Sure, I began to make withdrawals as marriage and fatherhood became taxing, but then I made deposits into myself through the rewarding relationships I fostered with my students. The law of reciprocity was always in full effect. The more I gave, the more I was able to receive. And because of my faith, the more of myself I poured into others, the more grace and peace God poured into me. There were times when I felt the withdrawals getting out of control, when I felt overwhelmed or unanchored. But I always found solace by falling to my knees and seeking a divine deposit. In those moments I had vision to see the greater purpose of my educational journey. When the occasion called for holding a student’s hand and saying a quiet prayer, enough had been deposited within me to meet that need.

A Walking Vision

Just before the first bell rang, I found Joseph seated outside my office.

“Mr. Scott, it’s so good to see you,” he smiled, masking a grimace of discomfort. He stood and walked toward me with an awkward, pained gait. We embraced.

“It’s great to see you up and about, Joseph.” Three months had passed since the stabbing, and Joseph’s life was no longer in danger. He was sent home within a few weeks of the incident and was slowly recuperating.

Joseph’s mother came from around the corner. “Yes, he’s doing so much better. Thank you for helping my son that day, Mr. Scott.”

“It’s my pleasure. I’ve been praying for him—it’s good to see that my prayers are being answered.”

The sight of Joseph walking and breathing easily was uplifting to me. Just as I envisioned, his life continued. But I was also saddened to see him in such discomfort during his recovery. No one—especially not a high school student with his whole life ahead of him—should have to endure such suffering. No matter how high I have risen in educational leadership, I have continued to pray for this young man, now grown with his own family and career. And while I have not visited him in recent years, I trust that my prayers are still being answered through his life today.


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  • Judy Touzin
    on May 3, 2023, 1:42 a.m.

    Thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us in this way. I look forward to reading the completed work!

    • Anonymous
      on May 4, 2023, 1:31 a.m.

      Thank you, Judy!

  • Robert Laney
    on May 4, 2023, 7:03 p.m.

    Heard your presentation at the BARR Conference. Outstanding message.

    • Anonymous
      on May 5, 2023, 11:49 p.m.

      Thank you, Sir.

      Irvin

  • Sarah Haynes
    on May 7, 2023, 11:55 a.m.

    Hello! We met at the BARR Conference... My name is Sarah, and I live in West Virginia. We talked about how your dad would visit WV to preach!
    I bought a copy of your book for my principal... But I've decided to get my own copy!
    It was so good to meet you... Your story and views on the world of education are inspiring.
    Thank you!!
    Sarah Haynes
    Nitro Elementary
    Nitro, WV

    • Anonymous
      on May 8, 2023, 1:10 a.m.

      Thank you, Sarah. I remember our talk about West Virginia. I drove through WV today, btw.

      I Scott

  • Michelle Stefano-Stephens
    on May 9, 2023, 5:40 p.m.

    I’m looking forward to reading this. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and wisdom.

    • Anonymous
      on May 10, 2023, 1:15 a.m.

      Thank you, Michelle!!

      Irvin

  • Andrea Ramirez
    on May 9, 2023, 9:09 p.m.

    Congratulations and blessings! Thrilled to see the impact and legacy this project provides. With future generations in mind,
    Andrea Ramirez

  • Staci Haggerty
    on May 9, 2023, 9:20 p.m.

    I am beyond thrilled to support this effort! Thank you for leading with love in all that you do!

    Onward and upward!!

    Staci Haggerty

  • Wendy Hadley
    on May 9, 2023, 9:51 p.m.

    Congratulations Irvin for writing the book and launching this publication effort! I am confident you will find a great publisher. I’m very excited for you and I’m looking forward to reading your book.

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:21 a.m.

      Thank you, Wendy!! I appreciate these encouraging words!!

      Irvin

  • Joan Matsalia
    on May 9, 2023, 10:22 p.m.

    Blessings upon you as you complete the publishing process. I look forward to reading. Warmly, Joan Matsalia

  • Amy Slamp
    on May 9, 2023, 10:50 p.m.

    I am excited to read your book. Congratulations on this exciting accomplishment!!!

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:23 a.m.

      Amy,

      Thank you for being such a wonderful colleague and friend!! When you read it, there will be scenes that will be very familiar to you. Remember our Rhorestown days, for example?!

      Irvin

  • Matt Hoffert
    on May 9, 2023, 10:52 p.m.

    Can’t wait… “shout out” to you for putting your wisdom out there for the rest of us!

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:24 a.m.

      Thank you, My friend!!

      You're a part of the Scott Family story!!

      I Scott

  • Lisa Winder
    on May 9, 2023, 11:23 p.m.

    Tell your barber I said hello. Keep my family in prayer please. I trust God. I know God is going to continue to bless and keep you. Your book is already blessed. Amen!

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:26 a.m.

      Lisa,

      I will indeed. His encouragement meant a lot to me.

      🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️

      Prayers going up.

      Irvin

  • Fatima Lewis
    on May 10, 2023, 12:12 a.m.

    This is awesome! I'm sure you'll go way beyond your goal!

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:29 a.m.

      Thank you, Teem!! Ok, did I spell that right?!! 😊😊

      Thank you for the prayers! And all the Gospel Choir stories you've helped to bring to life!!

      Kisha and I still talk about how you sang at our wedding and directed us at Souls! ❤️🙏🏾❤️

      Irvin General (LOL)

  • Rhonda Allen
    on May 10, 2023, 12:35 a.m.

    Congratulations sir. I'm excited to read the book.

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:30 a.m.

      Thank you, Sis!! The Allen's have been such a blessing to the Scotts down through the years!

      ❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾

      Brother Irvin

  • Eric Brown
    on May 10, 2023, 12:38 a.m.

    Professor Scott,

    I have been inspired by your walk and the influence your course had on my academic journey. I look forward to learning more about the wisdom and insights gained over your career, and reflect on my on lessons learned as I go through your book.

    I appreciate your diligence and circling back on this project. So many will be blessed, challenged, and encouraged by this book.

    Eric Brown

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:35 a.m.

      Thank you, Eric! I appreciate the support and am excited about how my worlds are colliding through this effort.

      I'm going from sending "thank yous" to my former high school students to sending them to my former HGSE students. It's truly a blessing.

      Sincerely,
      I Scott

  • Alison Harris Welcher
    on May 10, 2023, 12:45 a.m.

    Congratulations! I am excited to offer this small support to you as you have supported me and others!

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:36 a.m.

      Thank you, Alison!! Sincerely appreciate the support.

      I love watching your family and impact grow!!

      Irvin

  • Angie Cox
    on May 10, 2023, 1:30 a.m.

    I was a student in 1990-something at JPM! I can't wait to read this! Angie Kinser class of '95

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:39 a.m.

      Thank you, Angie!! 1990 was my first year at McCaskey!! That's where it all began for me as a full-time teacher. Hand was my first field experience, while at Millersville University. What memories!!

  • Brian Montgomery
    on May 10, 2023, 2:05 a.m.

    Irvin, we are CASHS classmates. While you and I were not necessarily buddies in school, I am proud to know you and wish you continued success. Looking forward to reading your book!
    -Brian

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:42 a.m.

      Brian,

      I so appreciate and am grateful for the support from my Chambersburg classmates!!

      Sincere appreciation!

      Irvin

  • Derrick Burch
    on May 10, 2023, 2:32 a.m.

    Congratulations Dr. Scott,

    You continue to be a blessing to others.
    May God Continue To Guide Your Steps .

    Derrick Burch
    Lancaster, PA

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 10, 2023, 3:43 a.m.

      Thank you, My friend and Brother!!

      Always appreciate seeing you and grateful for your leadership in Lancaster.

      Your prayers are so appreciated.

      Sincerely,
      Bro. Irvin

  • Katrina Whitfield
    on May 10, 2023, 1:34 p.m.

    As a former student and mentee, I am extremely humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to support this amazing book! I know that God will enlarge your territory in the literature space. So many people need words of life and healing in their lives today. So thank you for this special gift to us!

    • Anonymous
      on May 11, 2023, 12:58 a.m.

      Katrina,

      Thank you for these encouraging words and thank you for your support. Your family is one of those families where I had multiple siblings to interact with. When I think of the Whitfields, I smile. 😊

      Mr. Scott

  • Alison Savage
    on May 10, 2023, 1:40 p.m.

    Dr. Scott,

    Looking forward to reading your book! I never thought I would get married, but in 2019 I finally met the love of my life and he happens to be an architect who designs k-12 schools. I’m sure you have great insight regarding learning environments and I will proudly share this information with him. Wishing you continued blessings and much success with the book.

    Alison (Hoenninger) Savage
    JPM class of 1995

    • Anonymous
      on May 11, 2023, 1:01 a.m.

      Congratulations, Alison! Designing schools is a gift and a calling. How do you design caring, safe, and efficient places of learning? I trust he spends time listening to educators as he designs. I'm sure he does.

      Thank you for the support!

      Mr. Scott

  • Nedaa Alwawi
    on May 10, 2023, 1:41 p.m.

    Can't wait to read it- congrats Dr. Scott!

    • Anonymous
      on May 11, 2023, 1:01 a.m.

      Nedaa!!!!😊😊😊🕺🕺🕺🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️

      Thanks for the support!
      I Scott

  • Laura Leonard
    on May 10, 2023, 3:01 p.m.

    Looking forward to reading this! Laura Leonard

    • Anonymous
      on May 11, 2023, 1:03 a.m.

      Laura!!

      Strategic Leadership students representin!

      Thank you for the support!!

      I Scott

  • Sophia Carter-Parker
    on May 10, 2023, 10:33 p.m.

    Got you, bro. :) Just ordered my copy. Congrats, Irvin. Super proud of you and all of your accomplishments.
    -Sophia

    • Anonymous
      on May 11, 2023, 1:05 a.m.

      Thank you, Sophia!

      I celebrate the work you've being doing also.

      Truly appreciate the support.

      ❤️🙏🏾❤️

      I. Scott

  • Linda Gerz
    on May 10, 2023, 11 p.m.

    Thanks Irvin. Can't wait to read your book.
    Blessings to you!
    Linda & Tom Gerz

    • Anonymous
      on May 11, 2023, 1:08 a.m.

      Linda and Mark,

      Thank you for the support!! Have not forgot about reaching out to Tom!!

      Sincerely,
      Irvin

      P.S. See you and Cali soon! 😊

  • Leigh Marxen
    on May 10, 2023, 11:23 p.m.

    Can’t wait to read your story, Mr. Scott!!

    • Anonymous
      on May 11, 2023, 1:08 a.m.

      Thank you, Leigh!!!

      I truly appreciate the support.

      Irvin

  • Hillary Smith
    on May 11, 2023, 1:43 a.m.

    I am so happy for you, and excited to read this book! You certainly made a difference for me as a teacher, and for so many others.

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 12, 2023, 10:08 p.m.

      Thank you, Hillary! I truly appreciate the support. I remember you fondly in my AP Lit class?

      I Scott

  • Troy Springer
    on May 11, 2023, 1:54 a.m.

    Happy to Support :)

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 12, 2023, 10:09 p.m.

      Thank you, Troy!!!

      On to Cincinnati! Thanks for all of your ongoing support of Nicholas!

      I trust you're well.

      I Scott

  • Melanie Schneider
    on May 12, 2023, 1:54 a.m.

    I still fondly remember English class with you at JPM in Lancaster, PA…the books we read, the discussions, the journaling, and other creative writing endeavors. My friend Hien and I (still friends after decades) worked on a children’s book together, as well as a report on Augusta Savage (complete with our own sculpture!). My husband Troy and I watched “The Last of the Mohicans” in your class the same day he got his driver’s license. (It’s crazy how memories work that I know that but struggle to remember what we had for dinner last night! 😄) I felt challenged and inspired and always looked forward to your class. Your passion for what you were doing was always evident. I write for a living now, actually — internal/employee communications for a non-profit. I look forward to reading your book. Thank you for being a great teacher and continuing to put your best out into the world!

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 12, 2023, 10:11 p.m.

      Charli!

      Thank you! So happy to have you as a part of my professional family!!

      Sincerely,
      Irvin

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 12, 2023, 10:21 p.m.

      Melanie,

      Wow! What memories. Thank you for sharing. You remember the class so well!!! I loved journaling, discussions, and having you guys write. I am so happy it left an impression on you. I'm also excited to hear about the work that you're doing!! Keep on Keeping on.

      One final question, were you and Troy seeing each other when you were in my class?

      Also, I wonder if the film we watched was actually, "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad? We read it in AP Lit.

      Thanks again!

      I Scott

  • Samir Nathwani
    on May 12, 2023, 4:29 p.m.

    Much success to you and the campaign, Professor Scott!

    Samir Nathwani - OEL ‘24

    • Irvin Scott
      on May 12, 2023, 10:23 p.m.

      Samir!!!!

      Thank you for your support!

      Congratulations on your upcoming commencement. It was a pleasure to have you join Faith, Education, and Leadership.

      I think I owe you an office hour?!

      I Scott

      • Samir Nathwani
        on May 13, 2023, 12:28 a.m.

        Hello Professor Scott,

        I was hoping to distribute the books to some of my colleagues and friend who are educators and then have a Q&A session together, would that be possible?

        • Anonymous
          on May 13, 2023, 12:39 a.m.

          Samir,

          There's a bonus where I would do just that. We would just need to schedule.

          I Scott

  • Inella Ray
    on May 13, 2023, 1:01 p.m.

    Congrats, Dr. Scott! I have already learned so much from you about leading with creativity, integrity, and love. Looking forward to future learnings.

    Onward,
    Inella

  • Shanneal Byrd
    on May 13, 2023, 1:57 p.m.

    Congratulations on the book and life and all you do. Can't wait to read it! Hopefully you do a book tour and I get to see you in person. So Happy I got to experience you as a teacher, mentor, friend, and a part of my life. Continued Blessings

  • Latoi McGinnis-Storr
    on May 13, 2023, 2:49 p.m.

    It’s an honor to support one of my favorite teachers! Not to mention you are a long time friend of the family. Congratulations on all of your success and accomplishments

    Sincerely,
    Toi

  • Matt Presser
    on May 13, 2023, 3:10 p.m.

    So glad you’re sharing your incredible wisdom with the world. You’re a one-of-a-kind leader and I know so many will benefit from learning from your experiences. Can’t wait to read!

  • Laquandra Sweeney
    on May 13, 2023, 7:46 p.m.

    Thank you Mr. Scott for being you! I appreciate the impact you made in my life and so many other. I can’t wait to read your book.

    Laquandra Sweeney

  • Ginny Pinho
    on May 17, 2023, 11:26 p.m.

    Hey there, Bro. Irvin! Looking forward to seeing your book published.

    Blessings,
    Sis Ginny

  • Nadine Davis
    on May 18, 2023, 8:54 p.m.

    Faith, Faith, Faith, just a little bit of faith. I hear to support you my brother! Be encouraged ❤️🙏🏾

  • Grafton Eliason
    on May 25, 2023, 3:06 a.m.

    Dear Irvin,
    We met briefly at CASHs and I wish we had the opportunity to get to know one another better when we were younger. I can’t wait to read your book! Congratulations on your achievements and God bless you.
    Grafton (Todd)

  • Jerry Knopf
    on May 29, 2023, 9:24 p.m.

    Dear Irvin - I eagerly await the publication date?
    Best Jerry Knopf

  • R Ashley Brunner
    on May 29, 2023, 10:25 p.m.

    Thank you for all you do. As I’ve told you many times, you’re my favorite teacher of all time. Your passion, authenticity and remarkable connection to your students I will always remember. I am now a leader in my industry and value education more than ever. BELIEVE‼️

  • Lily Graham
    on May 30, 2023, 3:24 a.m.

    Congratulations my Bro. Irvin!
    Pray that you reach your goal.

  • Kim Graham
    on May 30, 2023, 8:34 p.m.

    I am very excited to read your new book and I look forward to the insight and lessons shared!

    I remember so many insightful tidbits you shared in class and quote you often. One of my favourites, “Be kind, but push them.”
    Kim Graham

  • Shaniqua Ford
    on May 30, 2023, 9 p.m.

    Thank you for being a contributing factor in my love for literature and overall reading.

  • John Kaufhold
    on May 30, 2023, 11:25 p.m.

    Thank you again for your McCaskey composition class and for correspondence and encouragement after my mom passed. Was really good to see you in person again in 2010 when I was on sabbatical at MIT. I still remember the first day of class you recited “The Road Not Taken” and only Katie Cristol knew the poet. Now I know that one and enough others I think I could beat you in a Frost off :)

  • Jen Dunlop
    on May 31, 2023, 12:16 a.m.

    Dr. Schmidt,
    I am graduated from JP McCaskey in 1990. I have been a teacher for over 22 years and am thankful for having had amazing teachers like yourself in my life.
    I am currently getting an Ed Leadership degree from University of Idaho ( I live in Idaho now) and look forward to reading your book.

    Thank you!
    Jen Dunlop
    Formerly
    Jenny Cox

  • Cheryl Jones
    on June 2, 2023, 1:56 a.m.

    Very proud of your accomplishments and I look forward to receiving my signed copy of the book!

    CASHS Class of 1984
    Cheryl ‘Alleman’ Jones

  • Stephen Roberts
    on June 2, 2023, 11:34 a.m.

    Congratulations, Irvin. Looking forward to reading it. Steve.

  • Brandon Foster
    on June 2, 2023, 3:27 p.m.

    Excited for the book and look forward to reading about your inspiring journey!!

  • Lori Thedford
    on June 2, 2023, 3:34 p.m.

    Extremely excited to read the words of a Man who has made such a profound impact on SO SO many lives!! Congratulations on this great accomplishment!

  • Donna Brady
    on June 2, 2023, 3:41 p.m.

    Can't wait to read this, Irvin! Blessings to you and your family.

  • Larry Meadows
    on June 2, 2023, 5:54 p.m.

    In full support of this endeavor! Can’t wait to read it and share the love with others!

  • Ruth Wong
    on June 3, 2023, 2:28 a.m.

    Excited for you! I hope this goes to publishing! Can't wait to read it.

  • Tracey Dixon
    on June 3, 2023, 1:02 p.m.

    May God continue to bless you. You are a true inspiration and I so so proud to say our paths have crossed Professor.

  • Kevin Edmunds
    on June 4, 2023, 3:43 p.m.

    It's so amazing, the work you do!! I'm praying that you remain a bright shining light. I'm excited to read your whole story. Many blessing and much success to your launch!!

  • Barbara Best
    on June 5, 2023, 11:09 p.m.

    Congratulations! Deeply grateful for your transformational leadership and all you do to inspire, encourage, and prepare leaders for lives of public service impact. Very much look forward to reading your book!

  • Tanya Wright
    on June 6, 2023, 12:09 a.m.

    So happy to support you, Dr. Scott! Tanya Wright

  • Roderick Salter
    on June 6, 2023, 10:30 a.m.

    Thank you for sharing your wisdom and knowledge on education. Many of our nation’s children are falling behind. My prayer is that your work gets into the right hands and becomes a catalyst to help our children succeed.
    Blessings,
    Rod

  • Carolyn Henderson
    on June 6, 2023, 9:48 p.m.

    Congratulations. I believe this will be a must read book for educators throughout the country.

    Blessings
    Mom AKA Carolyn Henderson

  • Stephanie Carrington
    on June 7, 2023, 2:04 p.m.

    Congratulations, Irvin. You were always so kind and encouraging to me back at CASHS. I have a vivid memory of you running the third turn alongside me as I overtook a competitor. You pushed me to dig deep. One of my proudest memories. All the best to you and your family. Can't wait to read your labor of love.

    Stephanie (Henderson) Carrington

  • Benita Harris
    on June 10, 2023, 12:04 a.m.

    Congratulations Professor Scott! I can’t wait to receive and read your book.
    All the best,
    Benita
    HGSE SLP C/O 2022

  • Dustin Bainbridge
    on June 14, 2023, 2:45 a.m.

    Happy for you brother! Can’t wait to read your work, and have 9 other school sups I plan to share with!

    Love and respect,

    Dustin Bainbridge

  • Shahara Jackson
    on June 14, 2023, 2:54 a.m.

    Irvin, (Dr. Scott)
    Your gift of storytelling is compelling, courageous and inspiring. I am blessed to have the opportunity to learn from you and be encouraged by you. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!
    Much love!
    Peace.
    scj

  • Kristin Gullette
    on June 14, 2023, 6:43 p.m.

    I'm so excited to read this book! I hope that it will help me as I try to lead at my middle school with faith near Washington, DC!

  • Shirley Vargas
    on June 15, 2023, 2:20 p.m.

    So proud to know you, Dr. Scott! Can’t wait to dig in and absorb all the knowledge and wisdom!

  • Juan Rodriguez
    on June 16, 2023, 9:56 a.m.

    Congratulations Dr. Scott! Thank you for your scholarship and mentorship.

  • Mark Fretz
    on June 20, 2023, 12:09 p.m.

    Irvin,
    I am a publisher interested in your book. For some reason, Publishizer's message function isn't working. Could you let me know how best to start a conversation? My email is mark@radiusbookgroup.com.
    Mark Fretz

  • Vanessa Bishop
    on June 27, 2023, 10:32 p.m.

    Congratulations on your book! I can’t wait to read!

  • Fred McDowell
    on July 5, 2023, 1:01 p.m.

    Congratulations Doc! And thank you for your leadership and continued impact in the field.

  • Anonymous
    on Aug. 10, 2023, 2:11 p.m.

    Load of prayers coming your way. Through God all good things materialize. I can’t wait to read this book. Take care my friend. 😊

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