The Immortality of Influence

New York: Dafina Books [published by Kensington Publishing Corp.], 2006. First Printing [Stated]. Hardcover. Very good/Very good. xi, [1], 291, [1] pages. Inscribed by the author on fep. Inscription reads June 2006 TO: Aunt Ba I think you will enjoy this!! Love, Salome [with happy face]. Includes Foreword by Will Smith, Acknowledgments, occasional footnotes, and chapters on Failed Influence; Commitment to Personal Influence; The Influence of Parents; The Influence of Husbands, Children, and Siblings; Influence Though Discipline; Healthy Influence; The Influence of Grooming; The Influence of Exposure; Influence in the Workplace; The Influence of Respect; The Influence of Love, Caring, and Friendship; The Influence of Faith; Influence on Purpose; The Influence of Forgiveness; The Influence of Leadership; Being Influenced; The Influence of Giving Back; Influence on Our Communities; The Power of Unrecognized Influence; and The Legacy of Influence. Includes a list of just a few of the many organizations of influence. Haunted by the tragic death of a promising young student, the author, determined to make a difference and be a positive influence, dedicates his life to helping troubled students succeed and reach their goals by thinking critically and resolving conflicts with their minds not their fists. For parents, guardians, educators--anyone who wants the best for kids, this book is an essential, inspirational reference. It's all about making a difference-not just for today, but forever. Sometimes, it only takes one special person to set a child on the right path, but more often, it does indeed take a village. The Immortality of Influence will inspire you to band together with other caring adults and start making a difference--now. Salome Thomas EL relates the story of Willow Briggs, a former student whose tragic destiny has haunted him for years. Through Willow, Thomas-EL discovers that by helping the community, either one student at a time or through collective efforts, lives like Willow's are not in vain but rather catalysts for change and reasons to positively influence the lives of others. "Every child needs someone to be crazy about them." These are the words of Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning teacher and principal, and nationally recognized educator. They shape his life-long commitment to answering the question, "How do we ensure that every child achieves their greatest potential?" This question lies at the heart of the national dialogue on education policy, the day in and day out work of school personnel, and the hopes of every parent. Central to this challenge is how we succeed with children who are facing the most serious barriers to success: poverty, violence, neglect, and low expectations. For over 20 years, Principal EL has taken on this challenge with the absolute belief that every child can and will learn as long as adults in their world care enough to not give up. Starting as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School and through his years as principal at several traditional public and charter schools, Thomas-EL has transformed the attitudes and strategies of school staff, parents, and members of the community to help hundreds of troubled children not only graduate from high school but go on to earn higher degrees from major colleges and universities. He brings to the process a powerful combination of passion, caring, and leadership to craft a refreshing, common-sense roadmap to help kids achieve their dreams, no matter the odds. Salome Thomas-EL is an award-winning teacher and principal, and internationally recognized speaker and educator. Principal EL believes that resilient leaders make courageous decisions, take risks, and challenge the status quo. They are able to bounce back from adversity to become innovative and transformational to ensure all teachers and students achieve their dreams, no matter the odds. Transformational leaders shift mindsets and inspire others to effect change. In his thought-provoking presentations, Principal EL shares how we can change school cultures and foster a positive school climate so teachers and leaders can focus on the protective processes that build resilience in all of our students.