Saturday Session Notes

David Satcher Calls on Educators to Aim High, OYEA Winner Inspires Audience

Former Surgeon General Encourages Attention to Student Health
In the opening general session, David Satcher talked about the importance of giving attention to students' mental health as well as encouraging physical activity, nutrition, avoiding toxins, and responsible sexual activity.

Encouraging educators to not only pursue health in education, but also pursue excellence, Satcher closed by quoting Benjamin Mays from his days at Morehouse College: The great failure in life is not in failing to reach your goals, but having no goals for which to reach. "Not failure, but low aim is a sin."

Satcher said, "I hope we will never be guilty of low aim when it comes to our children."

OYEA Winner Inspires Audience
Pete Hall, the ASCD Outstanding Young Educator Award (OYEA) winner, said the award is not about him but a celebration of the contributions of all educators and "the promise of a stronger future." He asked educators in attendance to join him in what he respectfully called "the attack."

• Attack illiteracy. Dedicate your schools to the teaching and learning of literacy.
• Attack the status quo. "I urge you to rock the boat," he said. "Change is always a prerequisite for improvement." He said his personal philosophy was "always strive to be a better you."
• Attack apathy. "Light fires, care, get involved." Don't allow standards to be lowered to meet a progress goal.

Hall received a standing ovation for his message: "Every child has limitless potential. Draw it out of them and expect no less than excellence."

Read more about Hall.

• Learn more about Pete Hall in this Educational Leadership article.
• Hear more from Pete Hall in this Education World "Wire Side Chat."