From My View - Dr. Jim Wipke

Friends,  January has come and gone.  I hope it treated you well.  I always find January to be a great month and an awesome time of the year. It’s a time when we often have the opportunity to be refocused … rejuvenated … and re-invigorated to find our “why’s” and live them out in our daily actions. New Year’s resolutions (whether you personally make them or not) are kicking into gear … high gear at that. Anyone who went to the gym in the month of January was sure to find full classes or waits for a treadmill that didn’t occur in December. January has telltale signs of resolutions in action. People are more relaxed and full of hope that their dreams will be accomplished. So, have you ever stopped to ask yourself why your dreams are your dreams? Chances are they revolve around family, health and how your life can support other people. As I have gotten to know our Ladue Schools staff over the last six months, I have realized I have never been around a group of people wh...

After spending the past six months as superintendent of the Ladue School District, a district of 4,200 students about 15 miles west of downtown St. Louis, I have decided to attempt to become a blogger. It never occurred to me before. However, I am finding this journey so interesting, inspiring and enlightening that I felt compelled to invite others to follow along! For just over 26 years, I have been a public school educator and this is my second superintendency. During this time, I’ve learned and seen a lot, and I have some great stories — and maybe even some insights — to share. I have also learned quite a lot about leadership and have come to realize we are all leaders in some form or another. Whether it is in our employment, our family, or the organizations to which we belong. So, through the topics I share here on From My View, I hope to provide some motivation, but also practical ideas that apply to leadership beyond the field of education. As you read, I hope you will find...