TEACHERS FAULT

By Coach Frank Sagasta 

November 3rd, 2024 

As a fourteen year professional instructor, teacher, and coach.  I am sick of people who know nothing about public schools, or charter schools.  I am tired of hearing or reading about people complaining over their children’s (5-18) education from our government educational school system.  What did you really expect?  And why do people blast teachers or the schools on social media?  What we never see or hear more about—are parents or guardians deciding on how to fix our education system.  What we don’t see or hear—are parents or guardians taking the opportunity to volunteer for a day or for a week in the classroom.  

Not ALL teachers are the problem!  Not All Schools are the problem either!  Everything rise and falls upon leadership or management of the business.  Mahatma Gandhi once said, “There is no school equal to a decent home, and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.”  Much of what teachers are dealing with aren’t new, but it is getting worse and harder.  Parental guidance isn’t happening.  Most parents are not teaching their children manners, core values, personal responsibility, professional principles, or even a general knowledge of how to get along with others (Golden Rule).  The children come to school in shoes that cost more than the teacher's entire outfit, but have no pencil or paper.  The children come to school with water jugs that end up in the lot in found.  The children come to school with selfish attitudes.  The children come to school with no clue of the society that awaits them.  Children come to school to socialize rather than getting some value for tomorrow’s future.  

When you look at schools that are "failing," look at the parents and students too!  When you look at schools that are struggling to keep a school grade.  Look at the parents, guardians, and students too!!  It is wildly irresponsible for people to just blame the schools for your children learning.  Only some parents come to parent nights.  Why?  Because many have lost their value for education and don’t really care for the profession.  Do parents talk with the teachers regularly?  No, because they don’t make time.  Do they make sure their children are prepared by having the necessary supplies?  Maybe some.  Do they make sure their children do their homework?  Let’s be honest, maybe a few.  Do they talk to their children about what they’re learning and how it can apply to life?  Maybe some.  Do they have working telephone numbers that up to date?  Very few.  Now the student—Do the students take notes in class?  Very few.  Do they do their home-work?  Very few.  Do the students listen in class, or are they the sources of class disruptions?  Do more and more kids blame themselves or parents?  No, they blame the education system and teachers.  When you look at these factors, you will see that it is not schools that are failing but the parents.  Teachers cannot do their jobs and the parents' job too!!  Until parents step-up and do their job, nothing is going to get better tomorrow in education or as a society.  

Since the blog was on pointing blame on teachers or schooling, let’s start with a quiz:

1. A 7th grader in Arizona is often late for class.   She tends to forget her class book, class assignments, homework and is unprepared for the day.   The teacher would like to talk to her parents or guardians about these habits, but they fail to attend parent-teacher conferences.  Parents or guardians haven’t updated their emails or phone records. The teacher should:

a) Fail the student.

b) Fail the parents.

I have read the stories.  I have heard the conversations.  Teachers are fed up with being blamed for the failures of American education, and legislators are starting to hear them little by little.   Bills are being introduced in various states now taking aim squarely at the parents.  If you think you can legislate teaching, the notion goes, why not try legislating parenting?

I know it is a complicated idea, taking on the controversial question of whether parents, teachers or children are most to blame when a child fails to learn.  And there is so much research outlining the factors of why kids fail to learn or listen.  

But what do you say… 

With gratitude,

Coach Frank Sagasta 

The Moment of Truth

 

The Moment of Truth 

                                                        By Coach Frank Sagasta 

                                                            November 1st, 2024 

                

Is staying inside the lines, limiting the accomplishments, successes, and fulfillment of students?  Only fourteen years in the field of education and I want to share just my insight, observation, perspective, and research.  

Before I go any further, I hope you read or continuously learn to understand my passion.  I truly enjoy the quality of training people of all ages.  It was the field of education that opened the door for my passion and it can obviously be a bit overwhelming.  It still is a career that is undervalued in today’s society.    

 “The more you learn, the more you earn”

— Warren Buffett

Nonetheless, let’s dive right into the blog.  

So, research shows that 90% of five-year-olds are creative, but unfortunately, only 2% of adults truly are today.  In fact, children’s creativity is associated with skills like creative thinking and problem-solving (Runco, 2004; Runco & Acar, 2012) which are essential ingredients for success.  But are our students actually creating their own creativity or is it limited by the school system or the food they consume?  When an organization silences the ability to think.  It hinders and silences innovation or creativity.  Creative thinking promotes positive emotional development and better emotional understanding in children and adults (e.g., Russ, 1993; Seja & Russ, 1999).  What creativity is, how it is used, and how it is useful for child development are important and open questions today.  

I have been asking myself the question as to what is the long-term effect of too much information or too much screen time?  Is the school system set up to kill creativity?  Should the school system be liable for the mass of laziness and obesity in America today?  Look, don’t kill the massager but schools across America do provide junk food which is toxic and harmful to young cognitive development.  Furthermore, much of the junk food is BANDED from other countries.  The proof is in the pudding—the Nation Institution of Health and Nation Library of Medicine shared an eye-opening article.  From 2001 to 2018, 69% of junk food represented nearly 1 in 5 calories among children, without change, and nearly 1 in 7 calories, with a very modest decrease, among adults, with disparities in subgroups.  America isn't known for being the healthiest country.  Especially, with all our junk food and processed products.  I know for certain this isn't news to most Americans.  I know most won’t take the time to read the whole blog, and that is okay!  However, many people do not realize that other nations have deemed some of our (American) favorite snacks or junk food as unhealthy and dangerous that they're illegal.  YES, ILLEGAL.  And yet, schools don’t mind providing them with a heavy cost.  And we wonder why our education system is failing and why more and more kids are depressed or prescribed new drugs.  

What is the ultimate cost?  I believe some of those answers will be here in the following.  I believe there are several factors contributing to the decline in creativity and love for learning among children in today’s society and at all levels. 

As we proceeded, I had to ask many questions that only you can answer for yourselves.  Again, when was the last time you were in a kindergarten class?  When was the last time you were in a middle school class for more than a day?  When was the last time you spent time in your student's class in high school?  Let’s start with kindergarten— “Caleb, do not pull Suzy‘s hair.” “ Daniel, please stop fighting with Jonathan over the Legos.” “Autumn, please come out from underneath the table thank you.” “Ezra, no eating the glue.” 

Let us move into middle and high school now— “Jackson, no running in the hallway.” “Madison, can you and Charlotte stop talking when I’m talking?”  “John, can you please sit in your chair and take out your pencil and notebook to work today?”  “Frank, Martin, and Jackson, please put your phones away”  “Frank, and Martin, I asked all three of you to please, put your phones away!”  “Natasha, do you have to speak to me like that?”  “Samuel, can you please raise your hand? Or do you have to just spontaneously yell across the room?” 

From the first day of school, many have been taught how to limit their thinking.  To sit in straight rows.  Walk and don’t run.  Speak only when it is your turn.  Color within the lines or it isn’t right.  I am not oppressing the idea of rules, standards, or expectations.  I am simply sharing the value of today’s education through my own experience and observation.  I have shared the interesting notion that our junk food is a huge factor, but what about these other factors: Standardized Education—Many education systems emphasize standardized testing and rigid or rigorous curriculums, which can stifle creativity.  This focus on grades and performance often prioritizes rote memorization over critical thinking and exploration.  Screen Time—The rise of digital devices has led to increased screen time, which can limit opportunities for imagination or creativity.  Passive consumption of media often replaces more active, creative activities.  Parental/guardian Influence—Adults may inadvertently discourage creativity by emphasizing practicality and traditional college versus career paths that open creative pursuits, leading children to prioritize certain subjects over others.  And lastly…FUCK’N Fear of Failure—A culture and society that stigmatizes failure can deter children from taking risks in their learning.  Creativity often involves trial, and error, practice, and training, and a fear of making mistakes can inhibit exploration.  What if Edison was too fearful?  What if those iconic people far to many to mention gave up before they got started because of fear.  Their names and their marks on history would’ve been forgotten.  

Much like today!  I asked a group of high schoolers if they knew Mark Twain?  Some thought he was a president.  

WHAT… then I asked a group of social studies kids in a middle school, does anyone know who Fredrick Douglas or Mark Twain?  They didn’t have the slightest.  

Addressing these issues or concerns requires a shift in how we approach our education, encouraging a bridge between structured learning, creative learning, active learning, and practical exploration of learning.  

Thinkers, dreamers, and action doers!  It’s time to explore the incredible power of thinking outside the lines.  In a world where conformity often reigns, especially in education today.  Those who dare to color outside the lines unleash their full potential.  But, why is thinking outside the lines so powerful?  Here are a few key reasons for my experience and continuous education.  It opens the door to discovering pioneering solutions that can change the game of education for each individual.  It also embraces unconventional thinking which fuels creativity, innovation, and resilience.  It encourages us to experiment, take risks, and embrace our unique perspectives.  And lastly, it causes us to think outside the lines, we can find unexpected solutions to complex challenges, obstacles, and situations.  When we step off the beaten path, we gain a fresh outlook that others may overlook.  Ralph Waldo Emerson the great essayist, writer, author, and leader of American literature credited, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” 

If we don’t get back to the seriousness of education.  A traditional style of learning, America will cease to exist as a thriving nation and be filled with a nation of cognitively distorted individuals who work for bananas.  We will be the nation of idiots as the Green Day song express; “American Idiot.”  In today’s work environment, if we cannot think, we will quickly lose our place of productivity.  Repetitive tasks can be duplicated by idiots, robots, and machinery.  Committing to being a “knowledge citizen” or a “continuous learner.”  No matter your age, sex, race, religion, or culture.   Fostering a sense of seriousness through learning, knowledge, wisdom, curiosity, imagination, and creativity.  It will only produce more meaningful, enjoyable, and achievable successes.  

 

“Do not then train youths to learning by force and harshness, but first them to it by what amuses their minds so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.” — Plato

With gratitude, 

Coach Frank Sagasta

Executive Leadership Instructor and Professional Skills Instructor 

H.O.P.E Solution LLC, 

 

The Future of America

It’s long and important reality,

Folks, this is an important read!

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR OWN SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNITY!! 

Family, friends, and patriots it is going too take a miracle for Trump to win this election. There is just too much corruption. And unfortunately, to many American people and American Christians will refuse to vote, they’re going to blindly help them do it, which is very sad. He must win so big that there’s no way they can rig it, and I still think they can. And I really believe the corrupt politicians or corrupt minded people will try to kill him. I’ll say it again. It’s going to take a miracle. As big of a miracle, if not more, as Roe being overturned. 

My dear family, friends, and fellow countrymen. These are facts about our corrupt government. It’s what Trump means when he says we must “drain the swamp.” He has been talking about them for years. It’s why they can and will do anything and everything to defeat him. They can’t let him win. Maybe these facts will HELP THOSE OF YOU on the fence or those not willing to vote at all. Everything stated here is 100% true. Look it up yourself. They’re counting on our ignorance, but we just can’t plead ignorance any longer. 

Here you go: 

“It’s all connected. It goes to principles and platforms, NOT personalities. Know who your voting for:

Part of the Democratic Swamp;

People should know who they're voting for with these facts. This is some pretty interesting stuff here.

YES, THE GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN USED TO WORK FOR GEORGE SOROS.

YES, CALIF GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM IS NANCY PELOSI'S NEPHEW

YES, ADAM SHIFF'S SISTER IS MARRIED TO ONE OF GEORGE SOROS’ SONS.

YES, JOHN KERRY'S DAUGHTER IS MARRIED TO A MULLAH'S SON IN IRAN.

YES, HILLARY'S DAUGHTER CHELSEA IS MARRIED TO GEORGE SOROS' NEPHEW.

YES, ABC NEWS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER IAN CAMERON IS MARRIED TO SUSAN RICE, 

OBAMA'S FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER.

YES, CBS PRESIDENT DAVID RHODES IS THE BROTHER OF BEN RHODES, OBAMA'S DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS.

YES, ABC NEWS CORRESPONDENT CLAIRE SHIPMAN IS MARRIED TO JAY CARNEY, FORMER OBAMA WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY.

YES, ABC NEWS AND UNIVISION REPORTER MATTHEW JAFFE IS MARRIED TO KATIE HOGAN, OBAMA'S FORMER DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY

 

YES, ABC PRESIDENT BEN SHERWOOD IS THE BROTHER OF ELIZABETH SHERWOOD, OBAMA'S FORMER SPECIAL ADVISER.

 

YES, CNN VP VIRGINIA MOSELEY IS MARRIED TO TOM NIDES, FORMER HILLARY CLINTON'S DEPUTY SECRETARY.

THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL A "STACKED DECK". IF YOU HAD A HUNCH THE NEWS MEDIA WAS SOMEWHAT RIGGED AND YOU COULDN'T PUT YOUR FINGER ON IT, THIS MIGHT HELP YOU SOLVE THE PUZZLE.  

Now you know why no one is investigated.They all have their hands in the cookie jar!  

You might remember James Comey who investigated the Clinton email scandal and the Clinton Foundation, and made the final decision to not recommend prosecution by the DOJ. 

It turns out that the Clinton Foundation was audited by the law firm DLA Piper. One of the executives there was in charge of the Clinton Foundation audit. Who was it? Peter Comey, James Comey’s brother. 

Peter Comey held an executive position with the Washington law firm that did the audit of the Clinton foundation in 2015.   

Peter Comey was officially DLA Piper “Senior Director of Real Estate Operations for the Americas,” in 2015 when the Clinton Foundation scandals first broke and Hillary was preparing her Presidential campaign.  

Not only was DLA Piper, the firm where Comey’s brother worked involved in the audit of the Clinton Foundation, but according to the foundation’s donor records, DLA Piper has given between $50 - 100k to the Foundation.

It gets even cozier. 

DLA Piper executive Douglas Emhoff is taking an extended leave of absence from the firm. 

Who is Douglas Emhoff?   

He is the husband of KAMALA HARRIS! Just a coincidence?   Amazing if it is. You can't make this stuff up! And it only gets worse.  

This "Family Tree" will make your head spin. THE SWAMP IS DEEP!!   

Dominion (voting machine provider) serves 40% of the US market.   It is in 30 states - - 

The state of Texas rejected the machines.   

Admiral Peter Neffenger is on Biden's transition team.   

Neffenger was the President of the board of Smartmatic   - Smartmatic (another voting machine supplier) entered into an agreement with Dominion in 2009   - Smartmatic counted votes in Venezuela   - Smartmatic is connected to Philippine voter fraud. Smartmatic is run by Lord Mark Malloch Brown who works for George Soros (he and Brown are life-long friends). Brown chairs the Boards of a number of non-profit boards including the Open Society Foundation,  Brown chairs the Centre for Global Development.   

Open society of course is owned by George Soros. Smartmatic partnered with DLA Piper Global   - Douglas C. Emhoff works at DLA Piper Global   - Douglass C. Emhoff is Kamala Harris's husband   

Guess who owns Dominion? 

Blum Capital Partners, L.P.  

Guess who is on the board for the company? Richard Blum.  

Richard C. Blum is Dianne Feinstein's husband.

Nancy Pelosi's husband is also a major investor   

An aide to Nancy Pelosi, Nadeam Elshami, was hired by Dominion Voting Systems. And it goes on.

Dominion Voting Systems is listed on the Clinton Foundation website.   

Dominion Voting is listed as a $25,000 -$50,000 donor to the Clinton Foundation in 2014 by The Washington Post.

Georgia Governor Kemp used Dominion Voting after Texas and Florida rejected them.

Dominion has a lobbyist named Jared Thomas   - Jared Thomas was Governor Brian Kemp’s chief of staff and press secretary from 2012 to 2015.

You must remember the Feinstein-Kavanaugh-Soros connections to understand this next information:

Debra Katz (Christine Ford's lawyer) worked for George-Soros at the Open Society Foundation.   Debra Katz (Christine Ford's lawyer) also worked at Project on Government Oversight (POGO).   - POGO is funded by Soros’s Open Society Foundation. POGO is the co-signer of the letter Diane Feinstein presented against Kavanaugh's nomination.   

Kamala Harris did not prosecute OneWest Bank for their fraud when she had the authority.

Soros owned OneWest Bank. 

Now you know why a woman who placed 7th in own her State when running for President is now VP!   Oh what a tangled web of deceit and lies.”

Christians, and Patriots please reconsider, you just can’t sit this one out. PLEASE SHARE AND PLEASE CARVE OUT TIME TO RESEARCH FOR YOURSELVES. 

With gratitude 

Mr. Sagasta 

 

THE UNDENIABLE LEADERS

COACH FRANK SAGASTA

I read a story several years ago about an eagle and a chicken. They happen to be very good friends. One day they were flying over the beautiful mountains, lakes, and rivers. They came across a farm. The chicken said, to his friend the eagle. Let’s fly down and get a bite to eat. My stomach is hurting and growling. I need food. “This sounds like a good idea and plan to me,” replied the eagle. So, the two birds glided down to earth and saw animals eating. They both decided to join them. The cow was too busy eating to even notice the two birds, but when he did, he said, “Join us and help yourself.” 

The two birds sat next to the cow and began to eat.  The cow stopped for a moment and said: welcome!  Of course, this took the two birds by surprise.  Because they were accustomed to fending for themselves.  Finding shelter or building shelter together.  Scavenging and looking for food.  The Eagle stopped eating and asked the cow. Why are you willing to share your food with us?” Asked the eagle.  The cow replied because we have plenty to eat here.  The farmer gives us all we want.”  When they finished, the chicken asked more about the farmer the cow was referring to.  The cow began by telling the two birds, “The farmer gives us food. The farmer gives us a place to live.”  The two birds were shocked!!  They always had to search and work hard for their food and to work hard for shelter.  

When it came time to leave, the chicken bag, the eagle to stay.  Maybe we should stay here since we have food and an awesome shelter over there next to the barn.  The Eagle replied, “ I don’t know about all this free stuff.”  The chicken replied, “This is the golden opportunity we have been looking for, and that farmer wants to give it to us.” The Eagle replied, “It sounds too good to be true, my dear friend.  I find it hard to believe that you can get something for nothing.  The eagle continued by saying, I truly enjoy flying high.  I truly enjoy being free in the air and through the trees.  I truly enjoy providing and working hard for my food and shelter.  It isn’t so bad.  I find it quite challenging.  It happens to be one of my favorite life lessons, and I believe I was created for it.” So, the eagle departed and went about his natural way.  The chicken decided to stay and became dinner the next week.  Why?  The Eagle could fly and sore high, but when the chicken attempted to fly, he found that he had grown too fat and lazy.  Instead of being able to fly, he could only flutter.  This made it easy for the farmer to catch him and to enjoy him. 

When you give up on the challenge of life and its pursuit of “security,” you may give up your freedom.  And if you think you know it all, you are rotten, unteachable, un-coachable, and doomed to continuous failure.  Of course, if you’re willing to face challenges and continue training, educating yourself, and studying specific skills, you are rich and of value.  Think about it. Imagine an athlete who stops training and starts making mistakes and excuses.  They won’t make a legacy for themselves.  Now, I apologize for not remembering the author of the story above, but I do remember the author behind this story below. 

This story of the frog and the scorpion is one that I have shared with my students for the past ten years.  I first heard this story told by the late, great Jim Rohn way back in 2010.  This was my first run-in with professional development.  My kids have listened to Mr. Rohn for years.  I have had the opportunity of listening to Mr. Rohn for fifteen years now and I’m still learning.  

For those unfamiliar with Jim Rohn, he has been and still is the mentor to tens of thousands of business people.  One of his most famous students is Anthony Robbins, who also worked for Jim Rohn. 75% of what Robbins teaches is what he picked up from Jim Rohn. I would recommend you write it down to share with those you care about or for those you love.  Anyway here is the story of the frog and the scorpion as Jim Rohn told it: One morning a frog was about to cross over a pond to the other side of the lake. Standing several feet away is a scorpion. The scorpion seeing that the frog is about to swim across the lake shouts; “Hey, Mr. Frog. Can I ask you for a favor?”

The frog looks over, nervously and knows full well that scorpions are the enemy of frogs and responds; “What could you possibly want with me?”

The Scorpion responds; “I see you are about to cross over the lake.  I too would like to get over to the other side but as you probably know, scorpions can’t swim.  Would you be so kind as to allow me to hop on your back and I could cross over with you?”

The frog just laughs and says; “Are you crazy? Everybody knows that scorpions sting frogs.  If I let you on my back, you will sting me and I’ll die?”

The scorpion responds; “No Mr. Frog. You are not thinking with your little frog brain.  If I sting you, yes you will die but then so will I. Why would I do that?”

The frog thinks and says,

“Yeah, that makes sense.  Scorpions are ruthless but that would be stupid.  Ok. Come on over and hop on my back.  I’ll carry you with me.”

So, the scorpion jumps on the frog's back while the frog swims across the lake.  The scorpion is making conversation with the frog and the frog is impressed at what a nice guy this scorpion is.  He then apologizes to the scorpion for being so rude to him.  But then as soon as they get halfway across the pond, the scorpion stings the frog!  The frog is amazed.  He can’t believe it.

“Why did you do that to me.  I’m going to die but so are you.”  “Because Mr. Frog, I am a scorpion, and scorpions sting frogs.  That will never change.”

 

So, the lessons and stories both apply to leadership.  It is the ability to bring out someone’s potential, but you cannot change their inner personalities unless, of course, they want to change.  So, beware of the scorpions and learn not to be the chicken or people like that.

Coach Frank Sagasta

Leadership Trainer and Life-Skills Coach 

H.O.P.E LLC, 

 

How To Plant Seeds 

by Coach Frank Sagasta 2024

How to plant the seeds by listening, learning, and taking action in growing.  A good definition or word is TRAINING!! 

Why training?

Because it is an experience that changes our whole chemistry, biology, and psychology.  In any given situation, if one training remains unchanged, you can say that one has never listened, learned, or taken action.  When we cease to train.  We have become accustomed or conformed to the stagnation of that life.  Thus we’ve allowed ourselves to become old and we wither away like the obnoxious weeds, or sand that blow during the summer winds. 

All too often we cross the paths of people that are 25 and old and others that are still young at 80.  Why is this?  It is all a matter of attitude.  It is all a matter of training.  The successful person is always listening, learning, and taking action.  They are always looking for new opportunities to train.  To grow.  To develop.  And to become a better and more effective person.  

However, all training requires a price and a risk.  The price is time, energy, and effort.  The risk requires that we get out of our comfort zone.  Our tolerance for discomfort is too low or training and development is greatly limited.  Until one is willing to get out of this comfort zone, they will not become a better person.  And never worry over the timing of when you should start just start.  Don’t worry about not having enough opportunities in life.  I once read; When fear closes one door, Faith opens another one.  Golden opportunities will never become exhausted, because every time we seize one, at least one more appears.  

This is why, I’ve always thought of opportunities like sowing and reaping; A farmer would never plant corn and expect to harvest wheat.  Likewise, we can never plant negativity and harvest positivity.  I know it might come as a great astonishment to some people that they cannot plant hate and harvest love.  If anyone wants to plant pictures in the mind of being poor, you will always reap poverty.  If you think of yourself as a living and breathing mechanism that can be productive and overcome limitations.  You will harvest greatness and success at every opportunity.  

The farmer has been trained.  The farmer has listened.  The farmer has learned.  The farmer has taken action towards sewing so that he or she may reap.  The old book (Bible) says: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap.”  There is no greater truth known to mankind.  Therefore, whatever we want out of life, we must take the responsibility and actions of first planting the seeds.  We must listen to the season's instructions.  We must learn when to plant; what to plant and where to plant.  The seeds we plant will always determine what you are going to harvest.  You can’t get back what you have planted.  James Allen wrote in As a Man Thinketh, “As the plant springs from, and could not be without the seed, so every man springs from the hidden seeds of thoughts, and could not have appeared without them.”  James Allen continues, “Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit.  A man will find that as he alters his thoughts towards things and other people, things and other people will alter towards him.  The vision that you glorify your mind, the ideal that you treat in your heart. This you will build your life by.  This you will become.” 

“What happens to us is less significant than what happens within us.” 

~ Lewis L. Mann 

With regards and gratitude, 

Coach Frank Sagasta

Leadership & Life-Skills Expert   

H.O.P.E LLC,