Once Again, It's Time for Pancakes

I was fortunate to attend the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Conference on Education in Nashville last week. I had not been to a national conference in probably 10 years, and only attended this one because I was asked to be part of a panel of superintendents who had books published.

Shout out to PJ Caposey (@MCUSDSupe), Khalid Mumin (@drmuminlmsd) and Jane Stavern for being on the panel with me. These folks are all geniuses who have multiple books published, and as the hour wore on I started feeling like Charlie Brown in one of my favorite Peanuts strips.

I mean, PJ and Khalid and Jane are serious writers. Multiple books. National speakers. I was clearly way out of my league, which is fine. But what bothered me was this: as we shared advice with the attendees about how to get a book published, it became clear to me that I had slowly become a writer who no longer writes.

A writer who no longer writes.

That’s like a fish that doesn’t swim. Or a chef who doesn’t cook. Or a Browns fan who doesn’t second guess every decision the team has made since 1986.

I have not sent one of these “Change the Song!” newsletters since July 6, 2021. That is 229 days. The devolution of my writing came, as many bad things have, from two sources: COVID and the national embracement of meanness. I suppose you can throw social media on that pile, too. But what I found was that the bitter trolls had climbed out of their parents’ basements to start criticizing the good. While the first few months of COVID saw educators being treated—rightfully—as heroes, COVID exhaustion led people to start attacking educators. It reminded me of one of my favorite scenes from an inappropriate movie called A Million Ways to Die in the West. Paraphrasing Albert, played by Seth McFarlane, there is always a guy in every crowd who makes fun of the hero’s shirt.

And the national culture of “saying mean things makes me cool” turned writing and social media into a hot stove that I became afraid to touch. I could write “I love pancakes,” and the trolls would respond “why do you hate waffles?” And what I found was that writing—the outlet I love best, an introvert’s free therapy—became an anxiety producer. I found myself carefully analyzing every word I wrote, trying to prevent disagreement, which led simply to writing not at all. The kid who never asks the girl to dance will never have his heart broken.

But another session I attended at the AASA conference, led by some awesome Ohio educators Cari Buehler (@DanburySuper), Kim Miller (@KimMiller_Learn), Veronica Motley (@SuptSylvania), and Shelly Vaughn (@vaughn_shelly), reminded me that we need to be true to ourselves. We can’t let fear of what others might think prevent us from doing what we want. And Daniel Pink’s new book, The Power of Regret, which I read on the plane ride home, reminds us that people far more often regret things they do not do than those they do.

And so I think what I am saying is that I am ready to dip my toes back in the water. For 229 days I have been enjoying my pancakes quietly so the waffle lovers don’t yell. It’s time to break out the syrup once again and see where this goes.

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Look what people are saying about the book.....

It took me exactly one day to read this book from cover to cover. I sat on my patio for two hours without stopping. I've not done that in years, last time was a very well written fiction series, not a book on leadership. This book is sensational, and Dr. Clark's witty writing style combines with stories, wisdom, and anecdotes that are as relatable as they are applicable. If you have any sort of interaction with students in a school setting, the application of Dr. Clark's writings in this book will literally change the world for your students. It doesn't matter if you're the custodian, the bus driver, the reading tutor...if you work with students, pick this book up, then get to work living out its advice.

Fred Rogers, of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, had a knack for breaking the hard things in life down to a simple level and expressing those things to children in a non-intimidating way. Likewise, Dr. Joe Clark in this book has a knack for breaking down the hardest parts of leadership in education into simple terms, and he delivers his message in such a way that it feels like nothing more than friendly advice from a neighbor. This book will forever be in my recommendations to fellow school employees and educators. Thank you for the excellent read, Dr Clark!

     -Zach Bruce, verified Amazon purchaser

Great book! My best read of 2020. Easy to read and relate to. Highly recommend for those new to school administration and looking for practical wisdom. Dr. Clark’s humor and honesty combine to encourage you to “change the song.”

     -Katie, verified Amazon purchaser

Dr. Clark’s book is full of practical, humorous, and wise advice for school leaders. The honesty with which he writes is inspiring and reminds us how important it is to always put kids first.

      -Michelle Kravetz, verified Amazon purchaser

The raw vulnerability with impeccable humor and a whole lot of honesty is exactly what Joe has served up for you! If you've ever made a mistake or think you will, then this is a must-read. The lens in which he spins (pun intended) this book is insightfully hilarious!

     -LaVonna Roth, Speaker, Author & Chief Illuminator of Ignite Your S.H.I.N.E.®

It's been said that we never know the struggles that someone is going through, so we should treat them kindly always. In If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song, Joe Clark embraces his own vulnerability to share how he reclaimed his story after a traumatic childhood, and shares how he used his life experiences, and his experiences as a DJ and camp director, to guide his work as a school leader. This book is an often humorous, sometimes melancholy look into what teaching and school leadership is all about. It's a tremendous read that I know you'll enjoy.

     -Thomas C. Murray, Author of Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime

If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song is a look into the world of leadership, education, and how to treat students. Dr. Clark writes to inspire teachers, principals and superintendents to reflect on the mission of being educators while being reminded to enjoy their work. This quick read will help you reflect and smile as Dr. Clark shares meaning and humor in everyday moments.

     -Todd Whittaker, one of the nation’s leading authorities on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness. Todd has written over 50 books including the national bestseller, What Great Teachers Do Differently. 

A refreshing read for leaders or educators of all levels both! This is the type of read that can rejuvenate a veteran or give new teachers tools to keep their morale and inspiration at its peak. The lessons you learn from this book can carry over throughout the year, even when you don't know if you can. 

     -Amber Teamann, principal of Whitt Elementary in Wylie ISD in Wylie, Texas. Amber has  received numerous awards, including Regional Assistant Principal of the Year and a “Principal of the Year” engagement award. She recently was recognized as the Dallas Down Syndrome Educator of the Year for her work with inclusivity on her campus.

“If the Dance Floor is Empty, Change the Song” by Joe Clark, is a cleverly-written book that will not only make you think about how we approach our jobs as educators, but it will make you chuckle out loud. Filled with personal stories, practical examples, on-point illustrations, and golden nuggets of wisdom, this book will be hard for readers to put down.

     -Jimmy Casas, Educator, Author, Speaker, Leadership Coach

If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song is a book that will leave you smiling and laughing at times. It will also validate your thinking about education at times. More importantly, it will challenge you to re-think why we serve as educators and what is most important when discussing education and the purpose of schools. This book is filled with scores of reflections on teaching, learning, and leading that are applicable to educators in all roles, especially school leaders.

     -Jeffrey Zoul, Ed.D., Author, Speaker, Leadership Coach, and President of ConnectEDD

As a newly appointed principal, I found this book witty, insightful, and inspiring. The real life stories and anecdotes that Dr. Clark provide, are relatable to teachers, school managers, and, honestly, anyone in a position of leadership. If the Dance Floor Is Empty, Change the Song should be required reading for both new and seasoned school administrators alike. It should be part of every principal and teacher’s motivational toolkit. 

     -David Thomas, Principal, St. Gabriel’s Special School, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland

Great, another leadership book! That was my first thought when I was asked to read If the Dance Floor is Empty, Change the Song. Once I read the first few pages I was hooked, I truly wanted to dance. Finally, a leadership book with great advice and a vast amount of humor. Yes, school is serious business. But if you don’t laugh and enjoy the experiences then why even be a school leader. Dr. Joe Clark has created an informative quick read that gives you relatable and useful information. I truly did laugh out loud at graphics, pie charts and stories. If you can’t relate to this book, then you truly have never danced to a good song or sat back and enjoyed the experience of being a school leader.  

     -Jack Berckemeyer, nationally-recognized presenter, author, and humorist. Former Assistant Executive Director for the National Middle School Association. 

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