By MIKE DRISCOLL For The Capital
Teacher writes self-penned text
Sometimes, when you don't have the right tools for the job, you make them yourself.
That was why, when Kent Island High School history and social studies instructor Brad Engel couldn't find the right books to help him teach a leadership course, he wrote one himself.
"The Four Challenges of Leadership: P.A.V.E. and the Theory of Opportunity Dynamics" was published by Express Media Corp. and Sun Dog Ltd. of Nashville and will be published next month through Amazon.com and the Barnes & Noble Web site.
Mr. Engel defines opportunity dynamics as the process of making choices all day, every day.
"We can encourage others, set goals, problem-solve and also make ethical decisions and decide whether or not we are going to be a person of integrity," he said. "Our choices and our decisions define our leadership style and how we relate to others."
Mr. Engel, a Rockville native, admits he wasn't a leader growing up: "As a teenager," he said, "I just never got involved in any of the leadership opportunities that were available."
That came later, after he tried a variety of jobs, such as bartending. He decided at 29 that he wanted to be a teacher, feeling he had amassed enough experience to really make a difference.
The book evolved from the leadership program launched by the school in 1999, based on the idea that students could develop leadership skills through training.
"There's a ton of books out there ... I have a whole wall of these leadership books," he said, "but for high school kids there was nothing specific."
The acronym P.A.V.E. identifies four leadership challenges: Preparation, Attitude, Vision and Excellence.
Mr. Engel chose the workbook format to help students pave the way for their own growth as leaders.
"It's more interactive this way. The kids become involved and challenged to answer questions. They can reflect on each of the challenges and write about their own lives and experiences with regards to the ideas raised in the book," he said.
"Mr. Engel put a lot of time and effort into developing this guidebook," said Principal William Darling. "I mean, when you look at the problems in the country today, high school is really the time to develop these skills."
Senior Danielle Faulkner said the workbook should be "mandatory for all students."
"This course is something that can help everyone, from grade-A students to the ones with problems," she said. "I've learned how to lead groups better. I can plan and achieve my goals. It's taught me to get along with people, like my family and friends, and I can handle situations better."
P.A.V.E. isn't an official textbook yet. Mr. Engel said he has to go through the formality of submitting the book to the county Board of Education. In the interim, he can use it as a resource in the class.
School Superintendent Bernard Sadusky said other systems in Maryland have expressed interest in the leadership program that Mr. Engel presents at Kent Island High School.
He also praised Mr. Engel for "having the foresight to recognize the need that students have to understand leadership and how to develop those skills."
Mr. Engel, a resident of Columbia, has been teaching in the county school system since 1989. He started at Centreville High School and transferred to Kent Island when it opened in 1998.
"I drive 45 minutes each way," he said, "but I don't mind, because I really love this county. It's been very good to me, and the student body at this high school has been phenomenal. It's a great situation here, and that's why I want to teach here."
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