LETTS, Iowa–As part of their regular professional development, Louisa-Muscatine Curriculum Director Amy Lantigua, Principals Chris Parkhurst and Aimee Wedeking, and Superintendent Mike Van Sickle attended the School Administrators of Iowa Conference over the summer in 2021. While there, they first heard Joe Beckman, a nationally known motivational speaker and author, speak for the first time. Moved by his message, Lantigua knew right away she wanted to bring him to Louisa-Muscatine Schools so that students and teachers could hear him for themselves. She recollects, “he was just so inspiring that on our way home we had a conversation that we had to have him come–our kids needed to hear him.” Jan. 27, Beckman came to Louisa-Muscatine Schools, bringing his positive messages to everyone there.
To allow for fourth through 12th grade students, as well as teachers, to hear him speak, Beckman gave four presentations, for high school, junior high school, elementary students, and teachers individually. A high-energy speaker, Beckman kept high school students engaged even at the beginning of their day through a variety of songs and activities, helping them take in the points he shared with them while still having a lot of fun.
Throughout his talk, Beckman referenced his recent book, “Just Look Up.” His presentation, like the book, focused around several phrases he wanted students to take away with them.
The first, “love you,” emphasized the importance of taking care of yourself and recognizing your self-worth so that you have the energy and confidence to help others. Beckman shared that often times, when people feel not good enough that it leads them to use destructive coping mechanisms.
Beckman’s second phrase, “push through,” gets at the idea that all people will face challenges, but that overcoming them can lead to rich rewards and new discoveries. Beckman acknowledged that everyone will be upset about the bad situations they experience, and that he considers that normal and healthy. However, when people decide to try and rise above their experiences and put their energy into something new, it can offer great benefits.
Finally, Beckman encouraged students to, “just look up.” Though new technology can make it easier for people to communicate with faraway friends, Beckman pointed out that it can eat up a lot of free time and make people feel isolated. Isolation, in turn can lead to anxiety and depression, which has increased in younger people over time. By consciously trying to live in the moment and getting to know those around you, Beckman believes everyone can lead happier lives and help more people know they have friends who care about them. He elaborated, “It is our job as a student, as a person, as a teacher, as a speaker to pick up one piece for one person each day.”
Lantigua thought students connected well with Beckman and believed that they would try out the mindset he spoke about. “I hope that they take away valuing themselves and loving themselves,” she said.
