Featured Teacher
MDONNELL TENNER ENJOYS A FULFILLING
CAREER LEADING SCHOOLS OVERSEAS
M
Donnell Tenner was born
and raised in the United
States of America, where he
spent a large portion of his
adult life in Minnesota. He is the only
boy in a family of three sisters. He was
a very active athlete in his younger
days, taking part in football, basketball
and track & field. Even though he
loved sports, his parents ensured that
his primary focus was his education.
They ensured that he attended school
every day, there were no excuses. His
parents were also strong believers in
developing the “whole” child, so they
insisted that he contributed around the
house by doing daily chores. As the
only boy, he oversaw shovelling snow,
cutting the grass and taking out the
trash. All this hard work certainly paid
off as MDonnell is now a respected
educator and school leader, who is
enjoying a great career leading schools
overseas. Let’s get to know a little more
about this educator, author and school
leader.
Who was your favourite teacher?
Why?
My favourite teacher was Ms. Kennedy
at Eastern Heights elementary school
in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She was a
very kind woman. She was committed
to her craft and ensured that all her
students left her classroom better
than they came in. She kept her
expectations high and ensured that,
I not only excelled academically but
that, I also developed socially and
emotionally. She saw in me what I
could not see in myself.
What inspires you most?
I am inspired most by the ability to go
do what I love and that is working with
children, staff and families. Being able
to participate in the students’ learning
process, by teaching and supporting
teachers, students and parents, is food
to my soul.
Share two major challenges
that you faced. How did you
overcome them?
A major life challenge presented
itself when I was hospitalised, and the
doctor said I might have cancer. I have
2 children and I did not want them to
be fatherless. I prayed, exercised and
listened to the doctor’s words and
got myself back in shape and good
health. That was one of the most
frightening times in my life. A second
major challenge in my life was when I
was hired to turnaround a struggling
school in the Middle East. It was my
first time in the region and I was new
to the Arabic language. As I struggled
with the language, I noticed something
very interesting. The students and
staff were using more English to make
me feel more comfortable and taught
me Arabic as well. I was humbled by
their efforts to welcome me into their
community and to make me feel at
home. This gave me great impetus
to do the best job possible. I worked
hard and was able to help put that
school on the path to success. I left
that experience with a fond love for
the Middle East and its people.
What are three key qualities that
every leader should possess and
why?
The three key qualities I believe that
every leader should possess are;