It was my first day back at work following my father’s funeral. Teaching that day was especially difficult, however being around my students lifted my spirits. I had just finished class when my principal, Clark Luessman, entered my room. He sat down with me and said, “How are you doing?”. I told him that I felt bad about losing one of the greatest mentors in my life. To my surprise, Clark quickly retorted, “You should feel fortunate. You had many wonderful years with your father. It is sad to lose those whom we love, but we must always be grateful for the time we had with them.” Today, we lost one of the greatest humans to walk this planet - Clark Luessman. He was a magnificent father, leader, mentor and educator. I had the honor of working with Clark since he hired me in 2004. He made it possible for me to try new ideas and to take risks. I certainly would not be the educator (or person) I am today if it had not been for him. As any of staff members will tell you, Clark created a sense of family within our staff. He valued personal connections. Frequently Clark would come to your room to give you an answer to a question you sent him in an email. He liked to shake your hand and say “Thanks for all you do for kids.” I appreciate that now more than ever. One of my favorite quotes by Sir Ken Robinson is– “Farmers and gardeners know you cannot make a plant grow…The plant grows itself. What you do is provide the conditions for growth. And great farmers know what the conditions are and bad ones don’t. Great teachers know what the conditions for growth are and bad ones don’t.” Clark Luessman knew the conditions for growth. Our school grew and flourished as a direct result of his genuine care and guidance. I owe my success as an educator to the support, guidance and wisdom of this great man. His leadership was the rare kind—a relentless quest to provide students with the best education possible, tempered by humility and empathy, and entirely driven by a genuine curiosity and desire to make a difference, not just in the lives of his students (for which there is abundant evidence) but in the lives of his teachers. I consider myself privileged to have been among them. Clark also used to say “You don’t have to teach, you get to teach.” He wanted us to see the beauty in our students and this amazing profession called teaching. In other words, he wanted us to be grateful. Clark Luessman, I am grateful for you. I am grateful for the times we had talking about education, food, and our Packers. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with you and to learn from you. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for being such an amazing person and leader. I am grateful just not ready.
9 Comments
Jill Bandli
3/15/2018 09:49:12 pm
Thank you Chris for so wonderfully capturing the essence of Clark. He had way of bringing out the best in every life he touched. Sun Prairie Schools are a better place because of him
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Cathy Mielke
3/16/2018 01:55:17 pm
Thank you so much. A keepsake.
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Cathy Mielke
3/20/2018 07:24:29 pm
Thanks again Chris, I am Clarks sister.I hope you don't mind that I have shared this with family and friends. What an Awesome tribute to Clark. A keepsake for us.
Cathy
3/21/2018 09:00:49 am
Thank you for the kind note. I'm happy that you shared it. Clark meant so much to me. I will cherish my memories of him forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Brandon Lingle
3/16/2018 05:40:12 am
Clark you are a great man and you will be missed more than you could ever know. A lot of kids, teachers, parents, staff looked up to you. Your words of wisdom and constant caring is what this world needs more of. Thank you for every positive word and friendly smile! God bless
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Susan Lindgren
3/16/2018 06:35:14 am
Wonderfully written Chris!
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April
3/16/2018 07:20:36 am
Beautifully written. I only worked a short time with Clark, bringing students over from PPA and shortly at Patrick Marsh. He was such a genuine person, always asking how things were going and how he could help. Always a smile. Prayers to all who knew him. God received an amazing angel.
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Vicki Zank
3/16/2018 01:22:02 pm
Thank for sharing this perspective.
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Holli Johnson
3/16/2018 07:40:35 pm
Absolutely beautiful words and truth about a wonderful and incredible man! I am so saddened by the news of his passing. I had the privilege of knowing Clark as an administrator, ref, and parent of my former student Jack. He was an inspiration to many! My thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege to know him!❤️🙏🏽❤️
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AuthorChris Gleason teaches students through music at Patrick Marsh Middle School in Sun Prairie. Archives
March 2020
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