I’ve read some wonderful posts in response to Scott MacLeod‘s brilliant #makeschooldifferent challenge. Educators have thoughtful, inspired ideas. It’s been so interesting to see what people think must change and where thoughts intersect. I urge you to go to the #makeschooldifferent hashtag on Twitter and check out some blogs.
As I reflected on my #makeschooldifferent post from a few days ago, I really started to think, so what? If I really believe these five things need to change, what will I do about it?
Janelle Wilson shared in her #makeschooldifferent post: “We as individuals can’t change the world of education.“ That really struck me, because I truly believe that we can change education – in fact, it’s essential! But then I read again and noted she uses the word “individuals”. While we can make some change as individuals, more people is better. Margaret Mead, famed anthropologist, said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” And one thing I see on EduTwitter is groups of thoughtful, committed citizens. I can imagine what we might do together to make school different.
Then I remember the Mahatma Ghandi quote, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” That reminds me that it is also up to us individually. If I can speak up and act on my beliefs when I have the opportunity, that can make change. I can commit to making sure that I never agree with a “one size fits all” approach for educator professional learning. I can share my passion when I am in the midst of making decisions about how professional learning might look for different people. Another thing? I can give people time. Time to talk, time to wrestle with new ideas, time to try them out, time to look at the evidence that tells us whether it’s worth doing.
Anyone with me?
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