So Now What?

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?

Photo Credit: HikingArtist.com via Compfight cc
Photo Credit: HikingArtist.com via Compfight cc

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?


Comments

7 Responses to “So Now What?”

  1. Sue, I’m totally with you here. I’d love to see this challenge lead to change. As someone in my school that doesn’t hold much of the “decision making power” (when it comes to PD for instance), I’m trying to think of what else I can do. I know that I can continue to share, listen to what others share, and give time for all of us to process these new and different ideas. But I wonder if there’s more. What are others going to do?

    Aviva

    1. What about joining a group of committed citizens to make change?

      1. Do you have any group recommendations? Do you know of any that exist? I’d love to know more!

        Aviva

  2. Hopefully some individuals will indeed be motivated to tackle locally some of the items on their lists. And hopefully they won’t be stymied by indifferent peers, leaders, parents…

    The traditional system is dying. Long live whatever comes next.

    1. I so hope you are right, Scott. I see change, but I also see a lot of people saying “we can’t do that!” Maybe in my lifetime?

  3. No matter who you are, you can affect change. Looking at all the wonderful lists in the hashtag, I know as a classroom teacher, there are some that I can focus on to #makeschooldifferent. I’d go so far to say that it’s not about the level of leadership you’ve attained in a career, it’s the number of people you have the potential to influence. I know there are more than 70 staff in my school, 30-odd teachers. I have the ability to affect change in these people. I’m on board with you, Sue. It’s not enough to make that list, we must use it as an impetus to move forward. Let’s not just talk about how to make school different, let’s actually do it!

    1. Yes, leadership is ALL about influence. How will you influence those 70+ colleagues?

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