This I believe

Yesterday I attended a session with other administrators and Brian Smith from BOCES on blogging for administrators. HW was given (can you believe the nerve of Brian) to comment on what we believe about education, teaching, learning, and educational leadership. Before I start delving into the topic I wanted to discuss how these views have been shaped. My own school experience certainly plays a part. As an adult, I have spent more time on learning theory related to my own learning which has played a part. Having taught 11 years plays a large role. Being a parent plays a very big role as I have watched my children learn from infancy. Last, Liam has helped me a great deal in shaping my thoughts about learning and leading. Liam is my oldest (just turned 9), on the autism spectrum, and has some learning deficiencies that keep me awake at night. Keep in mind these are thoughts coming immediately to mind. Give me some time and I would certainly expand.

This I believe about work in education. There is no more important work you can do. The ability to impact students is incredible and we need to relish the magnitude. Dwell in possibility!

This I believe on leadership in education. Leaders need to walk the talk. Define what you believe and value. Model this because if you do not, all will be lost. Leaders communicate to others what they believe and value. Leadership is as much about asking questions as it is giving answers. I am learning the best leaders push the learning and rather than give the easy answers or decisions that people want, force people to think and act beyond their comfort zone. In this field, leaders never stop learning. Leaders get other people involved in the conversation. Leaders respond rather than react and can see the forest through the trees. Leaders work on establishing relationships with all stakeholders.

This I believe about learning. There are many different ways to learn and the trick is to find ways people learn best and adapt learning models to these ways. Learning happens in a safe environment with time given to explore. Relationships matter! In school, learning happens when there is a good relationship between teacher and student. Once they know you care, students are open for learning. Learning happens when connections are made to what you already know. Give time to synthesize information and provide opportunity to make connections.

Leaders persevere. They persist based on their values and belief in what they do. In theory, the number of bad days and truly great days cancel each other out. Attitude makes the difference on all the other days. Leaders carry their own weather with them.

Brian Smith bonus article - the 80/10 problem http://dangerouslyirrelevant.org/2010/08/we-spend-80-of-our-classroom-time-on-the-skills-needed-for-10-of-our-jobs.html

Follow the comments posted. This is 2.0 and a great conversation between many learners.