When I was a teacher, I made my annual resolutions in August.
I will not grade papers in bed.
I will eat lunch.
I will have a social life this year.
Much like the late-January decrease in gym attendance, I usually had sheets stained with red ink and highlighter fluid and was back to raiding the vending machines by October 1st.
Lately, I’ve noticed a trend in thematic resolutions versus quantitative resolutions. Instead of resolving to “lose 10 pounds,” we resolve to “be healthy.” We pledge to be brave, be disciplined, be frugal, be honest.
The thematic approach to reform fits nicely with trends in education. Even the most data-driven reformers are beginning to realize that learning is less about scores, more about growth. Teacher motivation is less about salary and hours, more about motivation and autonomy.
Here are my prescriptive resolutions for stakeholders in teaching and learning to make 2013 “the best year ever” for education.
Teachers: Be Fearless.
Trust that you know what’s best for your students and stick to your guns. If curriculum, tests, and policies don’t make sense for you and your students, push back (thoughtfully, intelligently, peacefully). You are the teacher. Your playing small does not serve your students well. If you have a union, use it well. Organize other teachers and campaign for better professional development, more comprehensive evaluations, more flexibility with curriculum, smarter school spending practices. When you advocate fearlessly for yourself, you also advocate for your colleagues, your students, their parents, and the community at-large.
Parents: Speak Up, Show Up.
If you think a school system is failing your child and other students, speak up. This doesn’t (necessarily) require controversy, picketing, legislation. If you’re concerned about your student’s progress, call the teacher and ask how you can help. She’ll be thankful for your support. Even better – call your student’s teacher to say “Great job!” once in awhile. You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you receive a good report? It works both ways. A little positive praise goes a long way. If you have the time, show up at school once in a while, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Your presence will do wonders for your child and other students. If you want to get involved at a higher level, by all means: blog, tweet, and campaign away.
Principals: Lead from Behind.
This quote has gotten muddled in recent foreign policy scandals, but the phrase is derived from a Nelson Mandela quote: “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur.” By granting autonomy and leadership privileges to your teachers and students and refraining from micro-managing them, you not only empower staff and students, but also allow more time for observing classrooms, providing feedback, and cultivating local partnerships. When teachers feel a sense of autonomy over their curriculum, class environment, professional development and resource selection, passionate instructional leaders will blossom and thrive. When students assume leadership roles in school (through student council, hall patrol, internships, and teacher assistantships), school culture will improve with ease.
Reformers, Pundits, Thought Leaders: Think Progress.
Some of the public commentary on public education is downright vitriolic. There is an enormous spectrum of opinions on how to “fix” American public education. Let’s try to find some common ground, folks. There’s no need to attack people and policies with such venom. Let’s remember the students – isn’t that the whole point? Let’s think about progress, instead of tearing each other down. Let’s value different experiences, different perspectives – wouldn’t we teach our students to do so? Let’s disagree with civility. Let’s propose solutions and encourage experimentation and innovation. Some of the language I witness among educators would have warranted detention in my classroom – and definitely an apology letter. Instigating hyper-polarity among educators and other stakeholders will only stagnate reform. If we’re educating future congressional representatives, we must model more productive politicking.
