I went through most of school thinking (and being graded based on this assumption) that the author’s message was a definitive A, B, C or D and could often be summarized in a sentence that was right or wrong.   I was taught the authors or the textbook publishers had all the answers and my role was to figure it out and prove it to my teachers. I never saw the purpose or felt like my ideas were valued or nurtured. Because of this I never chose to read or write for any other purpose than school assignments and just did what I had to get by in school. 

It wasn’t until I experienced something different in college that I thought, what if I can teach kids differently. What if I can help students understand that their voice matters and empower them to learn –not because they needed to know information for a test but because it would allow them access to the world, ideas, and opportunities?  What if I can inspire my students to read, discover their passions and share their ideas with the world? 

What if meaningful change starts with you? 

Powerful learning will not happen by continuing to create new expectations for others or adding on to what already exists– it’s will require individuals who are willing to forsake existing procedures and policies that don’t work and start taking steps to create the change that we need in schools.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.

Margaret Mead

The new year is a good time for reflection and an opportunity to put new ideas and goals into practice. To inspire some new thinking and action, I asked educators to share their “What ifs” for education. Check out the responses in this thread- there are many great ideas!

What I loved about the responses was that most people focused on what they could do or what they wanted to see for students rather than blaming others. Look, I know we have challenges in education but if we only place blame on others, we will never make the changes that our schools require.  If we want innovative institutions that are going to develop the skills students need to be successful now and in the ever-changing future, we all need to evolve our traditional systems and structures. This doesn’t mean a new program or a new model, it means creating more nimble systems from our district office to classrooms to empower all learners.

What I loved about the responses was that most people focused on what they could do or what they wanted to see for students rather than blaming others. Look, I know we have challenges in education but if we only place blame on others, we will never make the changes that our schools require.  If we want innovative institutions that are going to develop the skills students need to be successful now and in the ever-changing future, we all need to rethink our traditional systems and structures. This doesn’t mean a new program or a new model, it means creating more nimble systems from our district offices to classrooms to look to learners to create learning experiences that meet their needs.

I would encourage you to think about you what ifs for 2020 and beyond and work with others in your community to make it happen!

What I loved about the responses was that most people focused on what they could do or what they wanted to see for students rather than blaming others. Look, I know we have challenges in education but if we only place blame on others, we will never make the changes that our schools require.  If we want innovative institutions that are going to develop the skills students need to be successful now and in the ever-changing future, we all need to rethink our traditional systems and structures. This doesn’t mean a new program or a new model, it means creating more nimble systems from our district office to classrooms to meet the needs of all learners.

I encourage you to think about your what-ifs for 2020 and beyond and more importantly connect with others in your local community and start taking action to make it happen!