Changing in Secret? Module 2 Part 1

The "Six Secrets of Change"... well to begin with I grew up in the Presbyterian church and if you ask a Presbyterian... How many Presbyterians does it take to change a light bulb? they'll look at you... cringe and reply, ")))))CHHHHAAAANNNNGGGGGE((((((" Humor  not good humor, but it does paint a certain picture (not about Presbyterians, but most all people). In a world that is constantly changing it astounds me that the individuals (educators: which includes administrators)  that should be changing the most are the ones that seem to be cemented in from their roots to their knees. Instead of embracing changes and paving the way for how those changes affect and have an effect on their classrooms and students; they let the change pass them by leaving them ineffective and irrelevant. Yet all hope is not lost because the wondrous thing about change is you can always choose to change and catch-up. The author talks about Fullen's, "Six Secrets to Change" as a way revitalize the school environment and start rebuilding student achievement. The two changes that speak to me the most are: "Secret #1: Love Your Employees" and "Secret #2: Connect Peers With Purpose." I think the reasons I like these two most is that both speak to supporting and empowering employees (educators) to make decisions and set attainable goals, while also challenging them to take risks and try new technologies to reach those goals. I know that I can be much more supportive to the overall mission and goals of the school and learning community when my input is Not only wanted, but asked for and valued. I doubt that I'm the only educator that feels that way. Educators that have the support of their administrators and administrators that have the support of their staff build a strong community of learners where student achievement has the potential to flourish. Knowing that being and doing better requires a great deal of effort and learning on everybody's part. I recall the words of an admired past Principal I worked with while serving on the LSIC..."Never let it rest until your good is better and your better is BEST!" it was painted on the lunchroom wall where he did lunch duty everyday (2 lunches 300 students per lunch) spending quality time talking to students and giving his staff time to have purposeful interactions while eating their lunch. He knew how to "love" his staff and they loved him for it, but the students were the ones that benefited the most... that's where true success is measured.