What Excites Me Now As A Leader
After more than three decades dedicated to education, I find myself less captivated by the how and what of teaching and learning and increasingly drawn to the profound question of why schools exist - what is the grand purpose each school serves?
For too long, the focus has been on the mechanics of education: the curriculum, the pedagogy, the assessments. We've meticulously crafted standards, implemented new technologies, and debated the merits of various teaching methods. While these are vital considerations, they often overshadow a fundamental truth:
Each school should exist for a specific reason, and be able to articulate that reason in explicit terms.
This underlying purpose is a missing link in many educational institutions. Without a clearly defined and shared "why," schools lack a unifying force that illuminates its future and aligns its efforts.
Imagine a ship setting sail without a destination. It might have a skilled crew, advanced navigation tools, and abundant supplies, but it will inevitably drift aimlessly, its progress hindered by uncertainty and internal conflict.
Schools, similarly, can become adrift without an explicit and inspiring purpose. Unclear expectations, conflicting priorities, and internal struggles become the norm. Teachers, administrators, and support staff may work diligently, but their efforts can feel fragmented, their impact diminished.
The grand purpose unites the staff and makes clear to the members of the school's community what the institution is trying to achieve.
However, the "why" is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.
Each school, reflecting the needs and aspirations of its community, should define its own unique purpose. Perhaps one school emphasizes fostering creativity and innovation, while another prioritizes cultivating global citizens. Either way, each school, and each school leader, is better served if the purpose is defined.
The crucial point is not to achieve uniformity but to establish clarity.
Until schools discover their "why," the challenges that many face will continue to frustrate educators.
They will continue to grapple with:
- Unclear expectations: Teachers and students alike will struggle to understand the ultimate goals and their role in achieving them.
- Internal conflict: Disagreements will arise over priorities, leading to frustration and a lack of cohesion.
- Limited impact: Without a unified vision, efforts may be scattered and ineffective, failing to produce meaningful and lasting change.
Finding a school's "why" requires a deep and honest conversation.
It demands engagement with communities, listening to the voices of students, and reflecting on core values. It requires moving beyond the familiar (yet, important) debates about curriculum and pedagogy and delve into the deeper questions: "What kind of world do we want to create?" "What role should our school play in shaping that world?"
The journey of defining and living a school's "purpose may not be easy. It requires courage, vulnerability, and a commitment to ongoing dialogue and reflection. But the rewards will be immeasurable: a renewed sense of purpose, a stronger sense of community, and a more profound and lasting impact on the lives of students.
