Educational systems and change
This section of my professional website deals with change. So many aspects of the traditional education system are embroiled in change efforts -- many of which will fail due to poor planning. As we move through the 21st Century, it has become increasingly clear that the job of educator has moved far beyond that of simply teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. Beyond the classroom, teachers are leading the way in new and innovative approaches.
One of the most promising innovations in education right now is the move toward stronger teacher leadership. In the past, in order for a teacher to advance her career, the only path was through going into administration or perhaps becoming a teacher of teachers. Susan Loucks-Horsley (1987) recognized long ago the need for a more sophisticated path: "Traditionally, those who provided professional development to teachers were considered to be trainers. Now, their roles have broadened immensely. Like teachers in science classrooms, they have to be facilitators, assessors, resource brokers, mediators of learning, designers, and coaches, in addition to being trainers when appropriate" (Hord, 1987). While this need has long been acknowledged, it is only now within the past five to six years that real change is being made.
The following pages will outline my plan for change as my building embarks on the journey of distributive leadership. Do enjoy.
One of the most promising innovations in education right now is the move toward stronger teacher leadership. In the past, in order for a teacher to advance her career, the only path was through going into administration or perhaps becoming a teacher of teachers. Susan Loucks-Horsley (1987) recognized long ago the need for a more sophisticated path: "Traditionally, those who provided professional development to teachers were considered to be trainers. Now, their roles have broadened immensely. Like teachers in science classrooms, they have to be facilitators, assessors, resource brokers, mediators of learning, designers, and coaches, in addition to being trainers when appropriate" (Hord, 1987). While this need has long been acknowledged, it is only now within the past five to six years that real change is being made.
The following pages will outline my plan for change as my building embarks on the journey of distributive leadership. Do enjoy.