How can we transform schools?

How can we transform schools?  How do we take standardized test oppressed educators and students to an experience where they all know they are cared for and each of their lives matter.

We need to see everyone, yes everyone, as a potential leader.  We need to inspire and recognize their passion, heart, commitment, and compassion.  We need to recognize and acknowledge the humanity and goodness of everyone in our school.

In my 45 years in education, I have found that if we take care of those we work with, they will take care of the work of teaching and learning.  If we let people know we genuinely care about them, they will let others know they care.

Trust is the core of successful school transformation.  We must give trust to get trust.

"They found one variable that had great explanatory power: they called it "relational trust," which I read as a synonym of "community."  If a school had high relational trust and/or a leadership core that worked on trust building, that school had roughly a 5 out of 7 chance of serving students better by the end of the decade."

- "The Heart of Higher Education" Palmer, Zajonc, Scribner, Nepo 2010, page 46

The children, parents, and educators of our nation are starving for positivity and authentic leadership in schools.  Everyone I meet in education is passionate to show their love for children and love of learning.

Long term meaningful change is not easy.  It is not fast.  We need to make a heart felt, soul-level commitment to children, educators and parents to do what is needed.  To do the right thing.  I believe the right thing is doing what is most human.  

Taking care of each other is most human.