I
have begun reading Parker Palmer and Arthur Zajonc, “The Heart of Higher
Education: A Call to Renewal.” I find much for discussion in this passionate
work. Their work, research, and discussion make it clear that whole child
education, the renewal of human purpose and meaning must be at the heart of
education. Our work is transformational education. We invite deep dialogue,
integrating the inner life with the outer life. We make real, diversity and
global sensitivity, servant leadership and compassionate communities. They
offer this powerful quote by Wendell Berry in their introduction:
“The
thing being made in a university is humanity . . . what universities are
mandated to make or to help to make is human beings in the fullest sense of
these words—not just trained, workers or knowledgeable citizens, but
responsible heirs and members of human culture . . . underlying the idea of a
university—the bringing together, the combining into one, of all disciplines—is
the idea that good work and good citizenship are inevitable by products of the
making of a good—that is, a fully developed—human being.”
Palmer
proposes that the thread running through the nature of being, knowing,
teaching, learning, and ethics is the concept and practice of building
community. This is the essence of our work. I am so grateful to be a part of a
team that offers programs that explore our sense of purpose, core values, and
mission.
It
is rewarding and meaningful to share our authenticity, creativity, innovation,
and passion. I believe we can create schools that build community, mentor
servant leaders, and allow educators to share their truth through deep
dialogue.
