Scott McLeod, whose blog Dangerously Irrelevant is a must have for your RSS for his thoughtful views, is launching the fourth annual Leadership Day, in which he urges educational bloggers to craft a message for school administrators about the impact of technology on learning.
As Scott writes:
“Administrators’ lack of knowledge is not entirely their fault. Most of them didn’t grow up with these technologies. Many are not using digital tools on a regular basis. Few have received training from their employers or their university preparation programs on how to use, think about, or be a leader regarding digital technologies.
So… let’s help them out.”
This year, I decided to create a comic — just to go a different route. I hope you consider adding your own two or three thoughts into the mix. If so, be sure to go to Scott’s blog post and add the hashtag #leadershipday10 to your tag and also fill out Scott’s form where he keeps track of things.
(a larger version of the photo is here)
Peace (in the sharing of ideas),
Kevin
Nice comic 🙂
It really speaks to the need for administrators to foster a community where risk-taking is not only encouraged but a desired part of the learning environment. During my first weeks teaching, my principal found me and our class “Fishing Down the Hallway” with the Old Man and the Sea. If she would have (and she could easily have) criticized instead of supported me, I’m sure my time as a classroom teacher and now my time as an administrator would be quite different.
Makes you realize the importance of that first principal in your life, doesn’t it?
Thanks for commenting, Ryan
Kevin
Nice.
I there’s a ton to be said for such open acceptance and encouragement by an early supervisor. As Ryan also said above, I too was given pretty huge pats on the back when I came out swinging as a first year teacher. That early acceptance and positivity is really sweet icing for someone rather deeply intrinsically motivated.
This brought back memories… AND laid out a sweet and simple reminder to those supervisors who will also read it.
Thanks, Sean.
You’re right — there is intrinsic motivation for folks who feel supported. It’s not all about the money. It’s about engagement and progress.
Kevin