Nebraska Change Agent
' I am entirely certain that twenty years from now we will look back at education as it is practiced in most schools today and wonder how we could have tolerated anything so primitive.' John W Gardner
Jul
24
Heading in a New Direction
I have never thought of myself as a leader. The first few years I taught I was pretty happy with the state of things because I was blissfully unaware that there was a better way to do things. When I started to realize things could be different I went about change the wrong way. I would openly criticize what I perceived as problems. After getting in hot water more times than I care to count I decided to channel my energy into more positive ventures. This is how the ISTE Newbie project came to be. I have sort of made it my mission to help “newbies’” who are just getting into the world of Twitter and networking. I figured it is the least I can do since I sort of know a thing or two about creating a personal learning network.
One cannot be in education today without being aware that there are major flaws with the system. When I started this blog and decided to call it Nebraska Change Agent I did so because I wanted to make changes. I wanted to be one of the “one in ten” that Howie DiBlasi so passionately described when I met him over two years ago. The general consensus seems to be that change is not going to happen in schools unless it comes from the top. I want to be out front making sure I can help lead the charge. That is why I made the decision today to pursue my Master’s in Educational Administration.
This decision was fueled by my directors request for me to work with my colleagues to put together some presentation proposals for an upcoming Educational Administrator conference. My biggest fear speaking to a room full of administrators is the fact that they might perceive me as “just a teacher” and they will not value what I have to say. I know there are plenty of administrators who value what teachers have to say, but many do not. I want a place at the table and I want my voice to be heard.I want to be a force of change in education.
I will wrap up my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction next summer. A year from now I will start down my path to becoming an administrator. This may not make sense, but I feel like this path has selected me more than I have selected it. Others have strongly encouraged me to do this, but I really had not ever even considered it until recently. My husband has wanted me to do this for a long time and one of my best friends is always telling me I will go on to do great things. If it wasn’t for the encouragement from these two very special and wonderful people I would not be sitting here typing this post. Thank you for believing me.
Maybe I will find that I am not cut out to be an administrator, but maybe I will find out it is exactly what I was meant to do.
14 Responses to “Heading in a New Direction”
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July 24th, 2010 at 8:06 p
Having administrators who “get it” (Eric Sheninger, George Couros to name a couple)is HUGE for teachers and students. I’m glad you made this decision!
As for standing in front of other administrators… I had to do that many times when I was in PD. When we stop thinking of positions in education as hierarchies, I think things might improve. I know so many who are timid when they speak with educational leaders, but really? Aren’t we ALL educational leaders if we think of the true sense of the word, “leader?”
Go get ‘em!
July 24th, 2010 at 8:42 p
Michelle,
It is because of people like Eric Sheninger, George Couros, Patrick Larkin, and so many others that I feel like I can do this.
Thanks for your advice about addressing administrators. In fact, I think I am going to add something about how we are all educational leaders to my presentation. Thank you so much for your support and friendship. Means the world to me!
July 24th, 2010 at 8:10 p
Beth, hooray for you! It is always a mixed blessing when fabulous, passionate teachers decide to move into administration. On the one hand, there is one less fabulous, passionate teacher in the classroom. On the other hand, you have the opportunity to create a whole raft of new, fabulous passionate teachers through your leadership. Good luck with the new path! I wish you well, and I know your PLN will be coming along for this ride with you!
July 24th, 2010 at 9:01 p
Gerald,
You are too kind. I feel so lucky to have the support of so many people in my network. I don’t think I would be brave enough to do this alone. I have a very long journey ahead of me. I will not be leaving the classroom for at least three years and then only if the right job comes along. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement.
July 24th, 2010 at 8:15 p
Beth,
How awesome is this! Your passion for teachers, education, and change are exactly the qualities you need to be a great admin. And like you said, if it’s not where you are suppose to be you’ll have new knowledge to continue to fuel change and if it’s where you’re suppose to be, the world will have to look out! (Can I come work at your school?) Best of luck and keep us in the loop.
Tim
July 24th, 2010 at 9:06 p
Tim,
One of the things I have learned over the last year is how to channel my energy and passion to do good things. My two wonderful administrators (Jeff West and Kirk Begley) that taught me how to do this. I think this is what I am supposed to do. I have a plan.
July 24th, 2010 at 9:07 p
Beth,
Congrats on your journey. The educational world needs more administrators who have vision like you do. I’m looking forward to reading more.
July 24th, 2010 at 9:37 p
Change happens faster when the top and bottom work together headed in the same direction. That is hard to accomplish when so many of those people at the top have never seen the bottom, much less been a part of it.
If anyone can help those blithely ignorant people at the top understand how to make things work better in the world where teachers live, I know it is you.
July 25th, 2010 at 12:34 p
Congratulations on your decision and I know you can do it.
Totally different but similar in some ways. When James Farmer first approached me to write on The Edublogger I had very similar thoughts. Who me? I’m not good enough.
I decided that my goal has always been I wanted to help others, doing what was being offered to me meant I could help more people, and what’s the worst thing that could happen? That I would decide it really wasn’t for me — my belief has always been better to work towards what you believe in than to spend your life wondering.
So go for it!
July 25th, 2010 at 3:10 p
Exactly. If I decide this really isn’t for me then nothing has really been lost. I love teaching, but I love the challenge of being a student, too. If I did not do this I would always wonder if I should have done it. I am the type who hates to wonder. I NEED to know if this is the right thing for me. So glad you understand that.
July 25th, 2010 at 9:33 p
This makes me very happy Beth! I really believe that if you do great things like you are already doing, the opportunities will just come to you. By following you, I have seen the amazing work that you have done and am so glad that you are deciding to consider administration. Too be honest, you will find that some of the roles that you have in a school will change, but you are already a leader so it will be a natural fit when you decide to take the next step! If you ever need anything, let me know
July 25th, 2010 at 3:14 p
George,
I really never thought of myself as a leader until I looked around and realized that I was taking an active role in calling for change. Like I said, I used to go about it all wrong, but good administrators got me going on the right path. I think the best administrators lead by example and I think I will be able to do that.
July 25th, 2010 at 10:55 p
I didn’t think of your move as “if” but “when” I know you will be a top candidate from the get go! After finishing my second masters this summer I was looking forward to taking a break, however with you as a role model I suppose we should never feel like we are done learning and doing! P.S. I’m jealous because Jeff used to be my administrator. You guys could hire me someday it would be very “happymaking” for me. Good Luck Beth, oh and if you can get done before your kids go to college it is a really good thing!
July 25th, 2010 at 3:04 p
Ann,
I did not realize Jeff was your administrator. I have been blessed to work for only fantastic administrators who value their staff. n fact, NEVA teachers met almost weekly during the spring semester to redesign our program. How many teachers typically get that opportunity?
I am not really looking to leave ESU13 once I am done with my program. I think there will be some opportunities as our online program continues to grow. And yes, I plan on finishing by the time my oldest starts college. Once I complete the program I am working on now I will have 24 credits to take for my Educational Administration degree. A long and busy 3 years ahead of me, but I’m ready.