I hope you don’t judge me for this.
I share this confession to explain what’s happening.
If you’re working to advance teaching and learning, school-wide, I hope it validates you, too.
Why might you judge me?
Because I was a high school teacher, got my masters teaching and assessment and doctorate in education. I taught in three different universities and worked with thousands of educators and leaders in both the US and Australia. And founded Unleash Learning – a new way forward for advancing teaching and learning, school-wide.
I’m not peacocking 🦚.
Just saying that with this background, you might be thinking – William, you should have this figured out!
1. MY CONFESSION: I CAN’T KEEP UP!
Yep, I can’t. But in this time we’re in, it’s nearly impossible.
We’re living in a time I call the era of overwhelm.
In this era, each week seems to roll out the latest new top teaching strategies to focus on, frameworks or teaching methods that all schools should use, or what can feel like the new “fad” for our profession to keep up with.
Even when the initiatives offer good stuff, or I agree with the teaching strategies being advocated, the truth is…
…I can’t keep up with the “latest new thing” we’re all supposed to do.
2. MY EXPERIENCE: MOST PEOPLE CAN’T
I don’t feel bad about it. Because in the era of overwhelm – I see first-hand that most people can’t keep up.
The era can also cause:
people feeling like they aren’t doing a great job, cynical about our profession or sometimes keeping their heads down trying to survive the era of overwhelm.
If you feel this way too, please know, you’re not alone.
3. MY INVITATION TO YOUR LEADERSHIP
If you’re working to advance teaching and learning, school-wide, it’s important to know about the era of overwhelm.
In this era, it can be hard to know where to put your energy to advance teaching and learning, school-wide.
CONCLUSION
That’s why the times are calling for a new way forward.
That new way is an invitation for you to embed an approach to teaching and learning across your school that can stabilise the ship – and restore sanity.
That way, when things change, you’ll have an approach that doesn’t.
Cheering you on!
William
