Ms. B’s Thoughts

ED640
Reflection 9/20/2008
Sara R. Van Abel

When I was a senior in high school almost (GASP!) 20 years ago, I was almost completely obsessed with American politics.  My best friend Jen and I had two notebooks we wrote in continuously.  Amongst the doodle of our latest loves and the typical school girl gossip was the serious discussion of issues and policies pertinent to the presidential election and our great country.  (Fall 1988).  This stemmed from serious Equal Rights Amendment discussion and reports on the suffrage movement written in our 6th grade curly cursive.  We were passionate.  We held strong views and were vocal in our pursuits to make our causes known.  Over the last twenty years, my passion has ebbed and flowed.  At times I am intent on knowing all I can (Thanks, TimRussert !) and then at other times, it fades, the stress of motherhood and life turn my passion to apathy.  Today an old passion merged with a strong familiar steady one.  Politics and education.
Although short in time, this semester has already provided me with a glimmer of light on a path I didn’t know existed.  I thought it was there, but wasn’t sure how all of the footprints and the ruts fit together to show me the way.  It is all coming together.  In our first meeting and as outlined in my first reflection, I felt the light bulb brighten with the new found acknowledgment as to the importance of school policy.  Now this week–dust off that old passion for politics and combine it with my vision and passion for change in our schools and ZOWIE! I am seeing a path laid out before me I haven’t seen before.  Bob Nardi did a fantastic job of highlighting the importance of “knowing your universe”. I love this concept.  It makes perfect sense.  I have been living in a narrow universe for far too long.  Room 120 belongs to the basement which is housed in Negaunee High School which is part of the Negaunee School District which is in Marquette County, which has ties to MARESA, which is connected to the State of Michigan where much, much, much of the policy is decided.  The state of Michigan is one of 50 members in the great United State, where even more of the policy is determined.  I am a teacher.  First committed to the children who walk through my door.  But I am more.  I am a member of the special education staff, the high school staff, the district staff.  I belong to a larger group of teachers, those that teach in Marquette County.  We have a vested interest.  Then the county becomes the Upper Peninsula, the Upper Peninsula becomes the state and the state our country.   And then when you see the big picture, I am a teacher in the world.  One of many, millions that believe in the power of education and that each and every day, the decisions we make impact human lives.Hmmm…how can change truly be implemented?  Where does it happen and how best can we impact the policy and standards that directly affect students in our classrooms?  We need to know our universe. Understand the system in which you work.  This is power.  Knowledge of the system, understanding how it all works together gives you an glimpse behind the curtain and with that comes the confidence, the knowledge to impact greater change.

“When things are bad; people can only see them getting worse. When things are good; people can only see them getting better.” –quote shared from BobNardi during our class today.

I believe Bob when he said that good times are ahead.  I think that along with the ability to have a vision, the ability to lead, the motivation it takes to be a good leader, we need to have a positive outlook on the future of education.  I need to believe that we are going to figure this all out.  I was reading once about shifts that have occurred in our history.  The different eras that people have had to adjust through–the one constant that has held strong is education.  That in times of great shift, the people look to the educational systems for guidance.  The one difference right now that poses an enormous challenge is that the change itself is occurring within the educational system.  It is probably, now, more important than ever to be involved at a state and national level in the conversation on educational change.

“Remember that your cause, is not necessarily everyone’s cause.”

Yet another quote from Bob Nardi shared during his visit.  This is one I need to post above my desk.  I often approach things in a “head on, straight ahead,  get out of my way, listen to me” kind of manner.  Keeping that big picture in your view and realizing that everyone has their own passions that are equally important is so very crucial to maintaining a positive environment in educational leadership.

It all boils down to keeping your eyes, your mind and your heart open to all that is going on in our world.  Trusting that you are doing the right thing for children.  Our communities are putting their faith in us.  They believe that we are going to do what is best.  Each and every day they entrust public education with the very thing that matters most to them in this world: their children.  We cannot misuse that trust.  Each and every teacher, regardless of their position in the school, must do their best to participate in ongoing sustainable professional development.  We must do our best to do as Mr. Nardi said: Be involved, understand the system, be prepared to take action, see the world from a global perspective and work with our legislatures.  Teachers should be the prime example for the importance of life-long learning.