As many of you all know, I get very excited about education. The field of public education is unique as it is one of very few professional fields that require and expect visible and tangible transformation; both with children and adults. Education is a transformational process, field and career.
As I consider this, I realize that there is true magic in transformation, especially in regards to public education. Students, teachers, Superintendents, Boards and parents alike are transformed, whether they realize it or not by simply showing up. The education system is designed in such a fashion that all stakeholders are transformed and impacted, whether positively or negatively.
The magic of transformation lies in the balance of three critical areas: Power, Passion and Position. How each is used will determine the magnitude and potency of the transformation.
Power
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton was first coined with this phrase as he addressed a Bishop in a letter–reflecting on issues of his day.
Most recently, I have been reflecting on this phrase. In education, as with any field or occupation, the use of power can elevate or destroy. It all depends on who and how the power is used. I don’t need to say much about this, as I am sure many teachers and administrators have experienced both the negative and positive expressions in the field of education. Bottom line, we must all be careful as teachers and administrators with the limited power that is entrusted to us. Whether it is in the classroom, Boardroom or the office of the Superintendent, the use of power must be used to uplift, empower and bring justice to the powerless.
Power always becomes dangerous when it becomes a tool to build ones ego. I have seen this in my few years in education, from the classroom on up to the Boardroom. It is our responsibility to walk humbly, conscientiously, and reflectively as agents of power. Otherwise, the use of power becomes a tool for the ego, which ultimately becomes self seeking only.
Passion
Often passion is under rated and unappreciated. As I have worked in numerous leadership positions, I have found that those who have passion seem to find ways to succeed. The reason for this is because passionate people are internally driven. Something on the inside creates the excitement, purpose and energy of passionate individuals.
Typically, when I am looking to work with someone or hire a staff person, I look for competence and passion simultaneously. Both competence and passion help to create very energetic and high performing communities. In some instances, I have intentionally hired less qualified individuals who are passionate, over those who may have the full professional profile and no passion. Why? Passionate people are trainable and self-driven. Give a passionate person a task, and they will learn it and complete it every time. Passion is a necessity for positive transformation and effective public education.
Position
Superintendents, Board members, principals, teachers, students and parents all fill different types of positions and roles in the community of education. As a result, each position carries with it certain level of power and influence, but each level or form of power is necessary and benefial if utilized appropriately.
Too many times, people play games with their positions, inappropriately using the power that comes with that position. Posturing, manipulating or degrading others due to ones position is not only bad business, but harmful to positive transformation.
Of course, power and position go hand in hand. This is why it is so critical to be reflective and aware of the type of power “position” carries. It is my belief that we must use our positions in education and in life to serve others and to make a positive difference in the world. Not all see it that way, as has been demonstrated in numerous business scandals around the world. We also see it in the education field in more ways than one.
I could go on and on with the various conflicts that are created due to the misunderstanding or misuse of “position” and power.
Position is important, and can provide the necessary power to usher in positive transformation in the community of education.
Just a few thoughts, what do you think? What are ways we can use power, passion and position for positive transformation in our educational communities?
Join the Movement — The Teaching Movement Graysen
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