Linda Lim:
Reflections from Linda Cliatt-Wayman's TED talk
The whole notion of the school as a 'ecosystem' could not be more poignant. The school leader has the mandate! If your role 'is to lead, LEAD'. Dont skirt around it! Take the responsibility and lead. The learning environment in the school is the responsibility of the leader.... 'breathless'. ...
"So What -- Now What?"
"If nobody tells you today that you are loved.... remember I do!" Tough! Fearless Love!
Aside... i wonder... if the ecosystem notion of the school is a real and strong one, perhaps, we cannot 'fault' the teacher if he / she do not want to open up the boundries of the classroom. He/she may not want the culture of the school to 'infiltrate' his/her classroom.
Interesting perspective. =) More often than not, as leaders, we are quick to 'fault' teachers for not adhering to certain culture/ policies rather than to go beyond the surface/ behavioural issues to understand the 'why'.
ReplyDeleteThis is where i suppose all in the ecosystem needs to be responsible for each others' learning... Lofty .... yet....
DeleteSo you've listed a counter-example of school culture influence prevented from seeping into the classroom. It's a sobering thought because bad ideas and influences spread just as fast as or faster than positive influences.
ReplyDeleteThink of epidemics ... how often do we hear of an epidemic of good practice?
Thanks CXM. Yes... think epidemic and how good ideas and lousy ideas spread.... unfortunately, really.... the bad ones travel as fast if not faster.
DeleteYes, she is entrusted with the responsibility to lead, and I am glad she leads with passion. Having come through from similar background helps her to fully empathise with the kids.
ReplyDeleteIt is also interesting to note that she had to spend time with the kids and to manage the lunchroom every day so as to "my students toward their dream and their purpose in life". Great indeed, and she needs abundance of energies to do so. Her energies must also dissipate to her staff so that all can drive the school forward as one.
At the heart of it.... what is at the core? Her values is not the 'lovey dovey' thing of loving the students... I think it is her commitment to the 'centrality' of the students in schools and in learning.
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