From the Other Side of the Desk
Education Generation's Thursday Newsletter
This previous weekend, a Symposium I initiated took place here in Mumbai.
From Friday afternoon onwards, all the planning, all the late night emergency spreadsheet readjustments, all the emailing and organising and negotiating ceased, and it was time to simply do.
Our teachers emerged as the leaders they truly are. Our students, as our future leaders, who will take our world even further.
And I couldn’t have been prouder.
Most of all, though, I was proud of how students and educators, parents and thought leaders alike, all gathered to discuss, debate, workshop, create, and learn more about how to advance student attainment. Whatever stakeholder category you might fall into, there is no doubt that this is what we all want: our students’ success.
This can, of course, mean very different things to different people. It might be academic. For the student who aspires to Oxbridge or Ivy League tier universities, it certainly will be. But equally valid is a goal to grow more creatively, or to spearhead the betterment of humanity, or develop more sustainable agricultural sources.
Or, perhaps, to simply become a kinder human being.
Whatever dream they have, this is what we are all here for, whether as parents or educators.
To ensure our children reach the goals they aspire to achieving.
A school is simply a starting point, but an important one. Whether a school believes professional development is the key to a top notch teaching body, or shared experiential learning, leaders must prioritise their staff. And though it sounds like the most self-evident statement, it bears repeating that leadership leading is vital.
What that looks like, however, is ever-evolving.
We have all seen what leadership has been in the past. I’m certain we have all seen what hasn’t worked, whether as educators, parents, or even students. And none of us want to repeat mistakes of the past.
In a recently published article - The Headmaster's New Clothes - I invite us all to rethink what school leadership should look like in the 21st century.
Whether you adopt a servant leadership mentality, aim for distributed leadership within a shared system, or lead with the aim of power-with, rather than power-over, times and institutions are, thankfully changing. And with every change within every school is a new opportunity for teachers and students alike to grow to their full potential.
Because after all, isn’t that what education is really about.
Extra Credit Reading:
The New Roles of Leaders in 21st Century Organisations
Spotlight on a School - Misk Schools
10 Traits of Successful School Leaders
THIS WEEK…
Listen to:
A new-to-me artist I’ve discovered this week is Black Hibiscus, and I’d definitely recommend a listen. Claiming influences such as Blood Orange, Q, Steve Lacy, and Nick Hakim, it’s clear that this Nigerian-born indie-soul artist has oodles of talent. Fun fact: he plays every instrument you hear! While I’ve been into every track I’ve heard, we have Basquiat on repeat in our house. Have a listen on Spotify, and make sure you show him some love on the grid.
Watch this:
Amidst the current global tensions, this 2021 Oscar qualified animated short film is a beautiful beacon of light to remind us of our shared humanity. Created and produced in Brazil, Umbrella takes us through Joseph’s dream of having a yellow umbrella while living in an orphanage. Inspired by true events, and overflowing with empathy and hope, Umbrella will leave your heart feeling a little healed.
Worth reading:
The big questions that the state of the world has us all asking ourselves are, well, big. We all want our children to live in peace and stability, but we equally all have different answers on how to get there. Asking us How Much Discomfort is the Whole World Worth, writers and activists Mariame Kabe and Kelly Hayes present their perspective. At its heart, it all boils down to how we listen to each other, even - or perhaps especially - when we hold opposing viewpoints. Whatever your politics, whether you are aligned with theirs or not, this read holds a worthwhile reminder that the only way forward is together.
Know someone who might like to join our conversation about education? Fantastic! Go right ahead and forward this email to your friend, and invite them to subscribe.
As always, do feel free to reach out at any time - I’d love to hear from you.
Yours in the spirit of inquiry,
Alexander