I wrote a couple of weeks back about a big idea regarding our schools. I said we’ve sleepwalked away from our collective purpose into a hyper-individualistic toxicity.
It seemed to resonate pretty strongly. Some people were kind to praise me for speaking the quiet bit out loud about the teacher experience, which was lovely and affirming. Some were equally kind in thinking through their “Nah but” and “Yeah and” counterpoints – which is honestly highly beneficial when building a big concept.
Some hated my guts for it too! And, given most of those critics weren’t educators, it might indicate I’m on the right track.
So, I’m going to be speaking more into this concept, demonstrating my learning and adding some sophistication as I go.
At a base level, I want to change the reference point for what we think schools should be.
Schools should not be viewed as vending machines, where individuals get their list of complex needs catered for through the provision of countless products. It distracts and exhausts teachers and school leaders no end to be dispensing IEPs, IBPs, endless support hours and identifying apparent deficits in everyone who dares to wander into the school foyer.
Schools should be campfires – shared spaces where EVERYONE gathers, contributes and benefits. Students are not customers punching in B41 to get their latest diagnosed need met. Learning is not transactional, but relational and participatory.
This thinking better positions teachers and school leaders as fire-keepers. Their job is to keep the fire burning well enough that anybody near its glow and warmth grows as a learner and a person.
Campfire schools centre on belonging, mutual effort, membership, flourishing and partnership.
My suggestion? As fast as you can, shift the needle of your school away from vending machine bias to campfire commitment.
Examine everything within your influence.
Like … now.
Keep fighting that good fight,
P.S. Don’t wait for the next angry email to hit your inbox. Join me on 19 August for my Winning Over Angry Parents Workshop. Walk away with a clear plan to build trust, defuse conflict, protect your team, and stay calm under pressure.
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