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Professional Driving Questions

Over the past term, there have been some questions that I have been pondering related to leadership and teaching in education. They are questions of purpose and motivation. While I have not got clear answers of all, some have helped me develop more clarity and direction with those I am working with as they speak to my philosophy of teaching and reasons for being a teacher.

My challenge is to prompt others to revisit what drives them to work with students and lead within educational settings.

  • What are we really trying to accomplish?
  • What are the things we need to be doing in this season?
  • What are the things we need to let go of which are holding us back?
  • Why are we trying to accomplish this alone? Who else are we bringing along on the journey and empowering with the vision?
  • Are we creating a collaborative culture?
  • Is what we are trying to achieve simple or are we making it too complicated?
  • If we are constantly exhausted, are we doing more than what is expected or are we pushing too hard to achieve something that needs more time to develop in the hearts and minds of other?
  • What routines do we need to ensure we are working collectively rather that individually?
  • How might we go about pausing to reflect on our actions that unite us and let go of the mindsets that divide us?

In education, some days the wheels are spinning without much traction. Other days there is so much momentum without much effort. Either way, ensuring we listen while keeping alignment to the vision, direction & destination help us succeed.

Something that I am coming to terms with is the in-between space connecting the old and the new. It is an uncomfortable space as it is outside of our comfort zones. Both Lev Vygotsky with his philosophy of Zone of Proximal Development (1978 as cited by Masters, 2013) and Carol Dweck (2008; 2012) with her philosophy of Growth Mindset indicate that though this is an uncomfortable space, the challenge develops us and causes us to evolve and expand our horizons. Taking wise council and listening while in this space is important as it gives us the feedback to make the micro adjustments that support further development.

References:

Dweck, C. (2008). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House Digital, Inc..

Dweck, C. (2012). Mindset: Changing the way you think to fulfil your potential. Hachette UK.

Vygotsky, L. S. (1980). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard university press.

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