Courageous leadership can look a little different given
particular situations. At times courageous leadership can mean bucking the
norm, refusing the status quo and moving an organization in a new direction or
into unchartered territory. At times courageous leadership may in fact be
speaking up, and being vulnerable as you confront difficult situations, and at
times it can be as simple as acknowledging that as a leader you don’t have all
the answers.
When I sat down and thought
about educators that I believe demonstrate courageous leadership on a regular
basis, a couple of names came to me right away, Peter DeWitt and Tony Sinanis. If you are a regular in any number of education chats on Twitter you are sure to have run into them. These two gentleman have had a tremendous impact on me, and many others. In addition to their regular contributions during Twitter chats focusing on education, they write reflective blogs that challenge readers to think deeply about the current issues in education. What makes Tony and Peter particularly courageous is their willingness to wrestle with complex ideas and examine many sides of a
situation. They confront reality head-on, and communicate openly. Both of these
educators seek feedback and consider multiple viewpoints, you can see this
through their participation in regular Twitter chats, education conferences and
the dialogue they generate with their individual blogs. Peter and Tony say what
needs to be said, even if it may be counter to popular opinion. And there is an understanding that learning
can be messy, and that in failure we pave the way for future success. Finally,
they lead with heart, and leading with heart takes courage. It means being
authentic, being vulnerable and cultivating human relationships.
Epilogue:
After I wrote this, I got to thinking of another person that I feel is demonstrating courageous leadership, and her name is Lisa Meade. Lisa is a middle school principal modeling the value of being a connected educator, an innovator and reflective practitioner. She regularly engages and challenges others in many of the education chats on Twitter, and regularly posts her reflections on education and teaching practices in her blog. She understands the importance of building relationships and sharing her passion. Sometimes I don't think she sees herself as being particularly courageous, but she is.
Privileged to have them as colleagues, inspired by their
leadership and ultimately blessed by their friendship.
A FEW MUST READS FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE BLOGS:
Christina,
ReplyDeleteWOW - thank you so much for including me in your post - I am beyond honored! I must say that joining Twitter and started my own blog has given me access to a voice I never knew existed within. I feel empowered, motivated and inspired especially by the likes of Peter, Lisa, you and so many other educators in our PLN! There is power in our voices and we must keep using them to advocate for our kids!
Thanks again,
Tony
Tony, I couldn't agree with you more! Being a connected educator through social media, but particularly through Twitter has really helped me to find the courage to speak up and speak out a little more. I'm certainly a work in progress, and continually learning, but I know that the time I invest in these reflective and engaging practices the more I will grow as a person, and as a teacher, and ultimately that will have positive impact on my students as well.
DeleteChristina, to think we have only met thru twitter and gho boggles my mind. I am honored to be included and grateful to have you, the passionate teacher, modeling reflective practice as well.
ReplyDeleteThe transformative power of a PLN is pretty remarkable. It may sound cliche, but truly my life has been forever changed by the connections I have made, the people I have met and the relationships that have developed through Twitter. Thank you so much Lisa for all that you do!
DeleteI agree with Tony! Wow! Thank you so much. I am so glad we have met...virtually and cannot wait to do this edcamp with you. The community we have built gives me the strength to speak up.
ReplyDeleteChristina, what great choices you've made in identifying leaders in the field. It's not just their words, but the heart behind the words that are inspiring. You can feel the transformation of leadership happening in this country with individuals such as those highlighted here, and you're becoming a part of that change. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to read my reflection Maureen. I'm learning a lot - from Peter, Tony, and Lisa, and just as importantly from you and Steve. The real strength of the CNYLDP for me has been being able to work alongside the two of you.
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