Thank you for those kind words Maha.

Setareh,
The school factory model is one that is discussed in my field – K12 education. I think an important topic in the conversation is to consider the demands of industry in the 21st century. Thomas Friedman’s ‘”The World is Flat” is a good resource for considering the impact of globalization on workplace skills and models of education. You ask really good and important questions. I wonder how this topic fits in with the other questions you pose here. Thanks for the insightful and interesting post.
Gary

Great post on having tough conversations and standing up for what’s right. As I was reading and reflecting on your post, it made me realize how important it is to hear the voices of others, even when we don’t like what they are saying. If we silence what others are saying we take away the chance to talk back to bad ideas. That means the bad ideas that are ingrained in a system are never challenged and never improved. Hear people out. Think through it. Talk back. We should be better at that in higher education than any other industry. Unfortunately, I think we are missing the mark. Fight on Corrie!
Gary

Cindy,
Thanks for being a person first and a principal second. In public education, it’s hard to not see this kind of thing (proverbially, not literally) on a regular basis. This is what being an educator should be about – much more than test scores. That little guy will remember what you did for him for a long time. It might be another 15-20 years before he’s willing to talk about what you did, but once he does it will be a compelling story. Hopefully, mom also learned a lesson about the dangers of laxative misuse! Great story,
Gary

Having taken a longish break between my undergraduate and my current pursuit of graduate school has really helped me know where my knowledge exists and where its limited. Your post really resonated with me, in particular; “The process and purpose is cyclical, fluid, ever changing and rooted in the intersection of learning, thinking, and sharing.”
It’s important to remind ourselves learning is a lifelong endeavor, and when we are able to teach students to tap into their curiosities, they can discover their passions that will keep them motivated to learn, think and share.

I am proud to say that I took ethics in my undergrad and during my MS. They really do help you think about how your actions affect others in a way that many people don’t. A lot of people feel they already know everything an ethics class can teach them, and they are usually the ones who need that teaching the most. It becomes really important to drive home those practical implications. I think students like us, who make the connection between our actions and people’s lives, are more likely to care about and potentially enjoy our work. We are more likely to keep people safe, more likely to train people with passion, and more likely to convince others to do their very best. Putting this thinking into a course, ethics or other, can be really helpful to connect things like homeworks to the greater goals of their education.

Maha,
Self-reflection is the best place to start when considering how to change. We have control over us. We don’t often have control over the externalities we’re surrounded by. Here’s to good teaching, good self-reflection, and living in a way that positively impacts the people and world around you. My best,
Gary

Tim,
Thanks for posting this very thoughtful and heartfelt piece of writing. The pressure that we manufacture in higher education (as well as in private business and industry) is unhealthy. We create excuses for acting this way, but when you examine them closely they are pretty flimsy. I hope this realization helps you move forward with renewed purpose and a healthy perspective. Keep reading good stuff – like the work you mentioned in your post – and surround yourself with good folks you can keep you grounded in a lifestyle that works. My best to you bud! It’s been a pleasure getting to know you this semester. Hopefully, our paths will cross again.
Gary

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I wholeheartedly agree that we need a shift in our education system and structures, and I don’t think we can wait for someone to give us permission to make these necessary changes. If that occurs, we will be in the same top-town model that no longer serves our students in the 21st century. My hope is that we are able to bring to life the pedagogies and practices we have studied over the course of this semester together causing a ripple effect to provide our students with the knowledge and creativity they need to strengthen communities of tomorrow.

Hi! Thank you for sharing your story with us! It is definitely easy to give up but harder to fight. Your story almost reminds me of jackie robinsons’ story. I think what you have achieved in your life time can only be an example to others who follow you!