Does every school have…
moments that are exhilarating, when the excitement of learning is palpable, everyone has an opportunity to learn and express themselves in their own way and teachers and learners are collaborators in the learning process?
and
moments of despair, where nothing goes to plan, technology fails or unexpected interruptions hinder learning?
Does every school have…
teachers who understand learning, who love to learn themselves, who provoke student inquiry and aren’t afraid to try new things to move learning forward?
and
teachers who go through the motions, with their eyes on the clock and who think teaching is just a job?
Does every school have…
units that inspire teachers and learners, provide opportunities for creativity and collaboration, engage the learners and excite them to want to inquire, explore and learn?
and
units that fall off the rails because of poor planning or misunderstanding or shortage of time or lack of motivation?
Does every school have…
leaders (at all levels) who are passionate about learning, who motivate, empower and innovate, who instigate change and shape culture?
and
leaders who dictate and enforce, focus on what’s expedient instead of on the learning and possibly don’t even care?
Does your school?
What Ed Said 
Edna, reading yet another thoughtful post made me realise why I like your blog so much – your clarity. Your language is so clear, no unnecessary jargon – which makes your message very powerful. Less is more!
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One could be easily depressed by the realisation that we have staff, belonging to the second category, in our schools. However – in glass half-full fashion – I’m really inspired reflecting on the fact that I have colleagues who belong in the second category! Thanks Edna.
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…and consider that by working alongside staff that we would place in the second category, we are afforded an opportunity to influence and support them in moving to that first category. If we were not in a position where we were “stuck with them” it would be much harder to exert any influence by leading by example and sharing our own successes.
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What a privilege it is to be a teacher and to be part of the students’ learning journey. Great post! Really makes you think what group we want to be in and what group we don’t want to fall into.
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