Change: The Only Constant in Education

You know when you get an email that there is a faculty meeting that afternoon that something big is up.

Earlier this semester, we got that email at our campus.  The news was that our principal, the founding principal of the school and a terrific leader, was getting a much deserved promotion.  Unfortunately, that meant that he would be leaving us at the end of this semester.

Lots of emotions can and do swirl in the wake of news that "Change, it is a-comin'."  There is sadness, fear, and eventually hope.  How we deal with these emotions are important to how we as educators keep the focus on what matters, while also continuing to contribute to a culture we are at least used to, and at best, a culture we love.  If you are experiencing change in a culture you love, this post is for you.

Those three emotions- sadness, fear, and hope- have actions we need to take, so lets take a look at them right now.

Sadness--Mourn, Then Move On
When a beloved faculty member or leader leaves- or sprig ran changes in any way- it is okay to mourn that loss.  I joked that every year I have found a mentor teacher I learned a lot from- each year, that teacher has left at the end of the year.  I joke that it is my fault, but I miss those relationships.  Daily chats, advice, and encouragement that are no longer there are deficits we should miss.  Be sad, it is healthy to express that emotion.  But do not dwell in your mourning.  When new staff or leaderships comes on board, it is unfair to them to still be down about the other person.  When I was in ministry, the dreaded phrase of "That's not how X used to do it," made my skin crawl as the new guy.  It is natural to like the way we are used to things working, but if we let our mourning keep going, we cut ourselves off from growing with the change that comes.

We must move on.  After that mentor leaves each year, I try to find a new one.

One who has NO plans to retire or move up. 

Fear-- Embrace It, and Prepare

I love the TV show, LOST. In the first episode, main character Jack related a story about a time when he was overcome with fear, and gave himself only to the count of five to let that fear have control. 

As educators facing change, we need an equivalent 5 Count. Go ahead and let the anxieties and fears in:  What ifs and Howxare we gonnas are okay and natural. 

Then grab the reins and start taking charge of the things you can control. Get yourself ready for the new leader or the new classes by learning what you can. Ask yourself questions about what practical things you can do while you wait for the chance to take effect. 

Then, you have the control to make the conscious choice to embrace the change and improve yourself. 

Hope--Believe the Best, Make It Happen

I firmly believe that change is an opportunity to improve, even if the current state is excellent. I will miss my principal, but I choose to hope that it means a chance for new and GOOD things for us- and the person moving on. 

Choosing hope in change means recognizing the change might be the best thing for the person we lose. 

And if we choose hope, we must look for the good, and try to draw it out of others. We can and must begin to dream and create opportunities that we will pursue under the change. Think of things you e wanted to try that you haven't been able to get approval for or had the chance to ask about. Make them a priority. 

Because change is motion. 

And Education is Change, So Education is Motion

We are in a profession of movement. New skills, strategies, technology, new ideologies- all calling for motion and growth. 

Change can and should be a motivator. But we cannot let it control us, that leads to negativity. 

No, we must take charge in change, and fix our eyes on a HOPE of growth and new opportunities.