Change: It Starts with Me

Change for the better:

The reason things stay the same is because we stay the same.  For things to change, we must change.  ~ Eric Jensen

Lately, I have been struggling with the issue of change.  Specifically, I am looking at one area of our school that I believe has become a vicious cycle of despair for us students — homework.  Teachers assign it.  Students don’t complete it.  Grades drop.  Frustration levels rise.  It is a system that is not working.  My purpose in writing this post is not to address ideas related to my "homework” dilemma (although I would be appreciative of your suggestions). Instead, I would like to focus on reflection and change, and the role that a professional learning network plays in this process.

There are posts allude to an inherent danger in the change process…the tendency to assume that change begins with someone else.  It is so easy to believe that “we” are doing the right things and that it is “them” that needs to change.  Parents need to be more supportive.  The kids need to improve their attitude.  The state needs to give us more resources.  All of this may be true, but focusing on these types of statements, when it is evident that there is a need for change, excuses us from an important professional obligation — reflective practice.

This is where this discussion comes full circle.  Change begins with me. I am not going to rely on someone else to provide me with development opportunities as a student.  I am going to find others, through my learning, who will challenge my way of thinking, offer advice and suggestions, and share their ideas about what works in our schools and classrooms.

Are you willing to change?

This is not easy question — being brutally honest about our practices and commitment level can cause some discomfort.  In fact, I have spent a good part of the last several months scrambling to feel like anything is working, and believe me; I have been pushed and challenged on many problems.  But, I also know that meaningful change begins with me…and with you. For things to change for the better, we must change.