Over a year ago, I attended a Principals’ conference in Banff, AB where I saw one of the best keynote speakers I have ever had the chance to listen to. He is Simon Breakspear who is recognized internationally as a leading thinker on the future of learning and educational innovation.
Simon stressed that our goal as school leaders needs to be about re-imaging learning with a new vision for both learning and teaching. But what sets Simon apart from others who speak the same message is that he explains WHO we need to be as leaders when it comes to re-imaging and impacting learning in our schools.
To take this lead means to be BOLD and INNOVATIVE. We have to take risks, encourage wild ideas, welcome break-through insights, foster radical collaboration and defer judgment. We need to have the courage to create venues for passionate learning and to make decisions and changes that are right for students. We can't just “take the lead” and “walk the talk”. We have to jump in, accelerate and sustain it.
As school leaders, Simon stresses we must be innovators who…
If Learning is to Engage, Enrich, Empower, then we need to do the same! To re-image and have a profound impact on learning, it has to take boldness and innovation. How else can we act students and staff into new ways of thinking and teaching? We have to inspire and create momentum.
I can’t help but recall Simon’s other key point when he impatiently asked, “What are you waiting for?...It’s time to get a move on”. At DCSS, our Admin team is definitely starting full force with leading the learning. If we expect our students to be the drivers and teachers as the activators of learning, then we need to be both. Activate, drive; meanwhile, be BOLD and INNOVATE. A tall order, but we are up for the challenge! Again, to have true impact, we need to go above and beyond.
D. Lindstrom
Sept. 18th, 2014
Go to link: http://www.simonbreakspear.com
Simon stressed that our goal as school leaders needs to be about re-imaging learning with a new vision for both learning and teaching. But what sets Simon apart from others who speak the same message is that he explains WHO we need to be as leaders when it comes to re-imaging and impacting learning in our schools.
To take this lead means to be BOLD and INNOVATIVE. We have to take risks, encourage wild ideas, welcome break-through insights, foster radical collaboration and defer judgment. We need to have the courage to create venues for passionate learning and to make decisions and changes that are right for students. We can't just “take the lead” and “walk the talk”. We have to jump in, accelerate and sustain it.
As school leaders, Simon stresses we must be innovators who…
- Redesign systems of learning - involves peer-based learning and deep, personalized and effective learning for all.
- Shift the status quo – by thinking big and rethinking normal. Also, challenging the norms that stifle innovation.
- Design for deep learning – that challenges, stretches, relates.
- Embrace an experimental culture - reframing failure, making mistakes, allowing innovation. “The innovative mind needs new experiences.”
If Learning is to Engage, Enrich, Empower, then we need to do the same! To re-image and have a profound impact on learning, it has to take boldness and innovation. How else can we act students and staff into new ways of thinking and teaching? We have to inspire and create momentum.
I can’t help but recall Simon’s other key point when he impatiently asked, “What are you waiting for?...It’s time to get a move on”. At DCSS, our Admin team is definitely starting full force with leading the learning. If we expect our students to be the drivers and teachers as the activators of learning, then we need to be both. Activate, drive; meanwhile, be BOLD and INNOVATE. A tall order, but we are up for the challenge! Again, to have true impact, we need to go above and beyond.
D. Lindstrom
Sept. 18th, 2014
Go to link: http://www.simonbreakspear.com