As an educator, are you living a divided life? Try these 4 things.
I recently ran across the author and educator Parker Palmer. His ideas really resonate; I find them very human-centered:
Inwardly, we experience one imperative for our lives, but outwardly we respond to quite another. This is the human condition, of course—our inner and outer worlds are never in perfect harmony. But there are extremes of dividedness that become intolerable, when one can no longer live without bringing one's actions into harmony with one's inner life. When that happens inside of one person, then another, and another, and another, in relation to a significant social issue, a movement may be conceived. ~from The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of the Teacher’s Life
As educators, we find ourselves trapped in a standardized system. Dehumanized by it. Living a divided life. An inner world where all are seen, heard and valued. An outer world crushing that dream through standardization and compliance.
Inside, we yearn to find a resolution to this divided life, but we’re often unsure how to lead––what steps to take.
Palmer has some advice––four steps:
Commit to action. Decide––divided life no more!
Find others...build community...build your ideas together.
Go public....share, critique, grow!
Pressure the system for change.
Individual leadership is key in transformation. When we all decide to take action on the divided life, we build a movement through common purpose. We navigate from leadership is a title to leadership is a choice by anyone to take action.
I was recently reminded that people who advocate for change have to embrace a growth mindset. They are restless about some part of their practice or want to address some aspect of the standardized, compliance-based systems we inhabit...to improve them...to lessen the friction of the divided life.
Then there are those more comfortable with the divided life. They’re likely saddled with a fixed mindset. “It is what it is, and there isn't anything I can do about it.” they say. They’re static cogs in the wheels of the system and are fine with that. Or at least pleased enough to not be motivated to take action. The frictions created by the system have led them to be comfortable with the divided life.
How does this relate to The Human School?
Our vision here at The Human School goes like this: A human-centered movement focused on transforming learning communities where each individual is seen, heard, and valued. All are able to flourish by cultivating and meaningfully contributing their unique gifts to the world.
We are working to bring the objectors together....the people with a growth mindset and a willingness to tap into this one framing...this tool...the Human School Compass…to help them with the how question...
How do I begin to take action to break the cycle of the divided life?
We are supporting the restless through the process of...
Self-awareness and self-identification....choosing leadership...choosing to take action, not just sitting on the sidelines.
Community...bringing like minds together in one place.
Going public...sharing the stories into the education space for critique and support.
Are you feeling the friction of the divided life? Are you willing to commit to change?
