In the fast-paced and ever-changing world of education, it is easy to get caught up in the constant demands and pressures of our profession. We are constantly bombarded with new policies, methods, and technologies, all promising to revolutionize the way we teach and ultimately, change the world.
But in the midst of all this chaos, have we forgotten the most important aspect of education – ourselves? As co-authors Catherine Brentnall and David Higgins, we have been reflecting on our interest in how educators change themselves and their practice. And we have come to the realization that perhaps, the key to changing the world lies in changing ourselves first.
As educators, we are responsible for shaping the minds of future generations. We have the power to inspire and empower our students to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and agents of change. But in order to do so, we must first be willing to reflect on our own beliefs, biases, and practices.
Reflecting on our own teaching methods and beliefs can be a daunting task. It requires us to be vulnerable, to question our own assumptions, and to be open to change. But it is through this process of self-reflection that we can truly transform ourselves as educators.
One of the biggest challenges we face as educators is the fear of failure. We are often afraid to try new approaches or methods, for fear of not getting it right the first time. But as Brentnall and Higgins argue, “embracing failure is essential to growth”. It is through our failures that we learn and improve, both as individuals and as educators.
In addition to self-reflection, collaboration and continuous learning are also crucial in the process of changing ourselves. As educators, we must be willing to work together, share our experiences and knowledge, and learn from one another. This not only benefits us as individuals, but it also creates a supportive and dynamic learning environment for our students.
But why is it so important for educators to change themselves? The answer lies in the impact we have on our students. As Brentnall and Higgins assert, “if we want to change the world, we must first change ourselves”. By continuously improving our practice and challenging our own beliefs, we can create a ripple effect that extends beyond the classroom.
In today’s society, where social and environmental issues continue to plague our world, it is more important than ever for educators to not only focus on academic achievement, but also on developing responsible and compassionate citizens. And this can only be achieved if we, as educators, are willing to lead by example.
Changing ourselves as educators is not an easy task. It requires dedication, self-awareness, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. But the rewards are immeasurable. By continuously improving ourselves, we can create a positive and lasting impact on our students and ultimately, the world.
So, let us shift our focus from changing the world to changing ourselves. Let us embrace self-reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning in our journey to become the best educators we can be. Because as Brentnall and Higgins remind us, “our greatest potential for change lies within ourselves”.
