What Kind Of Leaders Are Needed In Education And Beyond During “The Great Resignation of 2021?”
I recently read an article titled “What’s Really the Reason Behind the Great Resignation of 2021?” Just a few days later I read an article titled “Why Education Is About To Reach a Crisis of Epic Proportions.” Since reading these articles, I have been struggling to name how I feel, whether it’s sadness, frustration, intrigue, and even hope of a new beginning for public education.
I remember writing this blog post in September of 2020 titled “Striking a Balance Between Rhythm and Routine -Don’t Waste this Crisis” and feeling emotionally exhausted as we maneuvered education in a pandemic, but so motivated by this unique opportunity to reimagine public education. The unprecedented opportunity in front of us to rid ourselves of antiquated systems that promote factory model learning, to challenge “traditions” that no longer serve students, and to celebrate leaders who promoted creativity more than compliance.
Fast Forward to January of 2022…
Instead of looking for ways to revolutionize education, I worry we are so focused on closing “COVID gaps”, we are on exhausted autopilot and are missing many signs and opportunities to reimagine the way we do school. In our rush to “return to normal”, we are demanding educators “catch kids up” without taking any time to reflect on what really worked in the previous system and what can use an overhaul. In turn, we see disillusioned and exhausted educators show up every day without any chance to catch their breath to “catch those kids up” and “keep them in school.”
So I have landed on “What kind of leader do these teachers need to fall in love with their calling again, to cast a vision for the future of public education, and to challenge the way things have always been while in a state of complete exhaustion and shock?” The innovators in education are tired of showing up every day and doing the same thing in the name of compliance. They long to be surrounded by risk takers who see greater possibilities to not just “catch kids up”, but to deeply engage them in real learning and laughter. I worry the risk these innovative educators will take will be resignation if they are not embraced and inspired by their leaders.
In the article linked above referencing the Great Resignation of 2021, the research points less to dissatisfaction with pay and opportunities to work from home, but rather to feeling appreciated. The article reminds of the importance of leaders who are skilled deeply in interpersonal dynamics- who value real connections with their employees. The research also points out that people value “feeling like themselves at work.” They value autonomy and a leader who allows, celebrates, and showcases personal expression of vision. A leader who lives at the edge of their comfort zone inspiring others to find hope in the dark.
The hope I find in these times lives in the fire of the leaders who recognize the revolution of public education doesn’t live in the words “Close the COVID gaps.” It lives in the appreciated and autonomous hearts and minds of educators who were inspired by leaders to not walk away, but to dream of an educational future that takes crisis and creates a new way and a better way.
Related blog post- Basic Needs of Workplace Culture
Interested in talking leadership, workplace culture, organizational transformation? I would love to hear from you at laurenambeau@gmail.com