Every once in a while I throw my hat in the ring for a job in a public school. Not because I want to give up my growing business, but because I believe public schools are important and I want to be a part of making them better. Cause, let’s face it, the current system isn’t working for our youth, families or communities.
When I began my career, I thought of myself as a progressive, someone who changes the system from the inside. I believed that systemic change takes time and it was best not to rush change as it could overturn the proverbial apple cart creating chaos. So, I applied for positions that would allow me to be a difference maker, in roles I believed my skills and expertise would be put to the best use. This happens maybe once or twice a year, as I would not give up my vision for Creative Advocacy Solutions for a role that wouldn’t allow me to have a greater impact. For various reasons, these jobs don’t work out. At first, I really let this get me down, experiencing imposter syndrome and a crisis of confidence. It felt like what I had to offer and my vision of education was not wanted, or perhaps even was not truly visionary afterall. However, after allowing myself a short pity party, I began to look around me and I saw that I was not alone in my vision of what education could be. I began to realize it wasn’t that I didn’t have something of value to give, but rather I was trying to fit my square peg self into a round hole.
So I have refocused my efforts on my consulting business. There is no lack of families in need who appreciate my support, and the work is very meaningful and personal. I also get to teach preservice teachers and administrators as an adjunct professor, which had always been my end game when I began my career in education over 20 years ago.
I love my work, I love building my business, creating, collaborating with teams across the state and country. It has brought me new opportunities such as presenting at conferences, coaching in schools, supporting grassroots advocacy initiatives, and co-writing a chapter for a book on family engagement. So many other doors, that I never imagined 23 years ago as a grad student, have opened. I realize that I have achieved my initial goals, while not in quite the linear way I thought things would unfold, but it seems as I have grown as an educator, my game field has gotten larger and the goal posts have moved. One thing though has remained the same; I still want to be a part of transformational change in education.
As a parent and educator, and walking alongside other parents and educators, I know that we don’t have time to wait around for change. Our kids can’t continue to be sacrificed because there are those in the system that don’t want change, or aren’t able to do the work of shifting mindsets and restructuring. Even if a school district is trying, they take the approach of incremental change. Meanwhile, our youth are being quite literally pushed out and left behind. As Master Yoda said, “Try not. Do or do not, there is no try.” As we lose students and teachers in school at growing rates today, we can no longer afford to simply try. Teachers can find other work with better hours, pay and professional respect, and parents can move their kids to schools and educational settings that will provide them with what they need. But what about the families that cannot? What about the teachers who have not given up?
There is a better way, and I believe we can solve all these issues by creating schools that are centered on students, families and communities. As I continue my work as a family advocate in schools, I also want to double down on my efforts this school year and beyond in fostering collaborative teams that work for the student first. I want to support school staff in providing the least restrictive environment and an inclusive education for all their students. Already, I am the advocate families seek when they want to be heard, understand their rights, and find a way forward with the school team. I believe my role is to work myself out of a job. I do this by honoring the family’s voice, informing them on their options and rights, and working with them and their school team to reestablish a trusting and collaborative relationship.
This year, I plan to hire an advocate or two to work with me, so I can focus more on supporting schools in creating inclusive communities. It is clear to me now that my career path in education will not be traditional but rather evolving as the needs of our communities shift, and helping schools to create sustainable systems and responsive practices that do the same. And so I ask you: Are you ready?
Creative Advocacy Solutions for Education 