Resistance


cc licensed flickr photo shared by eflon

My good friend, Patrick Larkin, sent me a book entitled, “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield, and it could not have come at a better time.  Having only read through the first chapter, it spoke to me immediately when talking about some of the things that we will face Resistance.

7) Education of every kind.

8) Any act of political, moral, or ethical courage, including the decision to change for the better some unworthy pattern of thought of conduct in ourselves.

9) The undertaking of any enterprise or endeavour whose aim is to help others.

11) The taking of any principled stand in the face of adversity.

In other words, any act that rejects the immediate gratification in favor of long-term growth, health, or integrity.  Or, expressed another way, any act that derives for our higher nature instead of our lower.  Any of these will elicit Resistance. (The War of Art, Steven Pressfield)

Although there are several things that we see as beneficial to the long term growth of our students, there are many critics who say we need to keep them the status quo (while also complaining schools are not serving our students needs).  My continued belief is that as educators, we need to be the ones who stand up  for our kids and do all that we can to ensure that they have the opportunity to follow their dreams and be successful.

Recognizing and encouraging the strength of each child, building opportunities for self-directed and relevant learning, and creating a learning community for our school are things that are going to take work but are necessary for our kids.

Innovation and change is always met with Resistance, but if we are doing what is necessary for our students, then it is the work we have to do.

Thanks for the inspiration Patrick 🙂

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