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Humility > Expertise

I strongly believe in instructional visions that put the teachers on the sideline facilitating learning instead of leading it. Be it the flipped classroom or Clayton Christensen's vision of learning programs and games taking the lead in personalizing instruction, I think we need to embrace this developing role. The teacher is by no means marginalized with these models, simply more of a coach or counselor. In the world of easy access to information personal relationships development trumps content expertise. For those of us working in technology, we've known for a long time that its okay to tell someone "I don't know, but will look into it" (I think that's a Doug Johnson line...). All of us in education need to be okay with that, from the superintendent on down. Content expertise is great, but I think humility is more important. I get it that it's a tough pill to swallow for some, but I feel I've been both happier and more effective in my job since I've embraced that theory. My knowledge of technology, integration and my ability to effectively troubleshoot problems, while mission-critical to my employment, doesn't add a great deal to my perceived worth to the district. Obviously if any of us are incompetent,we'd be gone, but I think our soft skills are what add real value to the job we do.


Currently, I'm reading How RTI Works in Secondary Schools: Building a Framework for Success and the author's write how important "humility, sensitivity and constant reflection" are to building relationships that help move our students forward (with RTI and PBS structures). If we want to change hearts and minds of students or staff, we need to let them know that we all reside on the same plane of reality. Knowledge doesn't demand respect. Relationship building earns it. Relationship development is how we start to turn the corner in teaching & learning, student achievement, services provided...or whatever else we may be doing in education or any other sector.
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