Return-Path: <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id hAL3cSm09669; Thu, 20 Nov 2003 22:38:28 -0500 (EST) Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 22:38:28 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <CFA0B6B409EBD411ABBF0000F8CD206C06FECC2F@CREXC01> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: bodman@ucc.edu To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-aalpd@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:824] RE: teachers as leaders X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain; X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2655.55) Status: O Content-Length: 2258 Lines: 57 Notice that I didn't say that they would have to put their job on the line, but only that they must have a conviction that the issue they are espousing would be worth putting their job on the line. That conviction of rightness and willingness to sacrifice for the good of the cause is very compelling to the group. Leadership on the little issues is easy and does not require much of a leader. Often a facilitator and organizer will do. When one works within the system, not much heat is usually engendered. Change is incremental. Major, subtantive change of the system itself takes major courage. Leaders that I have been willing to follow have been willing to be out in front and personally take any heat that comes for the benefit of the group. Whadayathink? Jean Bodman Union County College bodman@ucc.edu Work: 908-965-6096 Home: 609-695-6567 -----Original Message----- From: Tamara Thornton Clunis [mailto:tclunis@txstate.edu] Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2003 1:59 PM To: Multiple recipients of list Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:822] teachers as leaders I have been following the discussion thread regarding teachers as leaders. I don't know if I necessarily agree in all cases with the statement that a teacher that leads should be willing to put their job and career on the line. I think those are more extreme circumstances. I agree that a leader can be courageous etc and keep your employment. I actually think that an important quality of a leader is to be able to lead while operating within the system. Many of the issues facing teachers in adult literacy are systemic issues. Systemic change can not happen overnight. A leadership legacy that endures happens over a period time...often with that person remaining in the position over a period of years. There is a wonderful book by Howard Gardner called Leading Minds. The book profiles leaders who lead organizational or social movements over a period of time. I often wonder would have happened to these movements or organizations if the leader left their positions early on. Tamara Thornton Clunis Grant Director Texas State University Center for Initiatives in Education 601 University Drive San Marcos, Texas 78666 512.245.9045 (office) 512.245.8151 (fax) tclunis@txstate.edu
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