Redesigning Schools Post-Pandemic

President's Corner

The pandemic has presented us with challenges that have forced innovation at warp speed. We must be sure to leverage these innovations to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives and education of every student we serve.

This month’s issue of School Administrator highlights the work of Learning 2025, an AASA initiative based on the belief that we must redesign and transform schools by 2025 to meet each learner’s needs in the post-pandemic world.

Leading in times of crisis and in times of transition requires skill, diplomacy and a high level of empathy. Realizing the hope of Learning 2025 — that everyone, without question, qualification or exception, is afforded the same opportunities — will demand the very best from all of us as leaders. To facilitate this degree of change, I suggest we focus on three key areas of leadership: vision, gratitude and empathy, in that order.

• Setting a vision. As leaders, we must set a clear vision for the future, a vision based in hope and optimism. We must believe that our future will be brighter than our past and lead with that belief in mind.
  
  As we set our vision, we must include every stakeholder’s voice to ensure the vision focuses on the unique needs of each learner in our care. Equity is at the core of our Learning 2025 work because we know each child needs something specific to find success. Including all voices is the only way to provide all children with what they need to reach full potential.


• Practicing gratitude. After we have set the vision, we must do the very real work of implementation and measuring progress. As leaders, we realize this intuitively, but we have to avoid the trap of becoming so focused on the implementation that we lose sight of the people we are serving.
  
  Creating a culture of gratitude in our schools has never been more important. Practicing authentic gratitude provides the fuel to keep the focus where it should be and the work moving forward. We can set the example in our schools through public and private expressions of gratitude, including handwritten notes, a quick conversation in the hallway or an e-mail or text of appreciation. Gratitude matters! It improves social-emotional well-being, helps others deal with adversity and builds strong relationships.


• Leading with empathy. Setting a clear vision for the future is not enough. Without empathy a vision will not lead to true and lasting change in our schools. Students and adults alike are dealing with stress, anxiety and wellness issues. Leading with empathy puts us in the shoes of our students, staff members and families. It gives us new perspective and helps us see and value all sides of situations.
  
  We can’t let ourselves be distracted by the political debates of the day. We must stay focused on ensuring our schools are places where everyone is welcomed, loved and valued. Leading with empathy will help us stay focused on those we serve and on our vision and the gratitude in our hearts.

Finally, as we focus on leading our schools with vision, gratitude and empathy, we must realize we cannot achieve anything for our students, staff or community if we are not well. We continue to focus on our Live Well, Lead Well campaign and encourage everyone to take advantage of the tools available on our website.

It is an honor to lead in such consequential times. Please take care of yourselves and remember that leadership is a team sport! Let’s work together to make the vision of Learning 2025 a reality.