Semper Fi

What does Educational Leadership and the Marines have in common? Interestingly enough, more than you might think!

Today was the first class of Instructional Leadership 2. This course focuses on developing effective schools and effective teachers. We considered characteristics of an instructional leader in relation to the changing educational expectations that will accompany our transition into Common Core standards.

OK, great,  so what does this have to do with the Marines, you ask? Well it has more to do with the PROPEL Program and the people in my Cohort. Here is an excerpt from my reflection from class, perhaps after reading it you will see the connection.

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        The PROPEL training is much akin to boot camp; we are, in essence, being trained to be the Marines of Education. A Marine’s core values center on honor, courage and commitment; they are elite, noble warriors, specially trained and committed to serve and protect our country. Our PROPEL Cohort share a similar commitment and the same type of bond, a brotherhood of sorts, equally dedicated to serving the youth in our community. “Marine Corps officers embrace the phrase Ductos Exemplo, to lead by example” (Marines.Com). Our PROPEL Cohort also recognize that in order to create change we need to lead by example. Like the Marines Corp, we recognize that desire and motivation is key to our success. In fact, our list of characteristics of an instructional leader included many of these qualities. “Marines are held to a higher standard and are expected to act responsibly in a manner befitting the title they’ve earned.” We too will be held to a higher standard.

            This comparison to the Marines was prompted by my reflection on the most meaningful aspect of today’s learning, which was and has for many classes focused on the “IT Factor.” What is “IT” that I will need in order to be the type of turn around leader I want to be, the kind that can truly make a difference for students, the kind of change agent that everyone in this district and those involved in this program are hoping we will become? What is “IT” that is going to make me good enough to do this job? Today’s discussion of the characteristics of effective leaders and effective schools did not just focus on test scores, because assessments are only a small piece of the total picture. To lead change in our schools it is going to take more than just improving scores. When I started in the PROPEL program I knew what I wanted to do, I just had no clue how to go about doing it. The farther I get, the more I learn, and the more tools I add to the box, the more I realize that the “IT Factor” is not just about having tools and knowing what to do with them, it is going to take more than that. To become a change agent, it will require all those other things that did not fall into Domain 2, those “soft skills,” the ability to relate to others, commitment, desire, steadfast determination, and courage. I believe that the Marines have a good idea of what the “IT Factor” may be,  “When other principles are tested, it’s courage that prevents them from crumbling. It isn’t ignoring fear, but being stronger than fear. Courage is the guardian of all other values. It is there when times are toughest, when difficult decisions have to be made. It takes the form of mental, physical and ethical strength, and it is found in the backbone of every Marine” (Marines.com). After today, I truly believe that PROPEL is training us to be the Marines of Education, Semper Fi and lead on sergeant I have much to learn!

Dedicated to the men and woman of the Marines and PROPEL Cohort 2