The Need for More "Tempered Radicals" in our Schools

Debra Myerson, Professor of Education at Stanford, and author of the acclaimed book "Tempered Radicals: How Everyday Leaders Inspire Changes at Work" is a very validating work for me. It provides hope and a sense of fulfillment as well. I often tell teachers to NOT underestimate their ability to influence others and make change. So often, I hear teachers' voices that sound tired and, to be honest, a bit hardened. So much of being a good teacher well into the latter years of teaching is about having some control over what happens in the environment. Having control over what happens in the classroom is easy, but what is more important is exerting a positive influence on those around us. Teachers have a huge influence on the future of the country, and it's well-being. I've known far too many excellent teachers who became passive because they didn't believe that their voice mattered.

Well, REJOICE, teachers... Dr. Myerson confirms through her research that by rocking the boat ever so slightly (and ever so kindly), we can be voices for real change. The key is to remain focused and firm in our beliefs and to have courage and compassion with our colleagues. It is difficult to swim upstream, but in many instances that is what it feels like to go against the majority in a school culture. Seniority and "years of service" often have the loudest voices in a school culture. It is the adult version of peer pressure. Young or new teachers may feel uncomfortable when speaking up, but Dr. Myerson would urge them to be brave and go ahead and rock their boat. Voicing our ideas and opinions may inspire others to do the same. She said the following in an interview with Dennis Sparks for the Journal of Staff Development [JSD, Winter 2005 (Vol. 26, No. 1)]:

"Effective agents of change at the grassroots level know who they are and what they are trying to accomplish. Effective tempered radicals hold on to their deepest goals, which enables them to push through their fears and to choose their battles effectively."

I think my dad would agree that I've always tried to gently "rock the boat." Maybe it has to do with being a child of the '60's. I don't know. I don't think so, though. What I do know is that Dr. Myerson's book validates my feelings and thoughts about this subject. Everyone knows that our secondary schools today must change, and change soon. Be a boat rocker, and stand for positive change in the schools!

Rock the boat, baby!