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Why Don’t Schools Teach “X”?

/ Dave Eberwein / 6 Comments

I love the fall — it’s an exciting time of renewal — a new school year with shiny floors and everyone looking refreshed and energized. It is also a time when I hear lots of suggestions about what we should be teaching. Here are some of my all-time favourites:

  • changing a flat tire
  • surviving in the wild
  • negotiating a contract
  • filling out a federal tax form
  • growing vegetables
  • performing basic pet care
  • displaying manners such as holding a door
  • investing in stocks and bonds
  • sewing on a button

‘Basic pet care’ was new to me this year. Not sure what that means beyond feeding your dog, putting out some fresh water, going for walks, and taking them to the vet when they need it … but I digress. That’s not really the point.

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Addressing My IMPOSTER SYNDROME

/ Dave Eberwein / Leave a comment

When my career started, I already had two Bachelor’s degrees in Science and Education. When I became Vice-Principal, my Master’s degree in Educational Administration laid the foundation for the work that lay ahead. In both situations, I was definitely nervous when starting the job, but I felt somewhat confident with the solid preparation.

Not so much when I became Superintendent.

I was certainly excited about the new gig and was pretty sure that that I could do the job — but, there was a feeling of self-doubt that permeated my being. That was almost 7 years ago.

SUPERintendent

What does an effective Superintendent look like? What should I be doing?

  • Have a morning ritual of 5:00 am exercise followed by a nutrient-rich breakfast shake;
  • Review my daily / weekly / monthly Strategic objectives at 7:00 am to fine tune them;
  • Enter all meetings with purpose and presence;
  • Pursue my vision for the system with unwavering certainty.

Well, I do wake up every morning around 5:30 and I do try to exercise. And, YES, I make myself a healthy shake for breakfast.

Check. Check. And check.

The other qualities? Ummm … Let’s move on.

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“Why Don’t You Tweet (X?) More, Dave?”

/ Dave Eberwein / Leave a comment

A communication platform needs to be informative, timely and respectful.

Back in 2017 I thought I found one with Twitter.

I started using it in early 2017 determined to make it a significant part of my communication toolbox — a new way of connecting with others in my community on topics of interest in a way that I had not used. I wanted something that was instantaneous, as well as something where respectful dialogue could take place. Platforms such as the nightly news and periodicals provided one-way information flow. Twitter was poised to be my new two-way communication tool.

I was excited and up for the challenge.

I started out pretty strong too, but faded in my use of it over the first year. Today, in 2024, I still use Twitter …. I mean “X” … but do so sparingly. What I’ve found is that what is often presented on it as ‘fact’ is often just unsubstantiated opinion filled with negative and demeaning commentary.

That is not what I want or need from a professional communication tool.

It used to be a wonderful place to share thoughts and build understanding. And while there is still some of that within it, it is often punctuated with insults, accusations, political rhetoric and hyperbole.

I have pretty much lost interest in it as a reliable, professional communication tool.

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