Risk Taking

Why Equity and Excellence Must Walk Hand in Hand: Lessons from Finland and British Columbia

/ Dave Eberwein / 5 Comments

In education, we often look outward to learn inward. For years, Finland has been a guiding light — its public education system admired globally for its innovation, student success, and deep commitment to equity. Researchers, policymakers, and educators have studied it closely, hoping to understand how a small Nordic country became an educational superpower.

But Finland is no longer alone in this spotlight.

British Columbia has quietly — and confidently — joined the ranks of the world’s most respected education systems. Our province has consistently performed at the top of international assessments, and in 2019, the OECD chose BC to host its Future of Education and Skills 2030 meeting — the first time this global gathering was held in North America. That moment wasn’t just symbolic. It was a recognition of the work we’ve done together: educators, families, and communities building a system that values both excellence and equity.

Yes, we’ve learned from Finland. But, we’ve also forged our own path.

One of Finland’s most influential voices, Professor Pasi Sahlberg, has long championed the idea that public education must be both excellent and equitable. Currently a professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Melbourne in Australia, Sahlberg has worn many hats — teacher, researcher, policy advisor — and through it all, he’s remained steadfast in his belief that education is a public good. He reminds us that schools are not just places of learning; they are pillars of democracy, equity, and opportunity.

His message is clear: we don’t have to choose between high achievement and fair access. We can — and must — pursue both.

Here in Saanich, we see this every day:

  • In classrooms where students are encouraged to think critically and creatively.
  • In schools where staff work tirelessly to ensure every learner feels seen, supported, and challenged.
  • Where we recognize that Indigenous students are not achieving to the same level as their non-indigenous peers and, as such, continuing to focus on this inequity.
  • In families and communities that partner with us to nurture not just academic success, but well-being, belonging, and purpose.

The work is not easy. But it is essential.

As we look ahead, let’s continue to ask ourselves these questions:

  • Are we creating spaces where all students can thrive?
  • How do we continue to value our educators and support staff as the professionals they are?
  • Are we building a system that reflects the diversity, complexity, and potential of every learner?

Equity and excellence are not opposing forces. They are twin pillars of a strong public education system. And when we commit to both, we create something powerful — not just for our students, but for our entire community.

The Real Ones Recognize the Journey

/ Dave Eberwein / 2 Comments

People who’ve done the work exude a kind of quiet power. They don’t need to shout about it. You may not even notice it, but it’s there.

It’s subtle, but if you look closely, it becomes obvious:

Real Ones Recognize Greta Thunberg’s Courage
  • recognizing the efforts of others who are beginning their journey;
  • not offering criticism when others trip along their way;
  • not tearing others down but building them up.

This quiet power comes from experience. From deep inside one’s being.

They know the kind of courage it takes to try something new. To begin. To keep going when it gets ugly. When the failures seem to outnumber the successes. When the inevitable roadblocks stop others.

They know what it feels like to be criticized. They are the real ones.

Real ones don’t criticize. They recognize.

The Courage to Begin

Starting something new is one of the most vulnerable things a person can do. Whether it’s launching a new initiative like writing your first blog, stepping into a new role, rewriting the rulebook, or experimenting with a new tool — the beginning is always the hardest part. It’s where one’s doubt is the loudest and the support from others is often its quietest.

But those who’ve been there — those who’ve travelled a similar path to you — they see you. They know the courage it takes just to begin. Behind every success story is a mountain of unseen effort. Early mornings. Late nights. Repetition. Sacrifice.

Real ones understand that discipline isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty, it’s lonely and it’s necessary. And because they’ve lived it, they don’t mock your hustle.

They respect it.

  • The athlete respects the new gym attendee for the effort it takes to be awkward and unknowing in front of others.
  • The experienced master teacher honours the rookie who is trying new strategies.
  • The system leader cultivates a culture of emotional safety for new leaders allowing them the space to take risks.

To risk is to believe in something that doesn’t yet exist. It’s to bet on yourself when no one else will. Those who’ve taken real risks—who’ve put their time, money, and heart on the line—don’t belittle others for doing the same. They speak the language of the courageous.

Take the Risk to be Better

There’s nothing more raw than creating something from nothing. Sharing your ideas, your voice — it’s an act of vulnerability. True artists, makers, dreamers and doers know how exposed you feel when you put your work into the world — when you put yourself on the line. That’s why they applaud your courage.

It’s why you don’t see the athlete mocking the novice gym rat, nor the master teacher belittling the first year professional. These newcomers to the adventure are starting out and taking risks to be better — and that’s worth recognizing.

The Echo Chamber of the Uninspired

The loudest critics are often the ones doing the least. They haven’t risked. They haven’t built. They haven’t dared. Instead, they mock what they don’t understand. But their noise is just that—noise. It’s not a reflection of your worth. It’s a reflection of their fear.

You’ll know you’re on the right path when the quiet nods start showing up. The athlete who sees your grind. The leader who respects your ambition. The mentor who sees your growth. Real ones don’t need to say much. Their recognition is subtle, but it’s real — and it’s earned.

Protecting Your Energy

Listen to Your ‘Why’ and Risk to be Better

Not every opinion deserves your attention. Learn to discern between critique and criticism. Protect your energy like it’s your most valuable asset — because it is. Stay rooted in your purpose and let your “why” be louder than their “what ifs.”

Growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Surround yourself with people who challenge you, support you, and believe in you. The right community doesn’t just cheer you on—they hold you accountable to your potential. They remind you who you are when you forget.

Keep Building You

So keep going. Keep building. Keep growing. The world needs more people who are willing to try, to risk, to create. Don’t let the critics dim your drive. Let the real ones remind you that you’re not alone.

Let your superpower be your perseverance.

You’re just getting started.

(This post was inspired by the author prompting AI on the idea of someone being acknowledged by those who have travelled a similar path.)

Fear & Racism – Intertwined

/ Dave Eberwein / 2 Comments

People resist because they think they’re losing something. In reality, they’re making room. Room for better opportunities, room for growth, and room for clarity. You can’t build a stronger future if you refuse to demolish the outdated past.

Jay Alderton

This quote adds to the notion that change is hard because we don’t know what lies ahead and inserts the idea that resistance to change can also be because we fear losing something we cherish — something we value like control or our place in community.

The fear of losing is really about the fear of being ‘less’.

Building a brighter future for ourselves, and especially others requires being able to let go of the things that put roadblocks in our path to being better.

Racism is one of those roadblocks.

Some people have never been able to truly let go of racism because of the of fear losing control over our place in community — that our ‘slice of the societal pie’ will somehow become less if we treat others like ourselves. So, we take opportunity to marginalize others to give us the false belief that we are better and more important.

Treating others with dignity and respect doesn’t diminish our own place or relevance. Respect doesn’t have a capacity limit.

Dave Eberwein

Being Anti-Racist Means Being Active Against Racism

Racism has been a familiar topic of mine in The Power of Why:

While these posts were back in 2022, I haven’t stopped thinking about the topic, as racism is still alive and well in our community — and in our schools.

As I watch the news, I find it incredibly disappointing to see the increasing frequency of intolerance and bigotry towards others — whether it’s directed at a particular culture, religion, gender identity, language, sexual orientation, financial status, country of birth or skin colour — and I’ve probably left out a few descriptors — the spewed hatred and stereotyping that is found on social media and even from some political leaders can be disheartening.

Racism: Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior.

But, you may be sitting and thinking: “I’m not racist. This doesn’t apply to me.” Well, it does.

I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who believes they are racist — or, at least, anyone who claims to not have a ‘good reason’ to justify their bigotry. Believing one is not a racist is not the same as being anti-racist. And that’s an important distinction. If we are ever going to bring racism to its knees, especially in this time of social media antagonism, we all need to be ACTIVE in our anti-racism. We need to be visible in our disdain for intolerance, stereotyping, and bigotry.

It’s not OK to:

  • Be silent in the presence of racism
  • Let someone else take on the challenge of standing up for what’s right
  • Be inconsistent with the values of respect, acceptance and love for one another

Here are some key identifiers of racism:

  1. Stereotyping: Making generalized and often inaccurate assumptions about a group of people based on their race.
  2. Discrimination: Treating people unfairly or unjustly because of their race.
  3. Microaggressions: Subtle, often unintentional, comments or actions that can be hurtful or offensive to people of marginalized groups.
  4. Hate Speech: Using derogatory or offensive language aimed at a particular race.
  5. Systemic Racism: Institutional policies and practices that disproportionately affect certain racial groups.
  6. Cultural Appropriation: Adopting elements of a marginalized culture without permission or understanding, often in a way that reinforces stereotypes.
  7. Racial Profiling: Suspecting or targeting someone based on their race rather than their behavior.
  8. Exclusion: Deliberately leaving out or ignoring people because of their race.
  9. Colourism: Discrimination based on skin color, often within the same racial or ethnic group.
  10. Implicit Bias: Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions.
We Can Do This – We Really Can

If you are aware of what racism looks like you can challenge it when you see it, hear it or read it. Be active in your opposition to it.

Individually, we make a difference. Together, we make a movement.

Bring racism to its knees.

(With special thanks to Star Wars and the quote from Jedi-master Yoda)