Generating Excitement With Teachers About Technology and Its Opportunities

One of the most refreshing experiences I have had recently is having passionate discussions with the teachers at our school regarding the opportunity that technology offers our students. As an administrator, I consider it priority one to keep that passionate flame for technology and innovation alive. One of the drawbacks of my having so much high school experience to draw from, is that sometimes, that experience gets in the way. For example, when a teacher at our school suggests a new and innovative way to use technology in the classroom, it’s almost like the “traditional high school mindset” sometimes tries to take over and make excuses as to why we can’t do that. The challenge for me as a 21st century principal is to break that habit. While I realize there are time-honored ways of doing things at the high school level that work very well, I need to continually ask myself the “why” questions when discussions turn to teaching practice. It is time for 21st century principals to move their teachers beyond the comfort zones to the point where we question the “why” of so much we do. Twenty-first century principals would do very well to seek out teachers who are passionate and unafraid to question. And that includes questioning administrative decisions. I am secure enough in my principalship to know when teachers honestly question the direction of my policy. As a 21st century principal, I invite debate, discussion, even passionate argument about teaching and learning. It is most refreshing.