by Cheryl Lacey, DGSJ, ©2025
(Sep. 2, 2025) —
The real world is accurate.
It is our mind that creates what is not real.
Just as past thinkers and doers still influence our lives today, our presence will have historical significance for those to come.
Everyone has some influence on others.
The process of learning and teaching is the genesis of all the difference one life can make.
Over recent decades, the quality of our schools – the bricks and mortar – has been extraordinary.
The quality of our schooling – teacher quality and school leadership – has declined.
Even so, we hide behind ‘student performance measures’ and ‘poor parenting’, rather than face a necessary reality.
Our schools require a different future in learning and teaching.
We must consider replacing schools and school systems and legislating reforms that have never been attempted before.
We need critics to point out flaws, and proponents to stand up for positive qualities.
And we need individuals to contribute and own their own vision.
Self-evaluation is a lonely process. If we care about ourselves and our families, value honesty, and regard teaching as a profession, then we must view school education through many different lenses.
If we were all-knowing, or all the answers were in easy reach, there would be no reason either to speak out, or to listen.
We must be optimistic that optimism itself – the doctrine of hope – will find its way inside the heart and mind of every individual who has a genuine regard for learning and teaching.
For any aspect of this vision – teachers as professionals – to have life and breath, there must be noise, laughter, humour, and robust interaction.
Know that your rational influence has power.
Be disruptive of current thought and practice and be confident in your disruption.
Share your agreement with, or your contempt of, whatever you experience, read or understand.
The greater the noise, the more willingly other voices will join in.
Abnegation of responsibility deserves no oxygen.
Our families deserve nothing less.
LEADING EDUCATION: 88.9WYNFM
With demonstrations echoing worldwide, this week’s outstanding lineup will lead the conversation on the impact social division is having on daily life.
Join us this Wednesday, 3rd September, from 7:00–9:00 AM on 88.9 WYNFM
Mark Gell – Executive Chairman will unpack the housing crisis, mass immigration and what consecutive governments are failing to address.
Dr Stan Korosi – will examine the link between a divided country and the challenges facing families.
Kon Bouzikos will tackle conflicting philosophies shaping our schools.
Jennie Bickmore-Brand will challenge us to think more about why thinking isn’t thought about critically enough.
Listen live this Wednesday, 3rd September on 88.9WYN FM
Let’s think, discuss, and act!