As I did a bit of work to prepare for move-up day and next year's class, I recognized the power of consistency. Knowing that I'll be working with the same team and relatively same program, offers me and my team a chance to build and develop what we can do for children.
The role of consistency like ours is valuable to good school programs. Too many changes at too rapid a pace can disrupt an environment so that good, rich development does not occur.
On the other hand, sometimes change is just the right choice too. Yet, too many changes, or changes without inclusive, transparent share and collaboration can hinder good progress. Change needs to occur with a thoughtful eye on what is best for the learning community. It should not be a knee-jerk reaction.
There were a few years there where my grade level and position was changed every one or two years--that truly was disconcerting and difficult when it came to deep, positive collaboration and program development. I think that educational leadership has to be very careful about the decisions they make about teacher and team changes, and as much as possible, those decisions should not be done to teachers but instead be a collaborative decision involving all stakeholders.
Good education evolution includes the right mix of consistency and change. That mix is one best determined by inclusive, strategic decision making processes that include all stakeholders--that is a good direction with which to build strong teaching/learning organizations.
