Looking at Education Through a Different Prism by Carol Phillips, SAM President
At the beginning of this wonderful school year I am reminded of the book called Hooray for Diffendoofer Day1 by Dr. Seuss. My favorite quote from that book reads:
Don’t fret! she said, You’ve learned the things you need To pass that test and many more – I’m certain you’ll succeed. We’ve taught you that the earth is round, That red and white make pink, And something else that matters more – We’ve taught you how to think.
This is the challenge that all educators face. Teaching students critical thinking skills, which, in my humble opinion, is the hardest lesson to pass on to a child. Despite facing constrained resources, external challenges, and staffing shortages, you are called upon as administrators to wear more and more hats, and do more with less. With that being said, I think it's time we look at education through a different prism. We need to get connected to the world around us in a different way.
I, for example, came from the corporate world as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer. Before I started at Elder Grove School District I didn’t know FERPA from WWE. It was all just a bunch of acronyms that had no meaning. I look at the challenges we face in education through a different prism of experience.I think I bring a unique perspective and problem-solving approach. As your new President for the School Administrators of Montana, I am trying to figure out how to best serve you, and to help you continue the amazing work you do for students throughout the great state of Montana. You are challenged everyday as leaders and I am constantly amazed at what you are called upon to do on a daily basis. I wish the world could see what educators do from my perspective, in the hopes that they would then make better decisions about education, school finance, testing, levies, etc.
The challenge before me then becomes how to share what I see, and what you experience, with the world at large that has limited knowledge of what you do. They see education through the prism they experienced as students, through a parent viewpoint, or as a taxpayer. They do NOT see it through your eyes, and they would be shocked if they had to live one day in your shoes. The best way to share this knowledge is through communication, with us sharing our experiences with the world at large.
By sharing our stories, we can illuminate the exceptional work we do and the challenges we face, thereby shaping public opinion. This can help shift perspectives and foster a greater appreciation for education. Let's make it a priority this year to connect with individuals outside of the education field. Share your proudest moments, your needs, and the obstacles you're overcoming. Expand your reach by sharing your stories on both education-specific and general social media platforms, as well as through webinars and professional organizations.
Consider sharing your unique perspective with your non-teaching staff. All of you have amazing staff (i.e. lunch crew, maintenance crew, bus drivers, tech directors, clerks, etc) who may or may not get much of your time. This year, maybe you could invite them to work with you for a day, and then you join them on their day. I guarantee they will share that experience with their friends and family which will then, in time, change the world’s perspective on education.
Or better yet, share your prism with a student. Provide them with an opportunity to be an Administrator for a day and share that with a local news station. Let the world see into your day! Their lives will be changed forever when they think back to their school experiences and what those teachers, lunch crew, maintenance crew, etc were all going through to make their education happen!
My goal is to find effective ways to communicate the needs of education to the broader public. If you have suggestions on what I can share please do not hesitate to reach out to me. I am here to serve SAM in whatever capacity helps the world gain a better perspective on your herculean efforts to educate the children of Montana.
As we move forward, let's share our stories and experiences to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of education. By doing so, we can equip our students with the critical thinking skills they need to navigate a complex world. Together, we can break down the barriers of misunderstanding, inspire positive change, and ensure that education receives the support it deserves.
Let's show the world the value of education through our eyes.
Have a great year!!! Carol Phillips
SAM President Elder Grove School District Technology Director
1Seuss, Dr., Jack Prelutsky, and Lane Smith. Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! New York, Knopf, 1998. | 
