Why Teachers Must Become Change Agents Michael Fullan Dr. Karen Burke, CSJ Western Connecticut State University

Personal Reflection Why did you become a educator? Why do you remain in education?

To Make A Difference in the Lives of Students

Fullan’s Theme To make teaching a noble and effective profession teachers must combine the mantle of moral purpose with the skills of change agentry.

Four Core Capacities for Building Greater Change Capacity Personal Vision-Building Inquiry Mastery Collaboration

Personal Vision-Building Examining and re-examining why we came into teaching. What difference am I trying to make personally? Creating a vision forces us to take a stand for a preferred future. Alternative Assignment: Write your own vision statement for you as an educator.

Inquiry “The essential activity for keeping our paradigm current is persistent questioning.” Life-long learners Career-long learners Fueled by information and ideas in the environment.

Mastery Expertise is central to successful change. Strong initial teacher education Career-long staff development Not just exposed to new ideas but skilled in them!

Collaboration There is a ceiling effect to how much we can learn if we keep it to ourselves. Work together Join forces Team up Work in partnership Pool resources Act as a team Cooperate with each other