Module 3: Sustainability Part 1: Being a Change Agent

Overview In Part 1 of this module you will learn how to become a change agent. After reviewing the content, you will need to complete the self check, by responding to three questions about the information presented.

Definitions Change agent: Someone who alerts human capability or organizational systems to achieve a higher degree of output or self actualization

Change Agents A change agent… Begins with the end in mind Lives in the future, not the present Is fueled by passion and inspires others Has a strong ability to self-motivate Understands people Gets people involved

Change Agent Capacities Personal vision: What inspire you and where do you want to be one year and five years from now? What makes you happy? Inquiry: Be a reflective and curious practitioner; what are “keepers” and what would you like to change? Mastery: Become a master teacher; National Board Certified Teacher; or DPA – Keep Sharpening Your Saw or refining your teaching skills Collaboration: Work closely with others; “I know what I know and I know what I don’t know”; have others contribute to what you do not know

Levels of Change Agent Skills LevelChange Agent Leadership Skills IAccepts the need for change, communicates and defends the need for change throughout the school, creates an open and receptive environment Example: You lead small change initiatives with clear direction (i.e., teach recess games during physical education and provide students with recess equipment) IIDefines and initiates change, identifies and works with key people who can make change happen Example: You lead a change project at the local level (i.e., you work with one classroom teacher who is willing to implement “Brain Breaks” into his/her lessons IIILeads change, translate the vision to the entire school Example: Transforms vision of “Brain Breaks” to the entire staff (i.e., you offer a professional development about integrating physical activity into the classroom during a staff meeting) IVManages complex change, understands the cultural dynamics of the current state of an organization, creates a strategic practical course, balancing the current reality with the need for rapid adoption of the desired future reality Example: Generates change with a high degree of transformation VChampions change, challenges the status quo by comparing it to an ideal or a vision of change, causes crisis in order to support dramatic actions and change efforts, transforms the school district by developing policy Example: Ability to revolutionize organizations (i.e., you work with the district wellness committee to create a new policy where students will be offered 5-10 minutes of physical activity for every 60-minutes What level of change agent are you? What can you do to go to the next level?

Elevator Speech When you are trying to move to the next level of change you have to politick and be ready with your elevator speech… If you only had 60 seconds with an administrator how would you convince him/her that what you do is important? This is a great way to broaden your network Be ready to interact! – Briefly tell your story – Present solutions, not issues – Be positive

Elevator Speech Parts Hi, my name is ____. I’m the physical education teacher at _________. I recently became a certified Director of Physical Activity and I’m looking to add _____________. Have you heard about this? Wait for a response It would be great if you could help us by _____ (have something specific in mind). Can we count on you?

Long Term Change Agents You cannot carry the torch alone, let other dogs pull the sled for awhile Know when to push and when to let it rest (because the timing is just not right) Continue to refine and master your own skills, by moving to another level, as an example for others

In Summary You are a change agent Foster change agency skills in others Reflect how you can move your own change agency skills to another level Transform your thoughts into action steps!

References Anderson, B.L. (no date). The Stages of Systemic Change