I just read Joe Bower's blog where he asks what we are willing to be fired for and it is a question that intrigued me. The responses he garnered were certainly interesting and created some engaging, professional debate.
As I read, I asked myself what I was willing to get fired for- and I came to this:
1. I believe that as long as I maintain my integrity, I will not get fired. I have very strong beliefs about education, but I also have a strong sense of respect and honouring the dignity of those I work with. I am able to engage in dialogue that challenges the thinking of others while respecting their position.
2. I also believe that as an educator, I am able to affect change within the system than from the outside. If I get myself fired, I lose the ability to work towards positive change for my students.
3. I also know that although I have strong beliefs, I am always open to discussion and the possibilities that are presented by others. Putting up walls and refusing to engage in conversation is what has led to many of the flaws within our system. When I look at education, I recognize that there are many changes that need to be made, but I am also able to see how far the system has come. We have moved from teaching as islands to engaging in collaboration and professional learning communities abound!
To be able to answer that question is a bit antiquated for me. It is not a black and white answer. It is filled with many nuances that need to be considered. I like to see myself as someone who knows what she believes in and is willing to take a stand for those beliefs- especially in the best interests of my students. I also see myself as an educator that is a role model for her students (and own children) that wants them to see that respectful dialogue and a passion for your beliefs is what makes a difference. Not a hard fast line.
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