"The Guardian Project: Advocate, Protect, Empower"

Joining the What School Could Be global community was probably one of the best things I did as an educator. That on-line community is where I connect with like-minded individuals who reimagine education to meet the needs of our students and to have discussions that can result in improved teaching and learning.  I have "met" and engaged virtually with incredible educators who are doing the hard work, making changes in their classrooms and schools that engage and inspire their students. It is amazing to sit in a Zoom meeting and to see, hear, and feel the excitement of educators and students from around the world. 

One of the educators I have met and hosted on my "Elevating Teacher Voice" program on the What School Could Be community is Robert Landau. He read his blog, "A Hippocratic Oath for the Education Sector" which led to a lively discussion. Robert clearly exemplifies the kind of educational leadership we need today to equip our students with the skills they will need in the future.

Robert recently contacted me; he wanted to have a conversation. He and I have something in common; we both have grandchildren, and we are concerned about the world and the problems we are leaving them. Robert is embarking on a new endeavor which will be launching shortly, and he wanted to get my feedback "The Guardian Project" is a grassroots movement of educators, schools, and people like me who care about the future. Students and teachers from schools in different parts of the world will have the potential to communicate, to collaborate, and to share ideas on projects that impact them. These projects will focus on big issues like the environment and stewardship for future genrations; health and well-being for all;  community and civic responsibility; and creating sustainable and ethical economies. Imagine what kind of  impact a project could have when young people realize that despite living in different parts of the country or the world, they face similar problems and can collaborate to find a solution. 

I've been thinking a lot recently about the state of our country and our planet.  My younger self used to think of our world as a giant patchwork quilt, each individual piece adding to its beauty and comfort. I know this is a Pollyanna viewpoint; we are much too divided as communities, as a nation, and as a world. But imagine if our youth could be the problem-seekers and problem-finders, the ones who realize that only by working together can we create a better world for future generations. Our world is huge and diverse, but with the technology that is available today, we are much more connected than at any other time in history. And the problems that exist in Hawai`i where I live - like climate change and the environment, economic inequity, food insecurity, and homelessness - are nationwide and worldwide concerns as well. 

I have blogged about how our education systems need to change to meet the challenges of a changing world. Too often, learning in school is merely memorizing and regurgitating information. Students are often passive learners as opposed to being passionate, self-directed learners whose curiosity about a subject drive their own learning. Real learning means applying skills or facts to delve deeper, to make sense of information, and the application to new situations. I look forward to seeing students grow and thrive, and "The Guardian Project" can provide them with the support and validation they need to make this world better for future generations.

"We don't inherit this world from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." This Native American quote is one of my favorites. We have many problems in our world today, but our children are much more aware of the challenges we face. Giving them the tools they need to be collaborative problem-finders and problem-solvers is what "The Guardian Project" is about.

I will sign up to be a Guardian. Will you?