Last week, I took a long walk—the kind of walk that lets your mind wander and explore paths you didn’t plan to tread. Have you ever experienced that? I started out thinking about work, but soon my thoughts shifted to something broader: my philosophy of education and how I see the world. It was one of those moments where clarity emerges unexpectedly, and I’d like to share some of those reflections with you.
Thomas Jefferson once advised that everyone should take a two-hour walk each day to “let your mind go where it may.” It turns out he was onto something! During my walk, I found myself organizing my professional and philosophical beliefs into five core “buckets” that underpin how I lead and approach education:
1. Educational Leadership
My perspective on education leadership has been profoundly shaped by the works of Chuck Schwahn and Bea McGarvey. Their book, Inevitable, completely transformed my understanding of what education for kids can be. It challenges us to envision a system that meets the needs of each student rather than forcing students to fit into the system. Similarly, Schwahn’s Total Leaders remains a cornerstone for anyone aspiring to lead schools effectively. These works have provided me with a framework for rethinking education and building better systems for our students and staff.
2. Agrarianism and Communitarianism
The next foundation of my philosophy is rooted in the writings of Wendell Berry. His focus on community and agrarian ideals serves as a reminder of the importance of working together and fostering civic pride. In today’s fragmented society, these principles feel more urgent than ever. Berry’s work inspires me to advocate for a sense of shared purpose and collective effort—values we must reclaim to build stronger schools and communities.
3. Historical Analysis of Liberalism
Another significant influence on my thinking comes from exploring the contradictions of our political and societal systems, particularly the 18th-century fascination with liberalism. This isn’t about modern-day political labels but rather the philosophical underpinnings of individualism that our Founding Fathers prioritized. Wilson Carey McWilliams’ critique of this obsession with individuality reveals how it has shaped, and sometimes limited, our society. Understanding these historical roots helps me think critically about the challenges facing modern education.
4. Acting in the Modern World
How should we lead and act in today’s complex world? Two thinkers who have shaped my views here are Eric Hoffer and Hannah Arendt. Hoffer’s The True Believer is a chilling exploration of why people are drawn into mass movements. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of fostering independent thought in our schools. Arendt, on the other hand, emphasizes the potential for human greatness and the moral responsibility of leaders to nurture that potential. Together, they reinforce my belief that action, grounded in integrity and purpose, is essential for meaningful leadership.
5. Understanding Modern Anxiety
Finally, I’ve wrestled with the pervasive anxiety of our modern world. Are we living in times uniquely different from the past, or are the challenges we face simply variations of age-old struggles? Thinkers like Zygmunt Bauman and Byung-Chul Han have helped me untangle this question. Their works illuminate how our underlying philosophical beliefs have shifted and how these shifts create both opportunities and tensions in our lives and schools.
Putting It All Together
These five buckets represent the foundation of how I approach leadership, education, and life. They guide my actions and remind me of the complexity and potential inherent in the systems we lead. As educators and leaders, our responsibility is not just to manage but to foster communities that inspire, support, and prepare individuals for both the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing world.
I hope these reflections resonate with you or spark your own thoughts about the principles that guide your work. If nothing else, perhaps this letter encourages you to take a walk, let your mind wander, and see where it leads.