Is it really Innovation or Just Effective Leadership?

9ob36ijk4926indjjs9y_400x400George Couros is a Division Principal for Parkland School Division and an Innovative Teaching, Learning, and Leadership consultant.  I had the pleasure of attending one of his sessions last fall at ECCO in Niagara Falls, where he effectively gathered information from his audience and then tailored his presentation to meet our needs.  He was a plethora of knowledge about social media and it’s impact on education.  His latest post from his “The Principal of Change” blog, certainly sparked some discussion on the topic of Innovation.

 

George’s Post ~ Innovation does not happen in a school if a child does not feel loved.

http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/5319

My Comments

Innovation has recently become one of the most commonly used terms in our world of education. Within our board, we have a newly created Innovation portfolio, led by one of our Superintendents of Student Achievement.   Last week, I retweeted this ISTE quote, “Leadership, not technology is the key to Innovation”.  In reading your post, I’m reminded once again, that a culture needs to be created for both students and educators to feel safe to explore, to challenge and to be innovative.   It is those relationships (you talk about love, but it could just as easily be respect or appreciation) which will set the stage for authentic innovation to occur. If someone knows that you believe in them, trust them and will support them no matter what, they will undoubtedly try new strategies, explore new technologies and look for unique ways to engage students.  Linda Cliatt-Wayman effectively set the stage for change to occur in her school.  What an inspiration!