by Kevin Kaardal
In the past five years, Canadian public education faced significant challenges that demanded courageous leadership. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a widespread expansion of remote learning, a transition back to in-person learning, and increased health protocols that continue to place additional demands on classrooms. Leaders had to balance safety with long-term impact on students' academic and social development. Post-pandemic, leaders face a rise in mental health issues, inequity exposed by the crisis, and financial inequity, particularly the increase in food scarcity among students; pandemic effects will continue to demand courageous leadership that can build teams and acknowledge truth to address them effectively.
Whether it's an increase in mental health issues or ensuring children have the nutrition to learn, systemic responses rely on professional adults in schools and administration offices. The challenge of recruiting and maintaining qualified employees greatly stresses public systems from coast to coast to coast. More than ever, courageous leaders need to strengthen support and career paths for the people who make up the teams we rely on.
North America now sees division over the human rights of students who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+. I recently read an ad proposing a prayer walk that called those who support these human rights enemies. It is shameful and explicitly dangerous rhetoric. Courageous leaders must continue to stand for the human rights of students and staff in the face of misinformation, even as organized groups slander leaders by name.
Global conflicts divide people within our communities at the same time as refugees from conflicts diversify communities. Courageous leaders create safe, inclusive learning environments with a focus on high quality learning and building intercultural competency throughout the system.
Generative Artificial Intelligence software is predicted to be the biggest disruptor that public education has ever faced, and we must consider certain questions carefully. How do we use this tool to prepare young people to thrive in an economy that will use AI? How do we use this tool to ensure students develop competencies like critical thinking? Required changes in pedagogy will demand courageous leadership to move over a century of practice forward.
Courageous leaders are thoughtful, purpose driven, and keep the common good as the moral driver. Courageous leaders create conditions where learners and educators thrive holistically amid complexity. Courageous leaders are not deterred by the magnitude of problems, they see opportunities to effect meaningful change.
Recent years prove courageous leadership is not just desirable, but essential in Canadian public education. While courageous leaders speak their own truth, they also reach out for support. Remember that you are never alone; connection with your colleagues and their wealth of knowledge and experience is an invaluable resource. As we continue to grapple with challenges and the opportunities they present, may we find hope in leaders who have the courage to lead towards a better future.