Keynote Speaker “Adaptive Leadership: Leading Through Change”

C. Ed Massey

Keynote Speaker
“Adaptive Leadership:  Leading Through Change”
C. Ed Massey, Immediate Past President
National School Boards Association


C. Ed Massey, immediate past president of the National School Boards Association, provided insight into the importance of advocating for education and talking about the importance of “Adaptive Leadership and Leading Through Change” as the keynote speaker at the Arizona School Boards Association Annual Conference.

Mr. Massey cited President John F. Kennedy as expressing one of the most provocative quotes on change:  “Change is the law of life, and those who look to the past are certain to miss the future.” This notion is no more true than in public education, Mr. Massey said.

Today, America’s most important natural resource is its children. Day in and day out, parents entrust children to dedicated teachers, Mr. Massey said. Children do not choose the zip code in which they live, nor do they choose if they have two parents, or a single parent working two jobs.

Children deserve a chance to be loved and cared for, and more importantly, a chance to succeed.  Teachers love and nurture children with one hope: That they make small strides in children’s lives; and if those strides are attained . . . education is working.
    
Mr. Massey said now more than ever before, states are dealing with funding issues that are insurmountable, unfunded mandates, federal and state governments’ inability to adequately fund education, sequestration, security issues, Race to the Top, insurance issues, and organizations that divert money away from public education.  Education leaders must stand up for what is right and become more proactive in public education.  Education leaders should not be reacting to legislation, but writing the legislation, he said.

According to Massey, “Not only is it our job to educate our children, but governing board members must have clear communication of how things work; and more importantly, we must be aware of what comes out of our mouths.  We educate children, but it is our duty to educate our communities.”  

Massey urged educators to make advocacy a year-round adventure by adapting to what is changing and binding together with other educational partners across the state and nation. School leaders should educate elected officials and turn them into champions for education. School board members should take time at conferences to collaborate and learn from each other.

During the keynote, Massey recommended a few books for good reading:

• The Relentless Search for Better Ways, by Jim Bearden,
• Leadership on the Line, by Ronald A. Heifetz & Marty Linsky,
• The Practice of Adaptive Leadership:  Tools and Tactics for Changing Your Organization and the World, by Ronald Heifetz, Marty Linsky, & Alexander Grashow.

Massey stated, “At the end of the day, you may never know the impact you make on a child.  Believe in our children and make decisions that not only affect the community, but will affect the children that live in your community.  That is who we are and why we live public education.”

ASPRA Reporter Linda Jeffries, Alhambra Elementary School District