Today we are seeing shifts in demographics, technology, globalization, and ideologies in general, all at the same time. With things evolving so quickly, it's normal to experience anxiety, uncertainty, fear, and even helplessness. Many teachers, administrators, principals, and other school staff don't quite feel equipped to lead in the face of such rapid changes and polarizing social landscapes. It's hard to know where to turn when we're all busy trying to create new norms, policies, and processes in our way as we go. It seems that any energy spent is getting through the day, with limited capacity to address larger, more systemic issues that we see in our schools and communities.
On Wednesday, January 20th, we witnessed the inauguration of a new president. Speeches, pageantry, fireworks, oaths, and traditions were on display as the symbolic exercise of welcoming a new president was on full display.
Of the noteworthy dignitaries and celebrities that were a part of the inauguration, maybe the most discussed was 22-year old Amanda Gorman. Amanda was the inauguration poet and read her poem, 'The Hill We Climb.' She was the youngest inauguration poet in our nation's poet. With poise, grace, power, and emotion, she captivated the country and the world as she invited us in to think, reflect, and look forward to what is possible.
The Association of Washington Student Leaders is a division of the Washington School Principals’ Education Foundation
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