TL;DR:

• People in education can sometimes lose touch with what is most important.
• Remember who you are and why you went into the profession.
• Above all, stay true to your mission.

Each year, new teachers, administrators, and superintendents are hired.  School districts across the United States put their faith in individuals and hope they will support the students and staff they serve.  Prior to hiring new educators, screening committees review resumes, scroll through the person’s digital footprint, check references, and conduct interviews.  A person could be hired to teach twenty-five students or lead a school district with over 25,000 students.  David Gergen, Presidential Advisor to Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton, describes Mount Rushmoritis and the idea of a legacy.

Legacies aren’t written in a day. Instead, they are consistent actions throughout our career(s) that make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Click To Tweet

When a new President is elected, they highlight their first 100 days in office.  The President is elected to a four-year term.  Afterward, there is a sense of urgency to fulfill campaign promises, reduce the unemployment rate, and place their mark in history.  Gergen describes how each President can become focused on how key decisions impact their legacy.  But focusing on your legacy can cause educators and presidents to stumble.

Mount Rushmoritis for Educators

If we seek to add value to others, then our leadership is outward-focused.  However, teachers and administrators who become consumed with how others will perceive their leadership or actions may stumble.  But an outward focus reminds us of the answers we gave in the interview and the reason why we entered the field of education. 

In 2005, I heard David Gergen speak on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill.  Gergen described how most U.S. Presidents believe their face should be carved on Mount Rushmore.  They want to be remembered as one of the greatest leaders.  Consequently, the idea of being on Mount Rushmore can interfere with their ability to make important decisions.  How can the curse of Mount Rushmore impact educators?

Five Ways Educators Can Be Impacted by the Curse of Mount Rushmore

1. A teacher could be consumed with winning Teacher of the Year versus focusing on the needs of each learner.
2. A first-year principal could make decisions so he/she will be popular rather than doing what is best for students and staff.
3. A first-year superintendent could spend more time trying to please the families who are influential in the community rather than creating systems that support teaching and learning.
4. A teacher or administrator could post selfies on social media and become consumed with their personal brand rather than creating a school or district brand.
5. An unhealthy desire to become number one can lead to curricular reductionism, favoritism, and an emphasis on winning at all costs.

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

When I interviewed for my first teaching job, I told the interview committee that I was focused on all students.  My goal was to support the whole child and to make a difference in the lives of students.  Based on my experiences working in sports camps across the United States, I felt like I was prepared to teach.  I felt like it was a calling. 

Over the years, my role has changed from teacher to assistant principal to assistant superintendent.  However, my calling has remained the same.  Jimmy Casas, an educational consultant, has a podcast titled, “The Interview Chair.”  Casas wrote (2023), “Visualize yourself back in the interview chair.  You were genuine, sincere and full of passion.  You convinced a group of people that you were the best person for the job and you believed it.  That is the real you.”  

Activity

In order to revisit your guiding principles or your core values, consider writing a Professional Mission Statement.  This could help you avoid the temptation to focus on your personal legacy and remind you of the daily work that matters.  However, legacies aren’t written in a day.  Instead, they are consistent actions throughout our career(s) that make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

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Professional Mission Statement (Example)

I am a collaborative leader who values excellence, inclusion, and empowerment for all students and families.  I will listen to students, parents, and other stakeholders to learn from their stories and experiences.  I believe in empowering people at all stages of life so that they can have the confidence to reach their full potential.  Strong schools have collective commitments to support each learner.  This is legacy work.

Answer the Call

Don’t stray from your original calling.  You may win awards or earn a promotion.  However, you did not enter the interview room to see your face on Mount Rushmore.  You put your name in the hat because you believed in the importance of education, and you knew you could make a difference. 

References

Casas, J. (2023). The interview chair. Retrieved from https://www.jimmycasas.com/theinterviewchair

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About Steven Weber

Dr. Steven Weber is a curriculum leader. He has served on multiple state and national boards. His areas of research include curriculum design, multiplying leaders, professional learning, and school leadership.