Great summer read that offers hope
Educator, author Wayne Jennings offers hope
by Joe Nathan
For more than 60 years, Jennings has been an educator, winning local, state and national awards for his work. He’s been, among many roles, a public school teacher, founding principal of a K-12 district public school option that the U.S. Department of Education recognized as a “carefully evaluated, proven innovation worthy of national replication,” a Mounds View School Board member, school board president and charter public school founder. He’s also served in the Army and run a construction and a fiberglass canoe company. So he is a practical, experienced man.
Unlike some authors, Jennings is hugely “pro teacher.” When we talked, I asked him what he sees as the central messages of the book. He listed as among the most important themes: “Don’t blame teachers and principals for school shortcomings. They did not invent the system and would likely change it if given the opportunity. We handcuff teachers with rigid established content, textbook coverage and standardized testing.”
Over his 60-year career, Jennings did not just talk about the need to change what he calls “an outmoded system of schooling.” He worked with educators to create new public schools – district and charter – that:
—Began each school year in August with individual student conferences for families. This allowed educators, students and their families to start off in a positive way and to learn more about their hopes and dreams.
—Asked each student at these August conferences, “What are your interests?” Jennings believes helping students answer these questions will “unleash their motivation and potential; … students want to learn about themselves and the world around them.”
—Used the North American continent as a place to learn – not just via movies, books or the internet, but via field trips. His experience convinced him that “students will learn far, far more when we pay attention to how they learn and transform the school environment to ‘world as classroom.’”
—Arranged shadow studies, internships and apprenticeships, that, as he explained, “call upon the extraordinary resources and diverse people in every community to advance student learning.”
“School Transformation” shows how we can help many more students identify and develop their gifts and talents. It’s available on Amazon. More about Jennings at https://waynejennings.net/
While “School Transformation” is bold, Jennings is one of the most humble, understated people I’ve ever met. I can’t think of a better summer book for families or educators who are seeking hope, support and ideas about what should be done next.
Joe Nathan directs the Center for School Change. Reactions welcome, joe@centerforschoolch
Gary Gruber
May 29, 2018 @ 7:55 am
Terrific, Joe. So glad to see Wayne Jennings again as I recall both you and Wayne on the forefront of change back in 1972. These are the changes that make sense and that educators wanting something that works would do well to emulate. Those of us who have labored in the field of school reform know that it’s hard work slugging it out with the establishment. You might add Ted Dintersmith’s book to the summer reading list, “What Schools Could Be.” Ted, as you know, visited some 200 schools to see what’s possible. Happy summer!
Tom King
May 29, 2018 @ 2:14 pm
Well-said on your part, Joe. And the accolades well-deserved on Wayne’s part.
Wayne has had a transformational impact on our professional lives, and thousands of others, including the many students who thrived in those transformed schools.
There are countless waves and ripples out there thanks to him….and the likes of those who fought to carry it on. That’s us and the many others who fight for learning done right.
Let’s keep spreading the good and needed news of transformational change in our K12 schools.
Thanks for all your efforts at making it happen.
Cheers,
Tom King