Parker Palmer Wisdom

While searching the internet for a quote by Parker Palmer (that I already ended up having!), I found a copy of his Commencement Address at the Bank Street College of Education in New York City on May 24, 2007.

Palmer offers some wisdom in that address that fits into what we have been discussing. He gives three suggestions to these educators that will help give them longevity in the vital work of education in spite of the discouragements that come from the working conditions of education:

1. Attend to your own inner life. Good teaching comes from the soul, not from techniques. Therefore, it's important for educators to stay close to the passions of the soul that took them into education in the first place. By attending to one's own inner life an educator will be better able to open up to helping the young people in their care to reach their potential.

2. Join with others in a community of support. The people in this community will be people who can buoy each other up by honoring the best within each other. This is very different purpose than a gripe-group or pity-party.

3. Join in the politics around education protesting injustice and proposing paths toward justice. Educating the young is far too important to leave their fate in the hands of politicians.

My response: As those of us who are attending to our inner life by striving to become spiritual leaders form a community of support, we can be much more effective in the political arena protesting injustices and advocating for what works for diverse learners.