An Open Letter To Teachers

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I work with student leaders and the topics surrounding student leadership on a daily basis. Imagine my excitement and enthusiasm when two of my own children (sixth & eighth graders) signed up to run for a student leadership position at their schools.

Unfortunately, my eighth grader was disqualified from running. While I can't go into the details on this blog (because many involved read it), I am simply going to post the letter I wrote to those involved.

Dear Teachers:

There's something unique about student leadership. For one thing, we call it "student" leadership for a reason. These young people are students. They are learning about math, language, history, etc. In this situation, they're learning about leadership.

Often, we don't know what "students" are capable of until we give them an opportunity to test out, try out their leadership skills. In many ways, student leadership is more like a laboratory of leadership. It's a chance for them to learn, grow, develop, and become better leaders. More often than not, students will learn what it means to be leaders through the mistakes they make more then the successes. That's why there are advisors and adults that walk through the process with them. That's why it's more like a laboratory - because they get to try things and see if they work or not. It's how they LEARN to be leaders.

Of course, some students will exhibit more natural leadership abilities than others, but that doesn't mean that a student who doesn't show a natural bent can't learn how to be a better leader. Perhaps that greatest qualification for someone interested in student leadership is willingness. A willingness to try, a willingness to get involved, a willingness to sacrifice something else for the opportunity to serve in a leadership position.

When I look for potential student leaders, I look for:
· willingness
· teachability
· confidence
· good attitude

Most of the things that student leaders do can be taught, such as:
· running meetings
· delegating
· follow through
· communicating well
· getting other students involved

I personally believe that one cannot objectively judge an eighth grader on his or her personal capabilities or potential toward leadership. They are still very young and in the unique process of "becoming." To limit their opportunities when they express willingness, teachability, confidence, and a good attitude only serves as a detriment to this young adolescent's development and personal growth.

If you are a teacher, I encourage you to not limit opportunities for your students. Especially if those students are straight "A" students, with a track record of exceptional citizenship, and loaded with potential (like my daughter, for example).

PS....my sixth grader won his election. He's definitely got a little bit of his old man in him!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Do you create opportunities for people or put obstacles in the way of people?

SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT: What would you use to judge whether or not a student is capable of running for a student leadership position?

: : : :

Tim Milburn
Student Leadership Consultant & Speaker
www.studentlinc.net

Comments

[Angela Maiers]

Tim, what a powerful letter! Students are capable of amazing things and can "lead" in many ways if given the opportunity.

[Pete Aldin]

Great letter Tim! "Often, we don't know what "students" are capable of until we give them an opportunity to test out, try out their leadership skills." - my 6th grader son just told me over breakfast that earlier in the week when his teacher was away sick, the emergency teacher was 3 hours late in arriving. So one of the students lead the class with humour and focus and got them working. There was teamwork, there was fun, there was action ... and my son told me there was MATH! Imagine a 6 Grade class willingly doing their MATH with no teacher present?!

Viva la student leadership! (Hope that 8th Grader gets another shot)

[Ivan]

Preconceived stereotypes of what "leaders" should be drive people to, even unknowingly,stunt leadership potential in others. Many people, teachers and otherwise, believe that leaders should be a certain way and meet a specific list of qualifications. That is not necessarily true! People have different styles, strengths, and weaknesses. That doesn't mean that they can't be leaders. Obviously, this is in addition to the fact that, as you said, leadership can also be learned. Good letter!

[Amanda]

Tim, great letter! I hope it challenges them. It should. Thanks for the note on my blog. I'm glad to hear about the great things happening at my ol' alma mater.