Write a 1-2 paragraph response/reflection to the articles, Why Teachers Must Become Change Agents, written by Michael G. Fullan (1993) and Seven Truths about Change to Lead By and Live By, written by Rosabeth Moss Kanter (2010).
Society is definitely turning from the traditional, conventional classroom and developing into a collaborative environment that requires teachers to adjust practices to meet the needs of students in the 21st century. With a changing world occurring at a fast pace it is imperative that a greater focus is given to the importance of teachers becoming change agents to continue to growing process of an educational system. After reading Fullan and Kanter’s articles on change I am more aware of the need for change in teacher preparation programs and support systems for novice teacher to assure that aspiring teachers are given the opportunity to develop skills. This will help avoid a building sense of burnout or reassessment of the choice made to become a teacher (Fullan, 1991, p.36). Change that builds connections between teacher personal development and personal strength, as long as it is open-minded and inquiry oriented, goes hand-in-hand with effective collaboration (Fullan 1993). Teachers must embrace the idea of actively engaging in change with changing behaviors that requires a campaign with constant communication, tools and materials, milestones, reminders and rewards (Kanter 2010).
It is important to support new teachers and foster collaboration that will allow teachers to develop, become more informed about their practice, spread expertise to colleagues, and revolutionize other changes that can support the improvement of teacher preparation programs.
The basic conclusion is that we need to reflect on current practices, at the local and system levels, and examine them closely. We need to learn more about change processes and