change response

Human nature appears to be resistant to change. Overall we like to stick with what we know and are comfortable with. It is difficult to step out of one's comfort zone in order to take a risk and make changes. This is true in the field of education as well. Teachers seem to be big offenders of sticking to what they know as tried and true. In order for change to take place, one needs to make a conscious effort knowing that the change may be beneficial.

I agree with the idea that in order for change to take place a moral purpose needs to be seen. If I know, as a teacher, that I am readjusting or changing to benefit my students, I am more open to whatever the change may be. According to Hunzicker(2004) permanently changing teacher behaviors is most likely to be successful when instructional leaders focus their efforts not on action but on changing teachers' beliefs. It appears that this is the most important element of instituting change. When people believe that change is worth the effort that may be needed, it happens more freely. Maybe the reason why change in American education happens so slowly is because not enough time is devoted to any one idea to truly allow it to change the tried and true beliefs of teachers. There are so many different ideas that seem to come and go in the American education system that I think those who are experienced teachers stick to what they know to work. In order for change to take place faster, maybe we need to consider focusing in on one area of reform and do it thoroughly.

Hunzicker, Jana. (2004).The Beliefs Behavior Connection: Leading Teachers Toward Change. Principal. 84(2).