With our without power in its traditional sense, you can make a difference. I urge you to use your influence, individually and, for even greater impact, collectively through your teams, to create the changes and reform the systems in your community. Build a common vision of excellence and keep people focused on this vision. Work for many small successes. Look for the impact on your students.
Nothing has more impact on teachers or parents than showing positive impact on students.
Rachel Wood, my Co-Chair on the Science Commission, was named Rural Teacher of the Year in Delaware last year. At the dinner in her honor, she addressed the group about the challenges in trying to implement change. And she asked people to consider how silly it would be to demand the same of other professions. She made a plea to those who would try to undermine the efforts at change. Don't tie our hands, or keep us from the newest technologies and teaching strategies.