This academic year, the Reich College of Education (RCOE) invited faculty and staff members along with the Watauga County Schools (WCS) 2021-22 Educator Leadership Council to collaborate on a book study. Co-facilitated by Dr. Scott Elliott, superintendent of WCS; Erin Ellington, 2021 Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year; and Dr. Tracy Smith, professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and RCOE Faculty Fellow for Mentoring Initiatives, over 30 participants read the book The Power of Giving Away Power: How the Best Leaders Learn to Let Go by Matthew Barzun.
This book study is an example of a developmental community model, which acknowledges that its members are always growing and learning - specifically growing and learning together as part of a community of practice. As an extension of its community, the RCOE works with many organizations, agencies, partners, and schools/districts. The group’s central purpose for this particular project was to elevate students by empowering educators.
“The idea of constellations and pyramids was transformative for how I view my role as a teacher,” said seventh-grade science and social studies teacher at Parkway School Audrey Jones.
“The idea of constellations and pyramids was transformative for how I view my role as a teacher,” said seventh-grade science and social studies teacher at Parkway School Audrey Jones. “While balance needs to be maintained between classroom expectations and collaboration, I've found myself creating additional opportunities for my students to collaborate together.”
Educators joined the book study for many reasons:
- Collaboration with educators across the district and with faculty at App State;
- Opportunity to learn from passionate education leaders; and
- The book itself!
The educators involved in the book study hope to continue the relationship between WCS and the RCOE.
“The partnership between RCOE and WCS is an example of elevating teacher voice to benefit students through professional development and collaboration,” said Ellington, music teacher at Parkway School. “Both Dr. Smith and Dr. Elliott are demonstrating how to develop teacher leaders through the constellation mindset - all essential during this very challenging time in education.”
About the Book
The selected book focuses on approaching leadership as a constellation instead of a hierarchy, thus giving away power. Barzun uses research, experiences, and stories to highlight the potential of leadership via a constellation mindset.
For Dr. Kimberly Money, assistant professor of school administration in the RCOE’s Department of Leadership and Educational Studies, the constellation metaphor versus the traditional pyramid metaphor was particularly interesting. “Barzun described examples of how in his work he found connectedness and empowering others to be extremely effective as a leader.”
Smith compared Barzun’s example of the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States as a metaphor for the relationship between WCS and RCOE.
Meeting the author
During the Nov. 18 meeting, the group had the opportunity to meet and discuss the book with author Matthew Barzun. Barzun is a former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom and to Sweden.
“I appreciated his ease and humility, and that he, as a former ambassador and advisor to a president, would take time to meet with educators,” said Smith. “I was grateful that he sees the value in educators and all that they do and are doing at this moment in our history.”
Parkway School principal Patty Buckner also noted his relation-oriented and down-to-earth approach.
“He has many connections and continues to learn from others about ways in which to empower others and encourage others to lead,” added Dr. Betsy Rosenbalm, RCOE’s Director of the Public School Partnership.
Book Group
