Greetings from ABEC!

How great it is to get a break from the intense hot air that has permeated Arizona for the past 3 months. I am referring to another Arizona summer, of course, and not the legislative session.

I’ve heard from several participants in and observers of the session who have said they just can’t believe it’s so political. While there is no room for politics in education, even education can’t escape politics. Politics is defined as the art or science of political government; political methods or maneuvers; political principles or opinions; (playing politics) engaging in political intrigue, taking advantage of a political situation or issue, exploiting a political system or relationships; dealing with people in an opportunistic, manipulative or devious way.

We are all politicians. As Carolyn Warner states in her book The Last Word, “…Politics means being a part of the world around you.”

The politics of education exist from the classroom to the board room. In a public education system every member of that system has a life experience and a right to express an opinion – especially about schooling. The issues in education are complex, intangible and long term. They touch the two things most important to most people: their money and their children. We can close the door to the conflict of politics and let others determine the outcome, or we can accept the politics and learn how to work with them for a better outcome for the common good.

For ABEC and its members, we must roll up our sleeves, recognize and work with the politics of education. We must educate each other. We must take the time to understand all sides of the issues, reveal our own assumptions, empathize with others, and seek to find the common ground. Only then can we collaborate, advocate and influence.

Best Always,