I often dream of a flipped hierarchy in education, where at the top of the pyramid are the classrooms with teachers and students, and below us are all of the other people in supportive roles, holding up the most important work we do.
If you are not a teacher, but you’re looking at this image, thinking, “Yes, that’s exactly how it is,” then you should try talking to some teachers.
I’m fortunate to feel supported at my school by colleagues, school leaders, and parents, but that’s not necessarily the norm. And there are still outside forces that threaten these conditions. Do teachers feel recognized and supported by the people/organizations that influence and govern their profession? The answer, by and large, is no. And when teachers aren’t supported, students aren’t either.
If we are really most important, then let’s flip the hierarchy!
