Recognizing Constructive Acts of Rebels
School Administrator, October 2020

Constructive Rebels	Destructive Rebels
Create	Complain
Ask questions	Make assertions
Display optimism	Display pessimism
Generate energy	Zap energy
Pinpoint causes	Point fingers
Focus on the mission	Focus on self
Attract	Alienate
Show passion	Show anger

Being dubbed a rebel conjures up a host of images — most of them negative. Yet to strengthen K-12 education’s place in the world, constructive rebellion must be part of the equation. School leaders fixated on designing efficient processes and getting employees to go with the flow should rethink the merits of this approach.

No matter how turbulent the road ahead may be, there is a right way and wrong way to push back. For example, teachers have a long list of standards to cover as students learn from home. Yet virtual learning plans require a high level of self-direction.

Simplicity is key. Is your distance learning program giving teachers the chance to explore, deviate and be creative? Now that we’re a few months into the school year, ensure teachers are breaking the rules that should be broken. You’ll recognize the difference through people’s actions.