Transitioning Leadership at Modern Learners: A New Chapter for Community Engagement

Leadership Transition at Modern Learners

In a significant shift for Modern Learners, Bruce Dixon and Will Richardson are stepping back from the day-to-day management to embrace a more advisory role. While Bruce enjoys life, potentially swimming with sharks, and Will is likely at Tuck's basketball game, I find myself diving into the operational complexities of our upcoming initiatives. This transition comes with both uncertainty and opportunity, as we reassess how to navigate our projects without their daily oversight.

Although they won't be handling daily tasks, both will stay involved behind the scenes, allowing their insights to guide the direction of Modern Learners. Bruce is expected to keep a low profile, primarily from Melbourne, while Will remains active on social media, sharing insights that drive continuous engagement within our community. This balance of visibility and distance might allow fresh ideas to surface while maintaining the original ethos that Bruce and Will established. Their ability to influence strategically, rather than operationally, could lead to a new phase of growth for the organization.

The Impact on Modern Learners

From a business perspective, the core offerings of Modern Learners remain intact. Change School will continue, albeit at a reduced frequency—Cohort 10 is set to kick off in mid-March, so interested parties should join the waitlist here. With the foundational elements still in place, we can sustain our momentum and build upon the existing enthusiasm for these learning initiatives.

Our commitment to fostering a vibrant online community around modern learning principles is unwavering. Special thanks to Lyn Hilt, Hazel Mason, and Linda Ashida for their crucial support in nurturing this environment through MLC. These proactive community leaders are essential for maintaining the dialogue and engagement crucial to our mission. As the transition unfolds, their involvement will help fill the gap left by Bruce and Will, ensuring continuity.

Additionally, we will persist in providing courses designed by members of our community, inspiring teachers to learn and develop collectively. Notably, Bexley Schools in Ohio has joined us for the 10 Principles course, while Prospect High School in Illinois is working through Reimagining Assessment. This community-driven approach emphasizes shared responsibility in education, allowing a diverse array of voices and methodologies to enrich our offerings.

Continuing the Conversation

It's essential to recognize that the tone of Modern Learners will shift with this transition. Will's provocative writing style and Bruce's unique global perspectives will be missed, presenting a challenge for me as I continue our blogging and podcasting efforts. My distinct voice may take some getting used to, but I'm confident it will resonate with our audience over time. While I may seek guidance on my delivery, my priorities lie in leadership and school transformation. There's a delicate balance between preserving the essence of Modern Learners and carving out a new identity with my leadership.

An exciting development is our vow to elevate the voices within our community. We plan to invite blog contributions from members who are actively involved in meaningful work, so keep an eye on your email for forthcoming opportunities. By amplifying these voices, we’re not just bringing fresh content; we’re creating a richer dialogue that reflects the collective experiences and expertise of our community. (And this is the part most people overlook). Giving space for more voices allows us to remain adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of educators and learners alike.

Will We Continue Learning?

In 2019, we dedicated ourselves to a critical exploration of equity, prioritizing self-reflection and awareness of our biases. This work continues, both within the Modern Learners Community and beyond, propelled by our reading engagements with authors like Robin DiAngelo and Cornelius Minor. We've also integrated anti-racist discussions into our narratives, drawing from various influential voices in the education space. Inspired by initiatives like #disrupttext and #cleartheair, we're building a conscious approach to our community dynamics. Addressing these tough issues requires courage, and it’s a commitment we're proud to uphold.

Modern Learners remains on a mission to enhance educational experiences worldwide, with an emphasis on collective growth rather than individual accolades. Will and Bruce, though stepping into advisory positions, will continue to be part of our greater movement. Their roles may have changed, but their influence and support will remain a constant. We’re committed to advancing the mission and invite everyone to join us on this journey of transformation. If you’re working in this space, you’ll notice that the focus on collaborative learning and progressive teaching methodologies is not just a trend; it’s a necessary evolution in education.

Future Outlook: Embracing Change

The transition of leadership at Modern Learners represents a new chapter that could either enhance or challenge our mission. With Bruce and Will taking a step back, it’s imperative to ensure that their foundational philosophies continue to resonate throughout the organization. Their experiences are invaluable, and we must find ways to incorporate their insights into future initiatives without their daily involvement.

This shift also emphasizes the need for fresh perspectives. As we invite more voices into our discussions, we could cultivate a richer tapestry of ideas that might lead to paths not previously explored. The potential for progress rests on our ability to adapt and embrace diverse approaches to learning. What this means for you is clear: the conversation will continue, but it will evolve, and participation is encouraged. Embracing this opportunity for growth, both within our community and beyond, will be crucial as we move into this next phase.