A Valentine’s Day Reflection

In the heart of February, as the world celebrates Valentine's Day, a day steeped in the tradition of expressing love and affection, it presents a unique moment for reflection within the educational landscape. This Valentine's Day, I was reminded of the enchanting history of February 14th, believed to be the day when birds in England and France start mating, symbolizing the beginning of love's season. This day, traditionally associated with romantic love, has evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of love and gratitude, a sentiment deeply resonant within the educational community.

As educators and administrators, our expressions of love extend beyond the confines of personal relationships, permeating our classrooms, schools, and interactions with students and colleagues. This year, as the superintendent of the Des Moines Public School District, I found myself reflecting on the profound connection between love, power, and justice, inspired by the wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the enduring story of the "Miracle on Ice."

Dr. King's philosophy, that "power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love," serves as a guiding light in times of decision-making and leadership. The educational landscape, with its complexities and challenges, often places us at the intersection of love and power, compelling us to wield our influence with a commitment to justice and equity.

The story of Herb Brooks, cut from the 1960 Olympic hockey team only to lead the 1980 team to a historic victory as a coach, reminds us of the resilience required to navigate disappointments. His journey from personal setback to triumph embodies the spirit of never giving up, a lesson invaluable to educators and students alike.

Power, Love, and Resilience

In our roles, we are often confronted with legislative sessions, budgetary constraints, and strategic decisions that necessitate the use of positional power. Yet, it is in these moments that we have the opportunity to demonstrate love through our commitment to justice and equity. By intertwining the concepts of power and love, we can create educational environments that are not only fair and just but also nurturing and supportive.

As we navigate the complexities of the educational system, let us remember that every decision we make impacts lives. It is our responsibility to ensure that those affected feel seen, heard, and supported, even when the outcomes are not as desired. This commitment to radical empathy, acknowledging the disparities created by a history of social and educational injustice, challenges us to exhaust every effort to intertwine power and love, making a tangible difference in the lives of our students and colleagues.

There's no day like Valentine's Day for us to recommit to leading with love and justice, using our positions of power to champion fairness and equity. In doing so, we honor the true spirit of the day, celebrating a love that transcends personal relationships and embraces the collective well-being of our educational communities.

As educators, let's carry forward the message of love, power, and justice, making every day a testament to our commitment to creating a better, more equitable world for all our students.