In September 2019, I began an M.Ed. Program at SFU in Imaginative K-12 Leadership. I and sixteen other K-12 educators from public and independent schools around the Lower Mainland began meeting every other weekend for face-to-face classes at SFU’s Surrey Campus throughout the fall and winter. I had no idea when I began my graduate course work that a global pandemic would drastically change life as we know it, including education. March came in like a lion. While we pivoted to get our Southridge K-12 program up and running amidst the suspension of in-school instruction, SFU also pivoted to keep our cohort-based program running. We quickly transitioned to classes in “Zoomland” and now meet online every other weekend.
To choose to pursue my M.Ed. while juggling family and a full-time job as a principal is a daunting commitment on a good day. Being forced to complete it during a pandemic is nothing short of surreal serendipity. When I finished my first year of course work in July, although exhausted, I felt a deep sense of gratitude like I’ve never known. To be a learner during such a significant time in the world has been such a beautiful gift. This is not a degree in crisis leadership – nowhere in any of my schooling has leading in a crisis come up. However, leading with imagination is the through line. Approaching my own response to the pandemic through the lens of imaginative leadership has challenged me to communicate differently, empathize more, and envision what’s possible within unimaginable constraints. Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” The ability to imagine is a uniquely human quality. Our capacity to imagine new possibilities is what propels us to new heights. It’s through imagination that breakthroughs give birth to innovation.
As I strive to grow as a leader, I am learning that when I come to the edge of my own cliff of knowledge, it’s my imagination that gives me the wings to fly across to the other side. It’s the imaginations of scientists that will develop a vaccine for COVID-19; it’s the imaginations of our students that will lead us boldly into a future that is unpredictable yet filled with possibility. Connecting our students with their imaginations is a huge part of what we strive to do at Southridge. Imagination invites creativity, play and playfulness, empathy, whimsy, an ability to see mistakes as opportunities, problem posing, critical thinking, collaboration, and living into and telling our individual and collective stories. Imagination connects our hearts and minds. If it’s true that timing is everything, I can certainly say that the timing of my M.Ed. could not be better because it’s given me the courage to confront changes and challenges with hope and optimism for a better future. Just imagine what the world will be like post-pandemic – it’s never going to be the same, but I believe that it will be better, because I can imagine the impact that our students will have on shaping a better future.
Contributed by Ms. de Hoog, Junior School Principal