Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
FOCUS
As crises mount, respond with compassionate leadership
By Wendy E. Baron, Arthur L. Costa and Robert J. Garmston
October 2021
In August 2020, when schools were plagued with uncertainties about opening, we talked with Juan, a middle school principal. He was exhausted after a full day of meetings with teacher and parent groups. Although we had planned to talk about the school’s intended professional development, we instead listened as he described his situation. “You can’t believe the stress I’m experiencing,” Juan said, collapsing into the swivel chair in his office. “Welcome to the house of equal opportunity in the land of stress. How to open school this fall is a nightmare. Teachers are anxious about keeping their students safe. At the same time, they are concerned for their own health and that of their families. I’m feeling tremendous empathy for parents, teachers, and kids.” Tears
Read the remaining content with membership access. Join or log in below to continue.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.
References
Costa, A. & Kallick, B. (2020). Leading learning organizations with habits of mind. Institute for Habits of Mind.
Edmondson, A. (2019). The fearless organization: Creating psychological safety in the workplace for learning, innovation, and growth. Wiley.
Garmston, R. & Wellman, B. (2016). The adaptive school: A sourcebook for developing collaborative groups (3rd ed.). Rowman & Littlefield.
Wendy E. Baron (wendy.e.baron@gmail.com) is co-founder and an emeritus chief officer, social and emotional learning (SEL) at New Teacher Center and an SEL consultant.
Arthur L. Costa (artcosta@aol.com) is an emeritus professor at California State University, Sacramento and co-director of the Institute for Habits of Mind.
Robert J. Garmston (fabobg@gmail.com) is an emeritus professor of education administration at California State University, Sacramento, and co-developer of Cognitive Coaching and Adaptive Schools.
CURRENT ISSUE
Recent Issues
LEARNING WITH AI
February 2026
Generative AI can be a powerful tool for professional learning design and...
WHAT STUDENTS NEED NOW
December 2025
For all students to thrive, we need to understand who they are and what...
LEARNING COMMUNITIES FOR LEADERS
October 2025
Leaders need opportunities to connect, learn, and grow with peers just as...
MAXIMIZING RESOURCES
August 2025
This issue offers advice about making the most of professional learning...
