Are there too many consultants in education?
This episode is supported by the University of Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education. Click here to learn more.
I explore and question our growing reliance on consultants. With the sector experiencing significant changes, from the integration of AI to shifts in educational models, I reflect on whether this reliance is coming at a cost to our professional integrity.
I share observations on the dual role of educational consultants: providing valuable expertise and perspectives to help schools navigate complex decisions while potentially fostering a dependency that could impede the development of internal knowledge and decision-making capabilities. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, I note a trend of short-lived implementations and a cycle of change with each new leadership transition, raising concerns about the sustainability of such practices.
The conversation shifts towards advocating for a coaching model for whole school development, akin to organisational development coaching in the business sector. This model aims to empower schools to tap into their internal knowledge and insights, promoting a more sustainable and autonomous approach to school development.
Key Quotes
"International education is evolving at a breakneck pace... But as a result, have we become a little too reliant on consultants?"
"Every consultant I know has great intentions... but I'm curious as to whether the amount of consultants we have in education is a good thing."
"If we manage to solve our challenges internally, we're creating a more sustainable and empowered strategy deployment in the long run."
"Our organisations and schools are full of people, full of knowledge, full of insights. Most challenges should be able to be solved internally."
"While consultants have their place and will always have their place, the future of our school development lies in empowering the educators and leaders to harness their own collective wisdom."
References
Thank you for tuning in, and as always, if you found this episode useful, please share your experience. You can find me online on X (@leaningshane), and LinkedIN. My website is shaneleaning.com.
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About the host
Shane Leaning is a passionate organisational development coach with over 14 years of international teaching and leadership experience. His approach to coaching and professional development is all about approachability and attentiveness to the unique strengths and contexts of schools and educators. Shane believes that empowerment fosters growth and success for both educators and students alike.
