I’m cheating a little bit today as I share my thoughts about trust in education, in life, and in the world. This is not my typical post. I am not sharing a Web 2.0 tool or resource today…so, if that is what you are looking for stop reading now and check back tomorrow.

What sparked this change in direction? A number of things I suppose. I can’t shake this pervasive sad feeling I have had following some breaches of trust that recently occurred in the news, in a few schools I have encountered, and in society in general. At this point, I should probably admit that I am a person who truly, truly wants to see the good in everyone. Pollyanna (by Eleanor H. Porter) was my favorite book as a child. I have a strong (it used to be unwavering) belief that we are all put on this earth to make other lives better. I live in a fanciful, hopeful, (somewhat) trusting state of mind that probably makes me vulnerable to breeches of trust.

Why do I feel betrayed by a TV station for example? How can parents publicly betray the trust of eight young children who are entitled to a safe and loving environment (Jon and Kate plus 8)? What on earth is wrong with a society that feeds on the break up of a family during such a painful time? What is wrong with a television station that benefits and builds ratings during the much publicized break up of the two parents? Again, and most importantly…what are the parents thinking? Why am I so saddened by the dissolution of this family? Do I feel betrayed because I allowed myself to let media manipulate my emotions as I came to care about a family that I am not directly related to?

When I taught students, I was attuned to the moods of my students and could often sense that their home lives impacted (and impeded) their school lives. Children’s feelings do not switch off when they walk through school doors. Perhaps, the Gosselin children symbolize all the students I have worked with who have experienced similar family issues. I am not going to watch the show any longer. It’s too painful a reminder of all my past students who struggled through similar (but not as public) parental break-ups.

It’s quite likely that my strong drive to write this post is also influenced by an excellent article I read today: From Consultant to Courtier: Trust is the Pathway written by Matthew May. In his article, May’s points out that consultants tend to underestimate the importance of trust in the consultant/client relationship. In my mind, consultant/client could be replaced by administrator/teacher. He contends that consultants [administrators] mistakenly believe trust comes from simply providing excellent and reliable service. He also states there are some organizational cultures that are characterized by a lack of trust. I suggest that this holds true in some school cultures as well.

Sadly, my first administrative experience occurred in a district where trust was an issue. I walked in starry eyed and sure that I could introduce technologies that would make a difference…technologies that would help teachers teach and students learn. I soon learned that I had stumbled into a district where a number of individuals were guarded and afraid to be perceived as vulnerable. I did not realize how wearing it was to work in a culture where there was a prevailing sense of distrust, until I left the district. (In fairness…I should mention leadership has since changed in the district; perhaps the culture has also changed).

So here is the thing…I find myself in a mentally pivotal position. On one hand, I have all this passion and knowledge I want to share. I genuinely believe that technology can be used to impact learning across the curriculum. I’m absolutely sure that as educators we are heading in a wonderful direction when we look at the 21st Century Partnership skills we are trying to instill in our students (and ultimately our workforce). On the other hand, do I want to put myself in a position where I am vulnerable once again?

Perhaps, I am taking a risk by sharing my thoughts in this post. It’s been a while, since I really put myself out there. If Mays is right when he stated in his article that “trust and risk give rise to one another—they do not exist apart,” then, I guess I am ready to trust once again. As I finish writing this post, I am no longer sad. I am at peace with my decision to risk and trust as I continue to seek a position where I can use technology as a tool to help students learn. However, I will not be watching Jon and Kate plus 8.