President’s Day Salute: Learning from Lincoln

President's Day is an American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Most of us remember two notable Presidents on this day: George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday falls a few days prior to Washington’s.

Lincoln, best remembered for being President during one of our country’s most difficult times. He made history by blazing new paths and fighting for the rights and freedoms of our young country.

What can 21st-century educators learn from a 19th-century president?

According to Joe Hirsch’s article, What Teachers Can Learn From Lincoln, there are many leadership practices that educators can gain from studying the life of our 16th president. Hirsch bases his information on a book titled Learning from Lincoln, by Harvey Alvy and Pamela Robbins. “Through an analysis of pivotal events in his presidency as well as his public and private pronouncements, the authors reveal a side of Lincoln that educators would do well to emulate within and beyond the classroom.”

Here are three of Hirsch’s favorite attributes to be gleaned from the life of President Lincoln:

• Demonstrating Restraint - Knowing what to do, and when and how to do it, is an important skill that all teachers need to know when dealing with students, parents, coworkers, and administration. “Lincoln took to writing his enemies long missives in which he blasted them for their foolishness, hubris, and unmitigated lack of effort. He folded these letters into envelopes, signed and stamped each one, and then buried them in a drawer, never again to touch the light of day or a postmaster's delivery wagon.”
• Building Trust - Creating a shared trust with and among students in the classroom can create a positive learning environment. Trust is also an important part of working with parents and other educators.
• The Power of Predictability and Presence - Lincoln followed a regimented schedule throughout his presidency. His coworkers knew what to expect of him because he was predictable in his daily routines and actions. Hirsch notes, “Teachers hold a different type of public office, but they are no less accountable to their constituents. In the course of a day, teachers interact with students, dialogue with parents, collaborate with colleagues, and report to supervisors. They set learning agendas, define performance goals, and monitor progress. Learning that is predictable is not necessarily rigid or impervious to innovation. Predictability -- in classroom expectations, learning designs, and measures of learning -- can actually provide the type of stability that leads to productivity and growth.”

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 15, in observance of President’s Day. From your Pepper team, we hope you enjoy your day off. But, also, we hope that as you return to the classroom on Tuesday that you will remember some of these key character traits of a well-remembered President.

As always, be sure to check out our wide range of Pepper Courses and the Resource Library to further your own professional growth.