Black is out - maybe we do more than just manage

Cathie Black's brief and tumultuous tenure as NYC Chancellor ended yesterday.   I recall not long ago all the voices heralding her appointment as brillant while derailing archaic regulations that require specific credentials for Superintendents.   Does Black's failure validate these regulations?  I hope not.  Our profession is over regulated.  Rather, I hope her failure will give the elites driving present day education reform pause.  I hope they will take a moment to see the similarities in Black and Michelle Rhee's failure.  They both share a righteousness about their role in the public education system -- as if they know what is best for all kids.   Regardless of how their righteousness is framed (often as savior) the evidence suggests it is oppressive.   This undercurrent of oppressive righteousness remains the driving force behind public school reform policies.  As a result,  I suspect there will be many more Rhee's and Blacks on the horizon eager to "serve."  I worry until professional educators reclaim our profession from the elites, sustainable and effective reforms for all kids well remain elusive.  I don't want to suggest our profession must wall itself off and establish an "us against them" mentality.   This is not realistic and would not be helpful.   Rather, we must demand educational leaders born from successful experience in education.   This seems obvious but a close examination of modern day education leaders reveals a lot of  inspiring ideology from leaders with limited experience in schools working with teachers and students.   Our profession must value itself more and honor the experience of educators for the wisdom, humility and empathy it engenders.  By doing so, we will discover authentic leaders (with innovative ideas) and the experience needed to lead successful reform efforts.  Present day reformers whose resumes imply working in schools is beneath them, cause our profession much harm.