I don’t like to use the word hate (really such a negative term in my opinion), but in this case, I have to say it.
I really hate politics.
Okay, it’s not what you are thinking at all. I am not talking about the general politics we are used to seeing when elections come every year or four years. I am talking about the politics you see in the industry.
I have been in academia for over 10 years now and I have realized politics are everywhere in the industry, and it can impact some of the best professionals, students, programs, and communities.
One of the things I loved about being a student-athlete is if you throw far, you win. You get to throw a certain distance in the shot put, and that means you are considered to be one of the best and can win the awards. It’s very objective and you know where you stand in the sport. I loved the fact I knew where I stood compared to my competitors each year and so I knew what I needed to do to achieve my goals.
However, in academia and the professional community, this is not always what happens. Some of the individuals and programs that are highlighted and praised as being “the best” are those that have gotten there based on other means.
Whether they have actually compensated in return for these awards or they are BFFs with individuals with the power to make things happen for those they are connected to get the prized awards – it is never disclosed to everyone that this is the reason WHY these things happened. You “assume” this is done in a transparent, fair (novel thought, right?!) and authentic manner.
As I tell my students – assumption is the mother of all screw ups. (If you have seen the classic movie with Steven Seagal Under Siege 2 – you will get where this line comes from).
I used to think this as well. Until I started seeing behaviors and actions that violated that perspective. I did not realize this was happening until a few years ago. Each year that goes by and I see it happen over and over again, I get more and more frustrated. I thought things would change, but the only thing you see that happens is that it is getting more and more obvious this is happening.
This is not right. These awards help bring forth professional opportunities, brand recognition, and help in the promotion process for many individuals in our field. The individuals and programs that are actually sparking change and leading in innovation who really ARE the game changers in our industry are the ones left in the dark unfortunately. These individuals and programs do not have the megaphone or big presence some of these other individuals and programs have in getting their name out there without having some help.
In my opinion, this is not right. I wish our industry was more honest and transparent on how these awards or acknowledgements would be given out. It would be better if we knew already what to expect so we know 1) this is how things are done and 2) we can do something to address this on our own.
With brings to my next point:
If you do not see the change you want to see in the industry, you have got to take some action to address it.
This is why I helped start the #SMprofs community (a community of 1.4k educators, professionals, and industry brands to connect and share all things about teaching, researching, and practicing social media) a few years ago. My goal has been to make an impact on the field and to make sure the industry knows about the educators who are really being innovative, strategic, and impactful in and out of the classroom. This has been something I’ve tried to work on these past few years, and I have seen many others in our community do the same, which has been so awesome and rewarding to witness.
Now, I have realized the next step in doing something about the growing political trends we are seeing in the industry is to do one thing:
Give out our own awards to our own community.
That’s right. Why do we wait around for awards in which we will most likely will never get?
These awards for 2020 will be for our community to acknowledge the work of those who are changing the game for our industry.
Plus – this is something new for our community to embrace! We will bring together insights on various awards for our profession (ex. rising educator, best class assignment, etc) as well as giving praise and acknowledgement to our industry partners and supporters.
No politics. No compensation. No BFF connections. Doesn’t matter where you are from, representing, or where you went to school. All votes and submissions will be equally based on merit, evidence, community input and impact results.
This will be voted on by the #SMprofs community and the winners would be announced and get a digital certificate. But most importantly – it is about celebrating the best that our community has to offer and continue making an impact that benefits our field and industry.
It’s a start. It’s about giving credit and praise where it is due. In order to do this, we have to make changes for our industry and for the future generation – professionals, students, and educators – coming forward.
Would love to hear what you all think about this.
Have a great day!
Best Wishes,
