Measuring your force.

Several years ago, Bette Midler recorded a wonderful song written by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar titled "The Wind Beneath My Wings." Now a staple at weddings, graduation ceremonies and other celebrations, the song's lyrics recognize the positive influence a seemingly unrecognized leader had over another's life. The chorus embodies the essence of the song's meaning:

   Did you ever know that you're my hero,
   And everything I would like to be?
   I can fly higher than an eagle,
   For you are the wind beneath my wings.

Whenever I hear this song, I think of a good friend whose true passion was boating. Let me explain: He was a purist and although we often traveled over the same seas, he always referred to me as a "Stink Potter," for I would use an outboard motor to move about and he preferred traditional wind power. When he was steering his boat on the open waters, wind blowing his hair and his sails, he always had the biggest grin on his face.

But despite the fact the wind gave my friend so much pleasure, he was a hostage to it as well. When the wind was right, his boat glided easily through choppy waters, but when there was no wind, he was at the mercy of the currents and tides. When the winds turned violent, he had to battle the very wind he yearned for, searching fervently for a safe harbor.

My thoughts now turn to you, the education leaders of our nation's schools. What or who provides the wind beneath your wings? To whom do you turn for support and inspiration?

Maybe more importantly, what kind of wind are you for your school systems and for all the children you serve? Are you that gentle, uplifting wind that seeks continuous improvement and lifelong learning? Or will you run out of wind, causing your organization to flounder, stay in one place or simply struggle to stay afloat? Or are you a destructive force that whips through a school district, intent on tearing down structures, causing doubt and distrust, inflicting pain and suffering on both staff and children?

With all the challenges facing public education today, it is difficult to remain focused and to remember why we chartered this particular leadership course for ourselves. Perhaps someone we respected encouraged us to take this path long ago. Perhaps this kind of service to our nation and its future generations is simply in our blood. Perhaps some of us even stumbled into this career without realizing how truly satisfying it is to be able to serve young people every day.

Whatever the reason you are where you are today, realize how important it is for you to be a positive force in your school district. You can be the wind beneath someone's wings, whether that someone is a fellow staff member, parent or student. You can be the wind that blows in positive change, positive attitudes and positive outcomes. You can be the wind that keeps everyone on a steady course toward continuous improvement and academic achievement.

Yes, the seas can be rough, as my sailing friend knew all too well. But knowing that the wind might not be blowing in the right direction did not ever dissuade him from shoving off. In the words of French poet John Petit-Senn, "True courage is like a kite; a contrary wind raises it higher."

Be the wind beneath someone's wings. Help them soar as high as they can go. Even if you stand back in the shadows, your efforts will not go unnoticed. In this day and age, we need you to be an active force in public education and in shaping our democracy.