Teachers and Principals have to read to stay informed.

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Prof. Jonathan Jansen signing books with Square Hill Primary School learners waiting to chat to him.
We say children have to read to help them learn faster, but how many of our principals and teachers are reading? If you speak to teachers, principals and even district officials, it becomes evident that many of those directly involved in education seldom make time to read.

Reading feeds the soul and the mind

One inherent danger in not reading for leisure or reading literature in your own industry means you are stunting your own personal and professional growth. Leisure reading is a pleasurable activity and a stress reliever. Reading takes our minds away from all the pressures and allows us to enter the world of others at no cost.

On the flip side, professionals should read to keep their minds fresh. Reading helps them build their knowledge which will come in handy during their work as well. How are we going to stay abreast of all the new knowledge that is created at breakneck speed if we don't read what is available to us?
There is an abundance of all kinds of literature available for us to read. Our minds will be sharpened and our understanding of education complexities will improve. Our vocabulary will expand and our cognitive skills will get a good workout as well. Also, you will be able to challenge your own and others' perceptions of the world and add to the knowledge-creation process. When you read and share with others, everybody benefits.
I believe it is essential that principals and their staff institutionalise a reading culture at their schools. And, education district officials should be at the cutting edge of research so that we can improve our support to schools.

My reading advocacy commitment


Let me put my money where my mouth is. I am committed to hosting a bi-monthly "lunchtime" talk series in the new year. Presenters will be encouraged to give short talks on books or academic literature they are reading. I am looking forward to seeing how we can grow our reading circles.

Do you have ideas on how we can make reading an exciting journey for all?

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