WHY WE NEED ROLE MODELS IN SCHOOL & WORK MORE THAN EVER - THE DAILY RIFF - Be Smarter. About Education.

WHY WE NEED ROLE MODELS IN SCHOOL & WORK MORE THAN EVER - THE DAILY RIFF - Be Smarter. About Education.

"The young entrepreneurs who are starting companies for the first time are best served by seeking out and getting experienced serial entrepreneurs
 as angel investors, board members, and mentors.
We encourage all of the first time entrepreneurs we work with to do this."

                                                     - Fred Wilson, Principal, Union Square Ventures
                         (link to Wilson's post below)

By C.J. Westerberg

One of my big obsessions in the school arena is the importance of role models and mentors for students.  I've been known to beat the drum incessantly about this subject in school board meetings, parent conversations, and frankly, to anyone who will listen. 

In our schools, we often think about teachers, school and extra-curricular activities separate from role-modeling.  For example, my daughter went to a school which touted its mentoring program when it really was nothing more than an occasional presenting of a rose or some other token by an older student after a school play or award ceremony.  There was no real meaningful interaction.

The school my daughter now attends happens to have a great Head who believes very strongly in how the everyday behavior of teachers and coaches IS one of the best opportunities for role-modeling.   There are also real initiatives such as having students read to the younger, less accomplished kids or the many collaborative opportunities where the bar gets raised with the collective input of all . . .students as role models for others.  (We know parents are key role models and is worthy of its own separate conversation).

When I came across this post by Fred Wilson, principal of Union Square Ventures, from his popular blog AVC, it was just too good to pass up.  He parallels role-modeling in school with role-modeling in the business world.  I personally think with the state of ourunemployment and economy, we need collaboration and mentoring more than ever. Here's Fred's take:

"Both of my girls played in this league in their middle school years and then assistant coached in it during their high school years. The skills and experience they developed playing in this league allowed them to be leaders and top players on their