Educational Leaders: Alfie Kohn

This post covers Alfie Kohn. You may want to read the introduction to the series; this is the second educational leader explored.

But in relative terms, even the mass media, who take progressive stands on some issues sometimes, are uniformly in line with the Gates Foundation, with the Bush/Obama approach to top-down school control and standardized testing, all of which, in its most egregious form, is visited upon inner-city kids with a vengeance.  And to support these hair-raising charter school programs that I wouldn't send my dog to, but they're great for black, poor kids. -Alfie Kohn

Alfie Kohn researches, lectures and write about education, parenting and human behavior. His examination of issues beyond the typical educational scope makes him an educational leader. He relentlessly addresses policy and trend makers with uncompromising theories concerning equality and established norms. One such theory is that competitiveness does not help students because when students win, others lose, and those people are still students. Since public schools open their doors to all, everyone who comes deserves an education.

He also believes that testing does prove what students know and should not be tied to teacher pay. In an article titled "The Folly of Merit Pay," Kohn expressed that teachers should be paid well and given respect, support, time and appreciation. As a teacher, these ideas are typically true, as teachers care about helping their students and think while money is nice, a positive working environment is better. Additionally, he criticizes ridiculous accountability, standards and testing that send teachers running from classrooms.

Current Job: Independent scholar.
Accomplishments:

• Kohn has written 10 influential books and numerous articles. Teacher-training courses use his material in classes.


• He is a renowned speaker.


• He has received numerous awards and holds many positions, including the Editorial Advisory Board for Education Digest.

• Critics say Kohn has too strict of stance toward homework. He believes that homework is simply more work, after students have worked all day at school. Many educators think (and believe different research shows) that homework has a purpose.


• Kohn questions basic norms of education. For instance, he wrote an article titled, "Five Reasons To Stop Saying 'Good Job!'"  Critics also believe his ideas toward discipline are utopistic.