If the education system is to innovate, then it needs brave teachers to step up.
I speak to hundreds of educators every week. It is clear that we have no shortage of radical minds who want to lead change. The problem is that the system is not good at encouraging these people.
The priority is to keep the system running smoothly, not raise up innovators to change it.
I'm often asked for advice by ambitious teachers and leaders looking for a new direction. It normally happens at the end of a talk or as a direct message on LinkedIn when I get home that evening. The question goes like this: “I really want to do what you do. How do I do it?” The answer isn't simple and involves years of hard work and a bit of luck. But a significant catalyst for me was Daniel Priestley's book Key Person of Influence.
For those in education who are asking: How do I become a person of influence in the sector? Let me explain what has worked for me from Daniel Priestley's book and other materials.
Five Strategies
Before we dive in, ambition is nothing to be ashamed of. If you want the best for the learners in our education system, if you have amazing ideas on how to make it happen and you are ready to step up, then sitting quiet in your classroom won’t help. The education system needs you to start influencing those around you.
1. Craft A Compelling Pitch
Your pitch is your unique approach distilled into a powerful statement. It’s about communicating what you bring to the table and the impact you have.
In his book Key Person of Influence, Daniel Priestley emphasizes, "Your ability to communicate your value and uniqueness through your spoken word. Key People of Influence can answer the question 'What do you do?' with power and clarity."
My pitch evolved to focus on empowering educators to embrace the benefits of AI in their classrooms both now and into the future. It's concise yet impactful: I help students succeed for an AI-driven future by equipping their teachers with the strategies and tools they need.
Priestley explains, "If you have something of great value to offer but no one can understand it, you're not going any further."
We need you to go further.
2. Become A Published Author
Write that book. Now.
I remember when I was struggling to write my first book, my friend Jamie Smith said to me, “It’s a few weeks of pain for a few years of rewards.” His words gave me the final push I needed.
In our digital age, there are countless platforms for teachers to share their expertise. Whether it's through blog posts, journal articles, or books, publishing establishes you as an authority in your field.
Priestley underscores this point: "Published content creates ownership and authority over your chosen niche... Published books, articles and reports tell the world that you are an authority in your field."
My journey began with newsletter articles, then guest articles for education magazines, then books and now I write for Forbes. Each publication expanded my reach and credibility.
You could have the key to helping the education system, but if you don’t become an authority and expand your reach, then it won’t help anyone.
3. Cultivate A Strong Profile
Your online presence is your digital business card. It's often the first impression you make on potential collaborators or employers.
In his interview on the Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal YouTube show, Priestley suggests a structured approach: "When I approach building a profile, I use what we call the 'SALT' method, which stands for social media, awards and associations, live events and third-party platforms."
Offering value on social media is the starting point for a lot of thought leaders and I was no different. By consistently sharing valuable content, you will gain trust and an audience.
4. Embrace Visibility Opportunities
Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial for increasing influence.
Seek opportunities to present at conferences, conduct workshops or participate in webinars. I spoke at events for free for years while I built my profile alongside my day job. You never know who is going to be in the audience. Two years ago I spoke for free at a conference in London, afterwards I was asked to travel to Hong Kong to work with educators by my now good friend, Ian Phillips. This led to other opportunities in Oman and Dubai. At the same London event, I made a connection that recommended me to speak at Bett (The largest edtech conference in the world). My talk at Bett led to countless further bookings and I returned a year later to keynote.
I don’t share this to boast, but to demonstrate the power of making yourself visible. Each opportunity not only allowed me to share knowledge but also to learn from others and expand my network.
5. Master the Art of Storytelling
People are obsessed with stories. They inspire us and change us. Teachers are no different.
In his interview on the SaaS Academy Podcast, Priestley emphasizes the importance of "radical empathy" in storytelling. This means truly understanding your audience's perspective and tailoring your message to resonate with their experiences and needs.
As an educator, you will have amazing stories based on your own experience as well as advice and practical help. Merge them. The story is your vehicle to making an impact.
In my presentations, I try to tell a lot of stories: my stories, the stories of people I know and fascinating stories of people I don’t know. Stories make you human.
The Journey Of The Change Maker
Becoming a change maker in education is not an overnight process. It requires dedication, continuous learning, and a willingness to share your knowledge and experiences.
My journey from classroom teacher to what I do now was gradual, built on countless small steps. Each blog post, conference presentation and networking event expanded my sphere of influence incrementally. There are continuous moments of doubt and setbacks, but each challenge provides an opportunity for growth.
As education continues to evolve, particularly with the integration of AI and other technologies, the voices of experienced, innovative educators are more crucial than ever. By positioning yourself as a thought leader, you can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education.
If you're an educator looking to expand your influence, start implementing these strategies today. Share your unique insights, embrace new opportunities and step out of your comfort zone. Your voice and experiences are valuable, and the education sector needs passionate, innovative teachers to help guide its future.
Remember, true influence isn't about self-promotion—it's about pointing people towards your message.
Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:
1. The ChatGPT Survival Kit: My flagship course on getting started with generative AI using ChatGPT. The Busy Teacher's Guide to Taking Back Your Evenings With AI. Join 10k+ educators who have taken the course.
2. The AI Classroom Bestselling Book: Tens of thousands of educators on every continent have trusted this "Ultimate Guide to AI in Education", to springboard themselves into AI leadership. With a healthy balance of thought and practical guides, this book will supercharge your AI journey.
3. It's an honour to be an in-demand international keynote speaker on artificial education in education and business. I get to work with schools, colleges, universities and businesses to strategically integrate AI and help them be prepared for a future of disruptive technology. Click here to enquire about booking me.
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