David Gergen reports in Eyewitness to Power an explosion by President John F. Kennedy when he was asked by a group of historians to assess past presidents:

"How the hell can they know?" he said. "They've never had to sit here, reading all the cables, listening to people all day about these problems." (p. 344)

I heard this comment decades ago, but don't remember from whom or where, but likely passed on from someone in that administration to someone I knew. (Ah, the rumor mill!)

President Kennedy had a point, one that has come to mind whenever I have heard people other than direct participants talk about peer reviews, reviews by experts, et al.

The most we can offer is our best description of what we see.

Gergen offers his judgment that seven keys exist to responsible and effective leadership in the White House, based on working for four presidents of the United States.

1. Leadership starts from within.

2. It has a central, compelling purpose.

3. It includes the capacity to persuade.

4. It requires an ability to work within the system.

5. It requires a sure, quick start, hitting the ground running with purpose.

6. Calls on strong, prudent advisers.

7. Inspires others to carry on the mission.

These fundamental lessons do not guarantee success, but as Abigail Adams observed, great crises bring forth great leaders.

In reading and hearing teachers, community members, students, and experts discussions of educational leadership, I have a difficult time matching them up with these seven lessons from four presidents of the U.S. Perhaps public schooling has not yet reached a sufficient crisis to bring forth a great education leader?

I wonder if that difference exists among outspoken educators on purpose or my omision? Will mobile learning technology provide teachers with sufficient assistance to lead students to increased learning rates?

Tablet PC Education Blog