Traditional education reform has repeatedly focused on working to improve existing systems without questioning their fundamental premises.
The Long Now of Education is an opportunity to break free from this cycle by asking questions in a radically different context. We envision learning, teaching and leading that honors constants of human experience—relationships, creativity, and adaptation to change—while embracing new possibilities that emerge from a variety of transformational forces in our world. We value:
- Stewardship: education that nurtures and supports each human being holistically
- Perspective: a lens focused toward multi-generational respect and impact
- Community: engaging in diverse human dialogue and co-creation
- Optimism: hope and energy in response to challenges
The current educational model was designed in a bygone context for a different era. Despite numerous reform efforts, the fundamental structure remains largely unchanged – often dehumanizing – our schools. We believe that true transformation requires more than standing at the edge of the box, talking about what is outside of it as we often do. Instead, we must move into the ambiguity beyond the box to truly reimagine what is possible in the future of education.