here to build an even better school system than the one we have.” That’s an important distinction. CPS is a great school system. Does it have challenges? Absolutely. Are we striving for better? Always. But every day, principals, assistant principals, teachers, and staff show up ready to make a difference in the life of a child. And, as Harden points out, we’ve been rockin’ it. Of course, we can’t, and shouldn’t, discount the feelings that exist right now. There are principals out there feeling stressed—feeling like they might have to tap out. What do we say to those who fear their work is in vain—who wonder if this constant flux and change might be too much? He didn’t skip a beat. “Because,” he offered, “they are reaching students and creating lifelines every single day in ways they may not even be giving themselves credit for.” Then he made it personal. “I can easily name 20 CPS educators—from teachers to principals, from my time at Marcus Garvey to graduating from Whitney Young—who stood with me, consoled me, challenged me, motivated me, saw me… . Their influence and their contributions led me to one of the most significant roles in the city. So if you ever wonder, is this in vain? Google Sean B. Harden and see what became of your work. I’m just one reflection of it. It transcends the noise.” And he was quick to add: he’s one of many CPS success stories that deserve to be told. Yes, Sean Harden is living proof that the work of educators in every corner of this city is making a difference even when it feels like that work is being overlooked or under attack. Proof that change isn’t just
possible; it’s already happening, quietly and steadily. His hope for school leaders is that optimism returns to the profession, and not because of promises or platitudes, but because they can see the evidence for themselves. The vision of a wall coming down. The recognition that others have walked this path and found success. Of course, optimism is one thing. Perception? That’s another. Some days feel like nothing but walls—another misunderstanding, another budget cut. School leaders feel it. The frustration isn’t just operational; it’s personal. Damaging to the spirit. Damaging to the profession. And it’s not new. The same challenges show up on repeat: strike threats, shrinking resources, staff turnover, enrollment drops. Harden doesn’t deny any of it. He names it. But he refuses to let those challenges drown out the wins. “Sometimes we fight change even when we know we need it,” he says. “Change isn’t the enemy. Mindset? Mindset might be.” When I said it seemed like his optimism came from seeing possibilities, he gently corrected me: “I call them realities. It’s not just what’s possible… it’s what’s real. In other words, what’s possible is already real… Because we know it’s possible.” And if you want proof, he’ll point to the resilience this district has already and repeatedly shown. “There’s nothing now to suggest we won’t keep moving forward,”
Chicago Board of Education, 2025
36 • CPAA QUARTERLY MAG | Q3 AND Q4 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online