Innovators and the "Makers"

Innovators of education are people of great ideals who can make things happen. These individuals focus on ways to create or improve education standards and practices. Makers, however, seem to enhance (or harm) education by their actions or works without a complete awareness of what changes may occur as a direct result. Horace Mann said, "If an idiot were to tell you the same story every day for a year, you would end by believing it." I am not saying makers are idiots, they are not by any means, but I do believe they alter education without being aware of it in many cases. The key difference, therefore, is that innovators study and work towards change while makers unknowingly may create change.

I chose to look at Horace Mann as an innovator because he was such a key player to public education. He believed all deserved an education regardless of income or race. His ideals paved the way for future changes that he was not even aware of. As a special education teacher, I do not truly agree with all of his ideas, but he did create the beginnings of a future for special needs children. He created the idea of a free, public education for all which eventually became part of special education law today.

As far as makers go, Henry Ford has made a great impact. The assembly line for a factory has definitely carried over to our public education system. This is a case where the maker was not truly aware of the impact he would have on education. I relate the assembly line to the education process. An assembly line is a system of workers who simply work to create a finished product. Public education has become the same concept. Students are the product, teachers are the workers, and the board of education is the management. Students enter school just as raw materials enter the assembly line. Teachers (just as workers) mold students into a product. Just as in Henry Ford's factory, some products are better than others. Sadly, we keep the good products and send them on to higher callings and simply dispose of those that don't meet quality standards. These are your students who fall through the cracks. Hopefully, we can find a better way to reach all students!! Any ideas?

Additional References:
http://www.answers.com/topic/horace-mann