In Praise of an American Educator: Dr Richard DuFour

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Colstrip Administrative Team attendance at the August 9, 2016 PLC Institute in Seattle.

I was saddened by the news that Dr. Richard DuFour passed away yesterday on February 8, 2016. I have had the privilege to meet and learn from him in several Solution Tree PLC Institutes. Although I was just one of many that attend Dr. Rick DuFour trainings (as you can see from the photo above), I felt a personal connection with Rick and I am sure that I am the only one. He connected with people. He made a difference.

When he presented, he spoke with a love and passion for education. In fact, his love for education brought him to the August 9th Institute that our  Colstrip Administrative Team attended. At that time, even though he was battling cancer, we were not told until at the end of the Institute. To say the least, everyone was emotionally struck when hearing this news.

Robert Eaker, who co-authors a number of books and articles with Dr. DuFour explains Rick dedication to education best in his Forward of Dr. DuFour's book In Praise of American Educators:

I must add one final, more personal note: I have often pointed out how much I admire Rick DuFour's leadership, presentation, and writing skills and just how much I treasure his nearly four decades of unwavering and generous friendship. I would be remiss if I did not share a word about Rick's enormous courage. Rick has shown remarkable strength - and humor - as he has been engaged in a tough battle with a serious illness. Even as Rick has struggled with his health, he has continued writing and assisting educators in their school improvement efforts. At first, I asked myself, "Why does he do this - why does he spend his time this way?" Then I realized it is because he is Rick DuFour, and his commitment to and love for educators and students is at the very core of his being. It is who he is, and he cannot stop being himself.

I was so taken by Eaker's Forward about Rick DuFour, that I have used the quote in his last paragraph as a mantra. Eakers says:

Winston Churchill could have been speaking of Rick when he said, "What is the use of living if it be not to strive for noble causes and make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone."

Dr. Richard DuFour is an American Educator that has made this world a better place. Thank you!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!