Page 52 - 2023_Jour_89-5

adaptive and responsive when facing additional challenges.
In 5-Gen Leadership, White takes a deeper dive into generational differences,
claiming that, for school leaders to be effective in the 2020s and beyond, they must
understand today’s students plus four disparate generations of educators who work
in schools. He explains that business leaders are attempting to navigate generational
differences across four generations but that school leaders also lead the youngest
generation (Gen Alpha students, born since 2011), making them “5-Gen” leaders.
White begins with an explanation of the five generations working and learning
in schools in the 2020s, their characteristics, and how these generations have shaped
or are shaping education. (See Table for a brief synopsis of some key characteristics
of each generation.) He acknowledges that individual people may not fit into neat
categories but argues that having some basic knowledge of the generations and their
typical characteristics will help leaders navigate the complexities of the different
groups. White pays special attention to the differences between the Silent Generation
and Generation Alpha, which he frames as “our roots” and “our future”—the
bookends of the generations affecting schools. He reminds readers that many of
the values educators instill through the public education systems (e.g., hard work,
safety, teamwork, and fairness) were passed down to the Boomer Generation by
their parents, who were from the Silent Generation (born between 1928 and 1944).
He then encourages educators to adopt six new pillars to serve Gen Alpha students:
adaptive mindset, entrepreneurship, new types of devices, artificial intelligence,
flexible hours, and casual learning spaces.

Table
Four Generations of Teachers and One New Generation of Learners

Generation Birth Years Key Characteristics
Baby 1945–1964 Raised to be loyal and committed. Work
Boomers hard to get ahead. Want to be recognized for
accomplishments.
Gen X 1965–1980 Educated. Latchkey and MTV generation looking
to balance work life with personal life.

Gen Y 1981–1995 Digital natives motivated by meaningful work.
(Millennials) They exercise more and eat well. Largest group in
the American teaching force.
Gen Z 1996–2010 Technologically savvy, independent, and socially/
politically active.

Gen Alpha 2011–Present Request more voice, choice, and flexibility in all
parts of their lives.

With the advent of distinct generations about every 15 years and with people
working longer, the challenge for 5-Gen leaders is to help older and younger
educators work together. Most leaders in schools are Boomers and Gen Xers who
need to understand that Millennials and Gen Z educators have different ideas about
work. One challenge in reaching across generations is the digital divide. White
hypothesizes that technology has widened the gaps between the generations. He

50 The Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin: International Journal for Professional Educators