Leadership has come up frequently in the last several weeks. Tonight I watched an Open Ed 2021 session entitled “From OER Learner to Leader: Creating a Professional Development Pathway for Emerging OER Champions” presented by Monica Brown and Apurva Ashok from the Rebus Foundation. I have been curious about the Rebus Foundation. Brown and Ashok discussed a program for professional development that “cultivates a leadership style.” They brought on a group of faculty from the year-long Textbook Success Program to help facilitate the program. Brown described the schedule of the program. In May 2021 they began a facilitator program. The presenters shared quotes from facilitators of the Textbook Success Program and how this opportunity helped them develop leadership skills. The 17 OER projects encompass 49 participants. Teams of up to four participants work together. Brown explained that facilitators build several skills including articulating best practices in the various pieces of the publishing process, connecting projects across disciplines and settings, coaching participants through challenges, and leveraging connections and resources. Participants have the unique opportunity to grow and work with other OER advocates from around the world. The programming seeks to improve leading with care, and Brown mentioned that they put together a model community. The facilitators learn a range of skills and confidence. I am curious about this program and will look into it. I imagine we can learn from their success as we develop RLOE programming.
