The 4 chapters we focused on this week again had me thinking in a new way. Leaders are always said to be the strong, loud, commanding type, yet, in this reality, the leader is the one that makes others strive to have a vision of what is possible. As I read this week, I could not help but think of my son’s 4th grade teacher. He truly is the best teacher I, or any of my own children, have ever had. I began to reflect on the readings and this particular teacher’s qualities. What quality does he possess? How does he lead? This is what I found. His quality is inspiration. He leads quietly. He leads by making each student feel worthy of great possibility, of vision.
When my son had this particular teacher, we attended a short play the students created in the classroom. We have all attended classroom plays, yet this one was different. Student made invitation letters went home, student created props lined the walls of the classroom. Student actors and actresses played the parts of the student written scripts. There were even student created commercials between the acts. All students were involved and the leader sat silent and just took it all in. A student made the introduction and all the leader said in the end was a simple thank you for coming to see you students amazing production.
At the time, I did notice how different the feel of the classroom was that day. Students were empowered to learn and grow, and proud to show the product they had created. The reason that teacher is such an amazing teacher is because he gets what Zander spoke of in his video this week and through The Art of Possibility. He gets that it is a teacher’s job to inspire possibility and watch students live into that vision. May it be so for all of us as educators.
That is absolutely wonderful that your son and all of his classmates were able to have that experience and I'm sure they will miss that teacher next year. What a great quality to possess for that teacher to be able to let others take control and be a leader in that manner. It reminds me of when my daughter was 1 1/2 and had surgery and quite a few stitches in the throat area. She was totally scared to have the doctor take them out, but didn't mind if I fussed with them. He realized that and asked if I wanted to do it by his instructions from across the room. Absolutely - so from across the room he told me what to cut, etc... and it ended up perfectly. My mom couldn't believe that a such a high-ranked surgeon would be willing to do that, but I guess that is what makes if so good.
ReplyDeleteIt is neat that in reading The Art of Possibility you thought about that teacher and how much of a silent, but wonderful leader he is.
Kristi, your son is so lucky to have had such a wonderful teacher. I think that is the kind of teacher we should all strive to be. As leaders in education (teachers) we may have to change the way we lead according to age, developmental ability, grade level, etc.. However, we can find a way to inspire and encourage creativity the way your son’s teacher did. Inspiring possibility in our students can only lead to creating resourceful students with a love of learning who are confident and creative.
ReplyDeleteReading The Art of Possibility has been such a pleasure and inspiration. I think teachers need books like this every few months to remind us of the possibilities so that we can pass it along to our students.
Kristi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comments to my previous blog post. I was so excited to hear that your school elected two students with Down's syndrome as king and queen of prom. Maybe our world is a better place?
Your son's teacher demonstrated his leadership by encouraging leadership. Sometimes the best thing that a leader can do is to remain silent and allow others the opportunity to lead. No one person has all of the answers or can play every part in the play. The orchestra is not made up of only first chairs. The tuba may be bigger than the flute, but it cannot play its part. A Down's syndrome king and queen will undoubtedly change the perception of royalty in your community. We all have important roles to play. What is important is what we do with our part. How will we contribute to our world?
Kristi,
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to hear your personal experience with the reading this week. Your story about your son's play and the power that the teacher utilized in focusing on the students potential for greatness was great to read about. As teachers, its something of a great importance that we not overlook the great work of students and their individual abilities no matter how big or how little.