Sunday, June 17, 2012

Mac WK 3 Response to Debra Patsel
























MAC-Week 3, Reading: The Art of Possibility, Silent Conductor


I was struck by the silent conductor metaphor. I think that in a well-run school, the Principal would act like the silent conductor and just quietly lead the staff to be the best they can be by observing every teacher’s strength and acknowledging that to the teacher. Seldom are teachers given any positive feedback in the current climate that bashes teachers. 
A great silent conductor would also be able to lift and support the teacher toward more growth opportunities that allow the weaker areas to become stronger with proper support, guidance and training.

"It is about living life in the realm of possibility larger than the achievement of specific goals. That would be the rich, free, compassionate, expressive world of the central self." This is a world in which I hope that I have finally arrived at and I am trying to live comfortably in.

There is always the journey in which I have struggled to overcome, as described in the book, the obstructive nature of the calculating self. I over think things sometimes which plays with my real self and I work against my goals. Always striving to ignore the negatives and focus on the positive. Moving forward into the realm of possibilities. 

Image Source: Microsoft Office Clipart; MC900434889
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Debra,


There is truth about your statement about teachers receiving positive feedback in the current climate. Although you may be receiving negative feedback, there are atmospheres in education that are positive. True, they are hard to find, but if there is a good leader at the helm, like Benjamin Zander describes, then the political and social climate can be positive in these times of severe economic strife. Times are tough in public education and they are not going to get any better soon. With that in mind, it is great to hear your thoughts to overcome the negative environment and focus on the positive. It is important to remember that a strong leader, wether in the classroom, site principal, or superintendent, an recognize the difference from a down word spiral to the ability to recognize possibility. As you say, goals are important, but if they are not achieved, maybe that was the better outcome because having 20/20 vision is not always the best mode of moving forward. 
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