Orchestras and Teachers

For a discussion in my College Class this week we watched a video from Ted by Itay Talgam. It is called "Lead like the great conductors". As I watched it, it struck a chord (no pun intended) about school. If you have not watched or listened to Ted talks, go there and watch one. Watch many.
So, one thought I loved in the video was the idea of enabling those around us to do what they need to. Giving teachers the autonomy to play their instruments, or teach their lessons, and as they do so in harmony, through a school vision, they can make beautiful music together. Working together as a faculty to accomplish one goal and not compete against each other will help our school succeed and improve.
Another thought I had was that musicians weren't even looking at the conductor and yet they were playing in rhythm together. They were working together and following the music and each other to play their part. They could feel the song. As teachers we practice our lessons, we learn new strategies, and we collaborate together. We depend on each other. We work together. The conductor was the person that started and set the beat for the orchestra. The administrator provides the support and get the teachers on their way and provides the resources throughout the year to keep the music going.
Itay Talgam also mentions that the musicians should be used as partners and not instruments. They need to be able to develop. In a school setting the teachers and stakeholders need to be partners in the school. Teachers and parents do not need to be told what to do. There are times when there are requirements that need to be met or a curriculum that needs to be taught, but in the workings of the school, everyone needs to be involved in the education of students. Doing what is best for the students. Doing what is best for the music. Itay Talgam also talks about the leaders in the orchestra leading the group so they can get the feeling of the music.
I love that he talks about how the conductor enjoys the process of the music and the orchestra. We need to enjoy school and teachers. I am not sure I can explain what I mean here. We need to enjoy the work that happens in our schools, enjoy the collaboration, enjoy the harmony that can be created in a school. Enjoy the movement.
In the talk Itay says, "Don't look at the trombones, it will only encourage them." I would say, "Don't look at the negative people, it will only encourage them!" Giving the negative comments in a school room to breathe by passing them on only encourages negative people and those that can be swayed. Positive words and encouragement is harder to spread, but needs to be done. We need to be more like an orchestra and feel the music as it is playing. We can't stop the song in the middle, but we can do our part to make the song work.