wsma board perspective 4. Establish personal goals.
What are you about? What is your code of ethics? Why were you called to the vocation of teaching and working with kids? When you have the answers to these questions firmly in mind, ask yourself, “Are there aspects of my life where I am not living up to what I am about, what I believe in, or what I was called to do in my life’s work?” If there are aspects of your life you feel are in need of some refining, establish some goals and strate- gies for improvement and then practice them daily. Keep a journal on how well you do each day. I am told that if you do something the same way for 21 days in a row it will become habit. Fix what you want to fix by practicing it for 21 days in a row and it may just get permanently fixed!
5. Anticipate the unexpected.
Life is messy. Life is unpredictable. You need to be planned and prepared; however, you also need to learn to expect things will
not go as planned. Welcome this unpre- dictability and the unexpected that follows as an opportunity to learn something new!
6. Be appreciative.
We have all heard the adage, “Count your blessings.” Yet, how often do we really take time out of our day to do this. Find ways to be appreciative of the things you may tend to take for granted, e.g. your health, your wealth, your friends, your family, or of something you learned today. Take the time to give others your expres- sions of appreciation for them.
The work you do as an educator is so very important but the challenges you face do- ing that work may seem daunting at times. Parker Palmer (2000) reminds us that we should stop trying to find ways around our struggles as the best route to take is often the one that moves directly through the struggle. Nevertheless, putting into prac- tice these six strategies (Wheatley, 2002)
to maintain your attentiveness and a sense of peace can provide you with the proper balance your inner- and outer-self needs to find creative solutions as you move through the challenging times you face.
References:
Palmer, P. J. (2000). Let Your Life Speak. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Wheatley, J. J. (2002). “Spirituality in Turbulent Times.” School Administra- tor, 59(8), 42-46.
Timothy J. Schaid serves as principal of Chilton High School, a position he has held for the past 22 years. A former music educator in Wisconsin, he has served on the WSMA Board of Directors for over 18 years, serving as its president for three terms. In 2005, Schaid earned his Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from UW-Madison’s School of Education. Email:
schaidt@chilton.k12.wi.us
Wisconsin School Musician
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