Sara Womack, AMEA President U – Unburden REFOCUS
Now that the school year is beginning, the time has come to refocus our purpose as music educators. One technique used by many to renew enthusiasm for teaching is the
refocus method, which is detailed in Suzanne Pitner’s teaching blog at
www.teacherwriter.net.
R – Reflect
Take some time to reflect on the past year. What were some of your most successful lessons? Why were they successful? Did I grow as a teacher?
E – Empower
Take stock of your accomplishments and be proud of the successes that you attained last year. You are the expert on music education with your students. What were you able to teach your students that they couldn’t have achieved without your know-how?
F – Focus
With your successes in mind, determine the next step in your growth as a teacher and the next phase of learning for your students. What do you want your students to accomplish this year under your leadership?
O – Objectives
Develop a plan for accomplishing your focus for the year. Break down larger goals into manageable chunks until weekly or daily targets emerge. Just as the Chinese proverb says, “The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
C – Commit
Commit yourself to completing your goals. If you get behind or off track, rework your objectives, but “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.”
Mistakes will be made. Use the mistakes as an opportunity to model problem solving. Students will be more creative and receptive to
all ideas when perfection is not expected or exhibited. S – Surprise
Use surprise to keep stakeholders motivated. Employ a new teaching strategy, guest teacher, or technology to keep you and the students enthusiastic about the objectives and ultimate goals.
Take a little time to refocus your teaching. It will help you become more effective and efficient in your classroom and your life, as well as the lives of the students that you teach.
As part of my summer refocus, Executive Director Garry Taylor and I spent a few days at the NAfME Leadership Assembly in Washington, D.C. We met with leaders from other states to share successful ideas and received an update on the new arts education standards. We learned about current legislative actions and advocated for music education with Senator Richard Shelby, Senator Jeff Sessions, and Representative Spencer Bachus. We toured NAfME headquarter in Reston, VA and spoke with staff members regarding how they could better serve AMEA. We experienced a global perspective of our association and defined areas where we can improve.
An upcoming opportunity for additional refocusing is the NAfME National In-Service Conference at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville on October 27-30. This reimagined idea of a national conference will provide a variety of practical sessions, as well as a multitude of performances, including the All-National Ensembles and the new Disney musical “Tarzan.”
Colin Powell said, “Always focus on the front windshield and not the review mirror.” We must reflect on our past successes and failures and then, move forward and do great things. Take time to refocus.
AMEA President Sara Womack and Executive Director Garry Taylor attend NAfME’s National Leadership Assembly in Washington D.C. Sara and Garry met with representatives of Congressman Spencer Bachus, Senator Jeff Sessions and Senator Richard Shelby. Senator Shelby’s Legislative Assistant M.V. Young is pictured at left.
6 August/September 2013
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