Week 3 – Response to Patricia Ort’s Post on Zander

Pat wrote:

This is good timing for this book. Since my co-worker is also reading the book, I have had the chance to talk about the Zander's ideas with her, as well blog about it. The concept of dealing with negative feelings by sticking with them and using them as a form of exercise to enable us to be able to handle and rise above greater challenges we will face in the future was novel. It was also empowering. A fellow teacher who was given a difficult assignment used to say, "It is what it is." Not quite the same thing, but the idea of acknowledging the way things are, then moving on made me think. I wonder if my way of giving way to passion and getting out of a survival mind set would be to take the leap of leaving my current position and looking for an opportunity to work in a really creative environment that embraces the use of technology in education.

If so, what would that be? What am I most passionate about? The book has made me ponder these questions. I also have revisited the ideas in the book and challenged them. What gives the Zanders the authority to make these claims? Why do they resonate with me and with my colleagues? Is it because we recognize the innate truth in them, or because we want them to be true?

I also appreciated the bit about not taking ones self so seriously. Funny, but good advice. The discussion of leading from every chair is relevant to me because there is a parallel to teaching. Enabling musicians to be their best is really a lot like enabling students to achieve academically. The idea of giving the students a chance to lead is appealing, too. I have done that from time to time, but certainly not enough. I was reminded to make a point of giving students more opportunities to "be the teacher." I know they really like to do that and it builds up their self-confidence.

I am looking forward to reading the rest of the book. It has certainly encouraged me and given me a lot to think about.

My comment to Pat:

Hi Pat,

I think it’s pretty awesome that you and your co-worker are both reading the book, what an excellent idea you had to order extra copies. I too love the book because it is interesting and thought provoking to say the least. I agree with you about the empowerment of using the negative feelings. I never thought about this in these terms before but it makes sense. Acknowledging the ‘way things are’ is also a big discussion point in the book, and I’m glad you mentioned it because I think I neglected to but was definitely interested in that philosophy when thinking of my own life and decisions I’ve made. You are certainly at a huge crossroads right now Pat, with all the turmoil you are facing at your school of employment. I have listened to you talk about the issues you deal with there since practically the beginning of our creation of Team Digital Horizon in Month 2. I know it has been so hard for you to hold everything together as you and your co-workers get shuffled around hither, thither and yon, and you have done everything that was asked of you and more, which is more than most people would have endured. I think the Zander book is perfect timing for you as you state in the beginning of your post. I hope it continues to help you as you rethink what you want to do as a teacher, especially now that you are about to graduate with this really cool degree in Education, Media Design and Technology!