In a recent question we asked regarding the greatest challenges you are facing at this time of the year, one of the responses we heard was student commitment or buy-in.  This has been a concern in working with students for as long as I can remember.  So what is the solution?  How do we keep our students engaged?  My friend and LCL colleague reminds me all of the time that “Needs are the greatest driver of action.”

As I consider that statement in the context of student commitment, I am struck by the challenge it represents.  I suspect many think about this in terms of “how do I motivate my students to be committed.”  I preferred to look at it in terms of “how can I inspire my students to be committed.”  In either case, I knew I needed to create a culture in which they saw the opportunity for their needs to be met.  I believed if I could create such a culture, everything else would take care of itself.

Today, no every day, I encourage you to consider the culture you need to create to meet the needs of YOUR students.  Certainly things like feeling safe and supported will be consistent in most programs.  What other things are unique to your geographic location and the diversity of your student population?  For me, creating such a culture was the key to developing student commitment and engagement.  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert

Lead Mentor/COO

II:Leaders Creating:II Leaders

LCL Mentors @ Marching Arts Education