As a band director, I often found school based professional development programs to be of little value to me.  Even if the topic was relatable to what goes on in the band room, too often it was a brief overview of the concept and a directive to use this “new initiative” during the course of the year.  Even those who had good intentions of using it walked out of the room with little understanding, and even less tools, to use it effectively.

I wonder how often I offered new, developmental information to my students in much the same manner.  Since there is no such thing as a true one-size-fits all approach to anything, I wonder what I did for those who found no inherent value in what I was offering.  And even if it was a concept that could help an individual (or group) of students, I wonder if I presented it with enough depth and time so that they could effectively use the tools on their own.

Today, no every day, I encourage you to consider how you present new information to your students.  Are you sure that it is both accessible and relatable to everyone in the room?  If not, do you have an alternative approach?  And are you presenting the information with enough depth and time that they are able to effectively assimilate the information and then use it effectively?  I know how I felt when I left PD meetings designed for someone other than me.  I didn’t want my students leaving a rehearsal feeling the same way.  Just sayin’!

Make Today a Magnificent Day!

Gary L Rupert

Culture Strategist/Coach

II:Leaders Creating:II Leaders

LCL Mentors @ Marching Arts Education