SWIMMING WITH THE SHARKS

First Year as a ProfessionalPresented by Dennis Granlie1Define professionalismCharacterize your own professionalismList five adjectives that friends or colleagues would use to describe you as a professional.2Its Way More Than a Job!Its a role.Expect LONG hours, especially at first.3Elements of professional work ethic.PunctualDependableAmbitiousTenaciousInsightfulOrganizedMannerlyHonestFair4A good teacher isnt always a good employee. A good employee isnt always a good teacher. Strive to be both!5COMMUNICATION IS KEYCommunication is valid only in the perception of the receiver.6There is no such thing as too much communication. 7During a crisis, or even an uncomfortable situation, expect to hear complaints about lack of communication.8PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONSNo matter what you teach, the music teacher is a very visible position.Far more people will know you than the average teacher.Most music teachers know most or all of the students in their school.Most parents know the music teacher, but the music teacher knows few of the parents.Give thought to what and how you say and write!

9Be particular about your written record.No spelling, grammar, syntax or punctuation misteaks!PROOF READ. Spell check is not sufficient.Have someone else proof read important documents.Allow sufficient time to modify, if needed.Set e-mail preferences to check spelling before sending.When in doubt, use business format.Black or blue ink on white paper is always proper. 10Speak with caution!Seek first to understand; then to be understood.Inflection speaks louder than words!Little pictures have big ears.Dont be a purveyor of gossip, rumor, innuendo.Tell the truth.An audience will judge you as much by what you say as by how the group sounds. It is good to help educate your audience, but no lectures, please.11When things heat upRead the inflection, assess your own level of control and then de-escalate, de-escalate, de-escalate.Delay the conversation if parties are unable to be rational.Agree to disagree, but do so agreeably.Involve a third party, if necessary.Dont take abusive phone calls at home. Ask them to call you at school and set a time.12Some Things to Ponder about AdministratorsYour administrator wants you to do well.If you look good, your administrator looks good.Few administrators have ANY music background.Part of your job is to inform the ignorant.Administrators are the highest paid migrant workers in Montana.Administrators dont like surprises!13 Communicating with AdministratorsSending is not communicating. Make sure the message has been received. Formal: memo, business letter, personal conversation.Informal: note, e-mail, phone conversation.Provide documentation.Provide rationale.If in doubt, seek prior approval.Show empathy. Congratulate achievements.14Problem Administrator?Never bad mouth your administrator.Never blame your administrator.Present your case, debate rationale, but dont argue.Be sure to follow the chain of command. Tell your administrator if you plan to go over his/her head.Involve a third party in serious disagreements.Be an excellent teacher and employee.Be prepared to take no for an answer.15Good Administrator?See Problem Administrator16DocumentationAnecdotal report on tablet with date.Hard copy forms.Grade book.Notes from a phone call.Follow-up memo.

17Work EthicEvery generation complains about the work ethic of the younger generation.Be part of the school and broader community.Expect to work long hours.Dont take deadlines as suggestions. Your delay causes more work for someone else.Lack of follow-through on your part does not constitute an emergency on the secretarys part.Treat others the way you would like to be treated.Get a life.18Get along with colleaguesEveryone thinks they work harder than the next person.Everyone thinks their subject is the most important.Teachers are very territorial.Good teachers are very covetous of time.The teachers lounge can be the best/worst place to visit.Never badmouth a colleague or your predecessor.Good teachers recognize and support good teaching.Good teachers put kids learning at the center of decision-making.

19Some Collegial dos.Support everyones efforts on behalf of kids.Send a note of congrats when deserved.Send a note of empathy when needed.Respect others territory and time, but expect mutual respect.Be honest and take responsibility.Colleagues will appreciate your listening more than your talk.Treat others the way you would like to be treated.20

Some Collegial donts.Dont be a complainer.Dont talk about colleagues behind their back.Dont involve an administrator in a dispute without first trying to resolve it.Dont be a tattler.Never engage in a verbal dispute in front of students.Dont be late to work/meetings.Dont leave work early.Dont miss deadlines.21Dealing With ParentsTo a parent, their child is more precious than ANYTHING.The vast majority of parents are supportive. They are your best allies in helping students learn.Parents priorities sometimes conflict with yours.Parents dont like unpleasant surprises.Parents expect your class to be orderly and safe.Table talk is largely the basis for parents impression of you.22Making Parents Your AlliesParents recognize and appreciate good teaching.Send information home on day one.Ask parents to help (not just in fundraising).Tell parents how they can help.Concerts/programs are excellent opportunities to speak directly to a large number of parents.What do you want the parents to say to their child on the ride home from the concert/program?Phone home!23Handling an Irate ParentSeek to understand their anger.State your perspective, but dont argue.Try to de-escalate.If a parent confronts you in front of students, change venue before continuing a heated conversation.Try to set up an appointment to discuss the matter.Inform or involve your administrator.Ask the parents what they want you to do.Take responsibility if you are in the wrong.24Dealing With KidsKids are small people. They have the same feelings and needs as adults but, without proper training, arent able to control their behavior like most adults.25RememberWere in the kid business.The essence of teaching is what happens between one student and one teacher.No other academic area enjoys the power of music.Kids will love you if you make them successful.The best students seek rigor.It is more important to be respected than liked.Kids expect you to take charge.How would you like to be in your group?

26Some Things to DoLearn and use names.Set realistic expectations and make sure the students know what they are. Be ready to modify.Teach life. Use music as a delivery system.Care enough to discipline. Everyones learning depends upon it.Make good use of your honeymoon.Let your passion show!

27Handling the TroublemakersNeed for attention is the number one motivator for bad behavior.Try to separate the behavior from the kid. I like you Josh, but I cant allowKeep the focus on his/her behavior, not others.Document all disciplinary actions.Involve parents before its a crisis, if possible.Involve the administration only after several documented actions have failed.28The best classroom management strategy is an effective, efficient, fast-paced rehearsal/lesson!29A young childs attention span is roughly equal in minutes to his/her age.30An effective rehearsal will have students singing/playing at least 70% of the time.31Think of your first teaching certificate as a learners permit.32Pick battles that are big enough to be important and small enough to win.33Maintain PerspectiveZoom out and get all perspectives, stay cool.If you cant get out of it, may as well get into it. Work smarter, not harder.Whats the worse case scenario? Every job has unpleasant tasks, but you should enjoy your work.Some days are diamonds!34Excellence is an art won by training and habituation.

-Aristotle35ENJOY THE JOURNEY!36Teaching and Managing Performing Ensembles By Dennis Granlie

Available at Eckroth Music and Morgenroth Music Centers37