So I was contacted the other day by a former student of mine, who took some classes with me a few years ago through Endicott College’s International Education Master’s Degree Program. During one of those classes there was an activity that we all engaged in together, where we had to choose a song that connected us deeply to our meaning and purpose as educators, and then present to the group around why that particular song, lyrics and all, resonated so deeply with us. This former student is running the same activity this year with her own leadership team as a new Principal and wanted me to remind her of the song that I chose as an example, and of course, she asked if I remembered hers. Well, I remember that activity fondly, and yes, I remember her song, which was Stop Whispering, by Radiohead. I remember the inspiring presentation as well that she shared with the group, as she cleverly connected those particular lyrics with her desire to find her voice in education and leadership, and her commitment to listening carefully to the voices of others in an attempt to grow into the best leader that she could be for her community.
I also remember the song that I shared with the group on that day, which I still listen to quite regularly, and never seem to get sick of. The song continues to connect me to my personal and professional purpose, and keeps me grounded in my ultimate “why” as a leader. My song is, Closer to the Heart, by one of the best Canadian bands of all time, Rush. For me, this song is a constant reminder to put relationships, compassion and empathy above all else as I interact with students and teachers each and every day. Being a great educator really is all about “heart” in my opinion, and the best teachers and leaders that I’ve ever come across certainly model this commitment in everything that they do.
The song is also a reminder for me to keep being future focused and progressive when thinking about innovation, technological advances, and educational and brain-based research, especially now as the world of education continues to rapidly evolve. There is a specific lyric in the song that motivates me every time I hear it, and it truly is a call to action for me when thinking about programs, blue sky visioning of school and change management. The lyric goes, “you can be the captain and I will draw the chart, sailing into destiny, closer to the heart”, and in my mind this is a commentary on our collective and collaborative journey as international schools as we chart the future pathway of education with a sense of humanness, kindness, and a focus on each person’s sense of belonging and social-emotional well-being.
The cool thing about this activity, and connecting your purpose to a song, is that it can be a very useful and welcome reset and reconnection when you need it the most. I often play my song just before I walk into a difficult meeting with a parent, or a student, or a teacher for that matter, as it grounds me in the very human side of school. It also reminds me of how at the heart of it all, we are all connected through our desire to create a better educational experience and life for our kids, and a future that shines bright for everyone. After I hear the song I begin those meetings in the right mindset, and heartset, to truly see, hear and understand another person’s perspective, which is sometimes different from my own. It reminds me that with every human interaction there is an opportunity to learn, connect and grow as a person, which always leaves me feeling inspired.
I haven’t used this activity yet at my current school but I think I will in the near future. It’s so fun to hear what other people’s songs are, and how they connect the lyrics to themselves as educators, teacher leaders and as people. I highly recommend that you go through this activity, even if it is just with yourself, to find that song that can be your go-to piece of inspiration when you find yourself needing a boost or some grounding. Even if you just have it on a random playlist once in a while, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you smile and get an infusion of energy as you instantly get connected again to your purpose and meaning as an educator…give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.
I’m so happy that my former student reached out to me, and I’m thrilled that she is using this activity with her team. I’m also thankful because I spent this past week trying to remember some other songs that were shared by that particular cohort. I managed to recall several of them as it turns out, and I actually put a playlist together the other day for a long run through the park, and I returned home smiling from ear to ear. Okay, enjoy the activity everyone and good luck finding that perfect lyrical fit…I bet you already have one or two in mind. Have the best week ahead and remember to be great for our students and good to each other.
Quote of the Week –
Music should be an essential part of every analysis
- Carl Jung
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Life Lessons From Students and Teachers
How Music Affects Us – TED Playlist