Upon reflecting on our reading I must say that they section that stands out the most to me is where the concept of Fiddler-itis is discussed. Quickly the relationship between what was read and my real world environment connected. The connection or what I can apply this concept to is the ever-changing rate of teachers coming to our learning environment.
As the concept suggests and conveys there are instances where individuals entering the workforce of educational institutions arrive with much enthusiasm and energy. Just like the string player incoming teachers find themselves in the exact situation. They find themselves questioning whether or not they are making a difference when all efforts and devotion go unnoticed or perhaps not acknowledged. It has been my experience that at times levels of administration become like the conductor mentioned in the book. Management of a school setting is a grand task and can become overwhelming. There may be times when individuals in those positions become misdirected or misguided and leave the direction of the campus improvement plan. Currently we are fortunate to not have those types of individuals in those positions. As a campus we are attempting to establish our learning environment as an accelerated school.
The interesting thing about this topic is that the school setting can quickly become out of control and loose its focus and goal. Mismanagement mixed with a dose of not caring about the state of existence of a school setting can lead to an unavoidable disaster. Teachers must feel that their every effort is worth every instance of giving and devotion. Those teachers that find themselves devoting and sacrificing the well being of their own lives so as to provide for others are the types of teachers we need in our school setting. It is not my point of view to seem opinionated about this subject merely it is a reflection and connection to the reality that faces many school settings and institutions. What do we do when individuals acquire "Fiddle-itis" and conform to the idea that there presence and input are not worth the time because not everyone else carries the same torch?
Being a motivated and inspiring person can take you much further in life. No matter what the odds are you must continue on that journey and decide for yourself what you would like to accomplish and discover. Creating a sense of self worth amongst the entire school setting is a component of the climate committee. Having a leader to instill positive and engaging opportunities for the learning community may potentially lessen the amount of Fiddel-itits formed and spread throughout the school setting. Granted we are to accommodate all learners and levels of learning within our classrooms. But, the non existence of this contagious state of being makes it much easier to reach and educate students. As educators we must attempt to keep ourselves from being contaminated with the degradation of our environment. Challenging ourselves and reinventing ourselves from time to time can be beneficial and crucial to our continued success.
Sources: Zander, B., & Zander-Stone, R. (2000). The art of possibility. Boston, Massachusettes: Harvard Business School Press.
One of the reasons I picked this books is exactly what you mentioned, how most come to education passionate about making a difference and after years and years of the daily grind seem to lose the original spark. And being cutting edge doesn't help in the always hearing "No" department. So, I'm glad that you're feeling the pull toward that original inspiration.
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