Setting the Tone

Over the winter break, I had the good fortune of traveling to Flagstaff, Arizona to visit my in-laws. In an effort to pinch a few pennies, my husband and I flew on Christmas day. If you've ever traveled on Christmas day, you know that the airports are crowded with families and small children and Santa hats. In short, it can be a pretty crazy day to travel with a lot of delays.

As we boarded our plane, we were greeted by one of the most entertaining, polite, friendly flight attendants that I have ever encountered. Her safety review was closer to stand up comedy, she sang holiday carols, and she pointed out scenic views throughout the trip. Although the flight was filled with crying babies and innumerable carry-on bags, it was a pretty enjoyable experience. Travelers actually clapped for the flight attendant at the end of the flight. (To the applause she offered a sharp-witted reply: "Thank you for your applause. I prefer cash.")

This experience made me consider not only my role as an instructional leader but also my role as a teacher. For some of our students and colleagues, arriving at school each day can be akin to boarding a six hour flight laden with discomfort. Our attitude can certainly make a difference in their day and their learning. Greeting others with a smile, a helping hand, or a trite joke can completely change the mood in the room.

As we move into the new year, consider the incredible power you hold as an educator and instructional leader. Each day, you have the ability to make someone's life better. So, smile more. Joke more. Enjoy more.

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