Bb Readings (Leonard)

Pat Tregoning
MUS 23241
1-25-11
[Leonard, Mark, August 2004, The qualities that make directors outstanding, The Instrumentalist, pp.13-15]



     The general summary of the article by Mr.Leonard is highlighting the six points of a leader and goes into detail about each of these "bullet points". The six points are "Setting Limits, Getting to know your students, delegating authority, dealing with parents, preparation and creating a plan." He also takes the time to talk about other characteristics of being a leader such as patience and also "asking others for help" and he reminds the reader that "Very few of us, maybe ten percent, have enough leadership ability. The rest of us have to learn." Leonard reminds readers that being a good teacher is "a life-long process..You can always be better. You don't get to your tenth year  and say, I've finally arrived". 
     I spoke with my mother who like I mentioned in an earlier post has been in "the business" for 35 years teaching anything from band to general music and she has often referred to those points as critical points any new teacher (most recently to my sister who just acquired her elementary teaching license). I have also noticed my mother using these points in her everyday teaching and I could definitely say they are strengths of hers.
     I definitely agree with this article and EVERYTHING about it. In fact, I printed out this article and kept it in a safe place so I can take it out again when I prepare to enter the teaching business. When I think of points to become a successful teacher I think of points mentioned in this article. I would definitely agree with Leonard because these points (according to my personal beliefs) are points I think could be used to become a successful teacher. I will refer to this article in the future.