Bb Readings (Thompson)

Pat Tregoning
MUS 23241
2-1-11

[Thompson, John , April, 2010, What we have learned along the way, The Instrumentalist, pp.26-30,54-56]



     In this article, Thompson and numerous "veteran teachers" are asked to talk about what they wish they had known earlier in their careers and how it has helped improved them. Thomson interviewed Ray Holder, Charles Menghini, Anthony Gibson, Joe Manfredo, Scott Casagrande and Anthony Pursell, these gentlemen are all very distinguished veteran teachers in the business. When reading what each of these guys had to say, they all had tied in two noticeable realizations. The first realization is that it is extremely vital to establish good working relationships with people such as fellow colleagues and administrators, support staff (boosters, parent volunteers etc). The other realization I took away from this was that always to remember that there is not a single good deed that doesn't go unnoticed.
      I have had personal connections with both of the realizations I listed in the previous category. I have many experiences with the first realization of establishing relationships with the people you often work with. I hold two jobs, one on and one off campus and both in very opposite ends of the job spectrum. One is in fast food service and the other is in the survey lab giving surveys over the phone. Both jobs are similar because I try to focus on establishing a good work relationship with my superiors to show that I am a good, hard worker and that I am always willing to help out the group if it means the group will improve. I have had experience with my other realization through my time in Cub Scouts growing up. My scout leaders always told me that when performing duties of service and stuff to remember that every good deed will never go unnoticed.
     I agree with the things shared by these gentlemen. I think this could be a good tool to remember for when I begin my career I can remember these things mentioned so I don't have to sit down later in my teaching career  and ask myself the question of "what do I wish I had known earlier and how has it made me better?".