"Open your heart and mind to your potential."

Tim Carson was speaking to a room full of vocalists, but as I watched him work with people from the audience in quick one-on-one coaching sessions, I realized how his steps, which translated into brilliant teaching, are the same moves we can make in our classrooms.

He was completely present and in the moment. He listened, assessed, and determined what to zero in on to move a student forward. It was something different with each participant.

• "Breathe deeply from here and support your note."
• "Release the tension here to improve your tone."
• "Let's try again but bring it down a few steps."

Each audience member, initially tentative, began to blossom, evidence of the power of one-on-one conferring with a good coach.

We want our students to open their hearts and minds to their potential. As their coaches, we will listen, assess, zero in, and teach. And if we do, they will feel the same way these participants did: I am in good hands. What he is telling me is important. If I practice, I will achieve my goals.

We can do this by, like Tim, really knowing our stuff. We have to keep growing and developing our craft so the students in our care are in the best hands. Professional books and beloved colleagues, coaches, and mentors push our thinking and help us refine our practice.

Let's open our hearts and minds to our potential as teachers of the highest caliber, then joyfully lead each student to theirs.

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