HOW CAN A MUSIC EDUCATOR BE A COLLABORATIVE LEADER?

In advocacy efforts, the music educator plays the role of a collaborative leader with those who support music education. This collaboration includes:

1. Determining the nature of the situation and providing guidance and advice
2. Evaluating the music program and its support to know their strengths and weaknesses
3. Learning how budgets and politics work year-round; monitoring that information and sharing it with others, including parents, other teachers, music retailers, and anyone who supports music education
4. Involving oneself continuously with overall school planning
5. Working with others to define and guide an ongoing effort, heading the effort that determines the arguments and data to be used, sharing responsibility for advocacy activities, and ensuring that all involved are well informed
6. Understanding the power structure, working with natural allies, designing a well- orchestrated effort, developing a coalition, and providing clear lines of communication