DWilson

Ishy explains that the final element in keeping the vision alive is coaching.  "You demonstrate your commitment to the vision by coaching . . . and by allowing others to coach you."(p.81)  Everyone in the workplace, whether a veteran or newcomer, has something to offer.  We Coach It by offering encouragement or advice to our co-workers.  When Rhonda is faced with the tragic loss of her daughter, it is Miss Scallpell who arrives at Rhonda's front door and  does an incredible job of organizing what needs to be done.  This is due in part to the fact that she has experienced a similar loss  in the sudden death of her husband.  As a result, everyone begins to see Miss Scallpell in a different light.  The staff on the sixth floor decide that the best way to honor Ann's memory is to continue what Rhonda started, and they work together to keep the vision alive.  As educators we have the opportunity each day to Coach It. We must be open-minded to the suggestions offered by our fellow teachers, and be willing to express our opinions when we feel it necessary.  We are a team.  Let's Find IT, Live IT, and Coach IT!

This reading begins with Ishy giving Rhonda advice to keep the vision alive. She tells her about IT, which is each persons personal piece of the vision.  She encourages Rhonda to go back and talk to her co-workers, because the only way to find IT, is through conversation.  Rhonda makes a real effort to listen to the nursing staff, and almost at once there is a positive surge of energy on the unit; however, this is short-lived when the new vice-president of nursing, Miss Scallpell, makes her debut.  She threatens the vision when she decides that the unit must do away with the name badges, toys and stuff on the walls.  It proves to be a wake up call to the staff, as they meet to discuss the impending changes.  They realize that what they have is special, and they are not willing to go back to the way things used to be.  It is Juan who comes up with the idea of wearing the fish inside their clothing.  This reinforces the vision as it becomes an active reminder of what they are seeking to accomplish.  I can see many parallels between the nursing staff and teachers.  As teachers, we often feel threatened by changes that are forced upon us, especially when we have strong feelings against those changes.  In spite of this, we sometimes become more focused on what we really want to accomplish when our backs are against the wall.  A statement made to Rhonda by Ping really hit home with me -  "I believe I write a key part of my life story at work and I want to write the best story I can."(p. 48)  As a teacher, I have spent a tremendous part of my life in the classroom, and I must strive daily to "write the best story I can". 

Rhonda Bullock, an employee of Good Samaritan Hospital, has "hit a brick wall" in her new position as head nurse of the neuro ward.  She has serious doubts that she can hold on to the remarkable changes brought about by her friend, Madeleine.  She begins to notice a drop in spirit and energy level among the nursing staff, and she fears that the vision inspired by Madeleine is beginning to falter.  It is when Rhonda meets her best friend Margo, at a popular sushi restaurant called Takara Too, that things begin to change.  Margo explains that what is happening on the 6th floor of Good Samaritan Hospital is commonplace when new changes have been implemented.  Rhonda is also made aware of "vision moments", when Margo introduces her to Ishy, the owner of the restaurant.  I saw many parallels between Rhonda's dilemmas and those of educators.  Education, like health care, has seen so many changes over the years that we often become cynical and resistant to any change. Just like Rhonda, there have been days when I dreaded going to work, even though I have always loved teaching, because I was physically and mentally exhausted; however, just as Rhonda explained to Beth . . . "we have something worthwhile to keep going.   And we do have an investment to protect . . ." (p.15), we as educators are given the opportunity each day to have a positive impact on students lives and truly make a difference!