A flight takes off from JFK; a few minutes later a flock of birds takes out both engines. Did you know that the co-pilot was actually in control during the take off? Once the flight crew realized they had lost both engines, Sully said these simple words…”My Aircraft.” No argument, no hurt feelings, no ego.
Capt.Sullenberger was in the left seat, he was the captain, and had sole authority for the safety of the flight. He’s also a glider pilot, a good skill to have.
If a pilot accepts directions from ATC they better follow it unless there is an emergency. However, good pilots know this word: “UNABLE.”
ATC wanted Sully to return to the airport. General Aviation pilots call this the impossible turn. All aircraft have a glide ratio, and can only glide a certain horizontal distance for a specific altitude lost. Sully knew he could not make that turn. He was the sole authority. “UNABLE.”
How often do you relinquish control in your classroom? You are ultimately responsible for the success of the students; this is a huge responsibility! Every teacher has a reason for choosing the profession. I have yet to meet one teacher whose motivation was summers off. Educators pay the price of admission to empower students. We empower students by ensuring a successful classroom environment, and the teacher is the sole and final authority for that responsibility.
Classroom management starts and ends with the Teacher in the Classroom. This seems like a simple idea, but how often as educators do will feel we are relinquishing control to students, parents or admin. Every educator has come home thinking… “those kids” … “if only admin” … “these parents today.” But ultimately it is on us. As a teacher, once I realized it was on me, my classroom environment greatly improved.
Think for a moment about your last airline flight. Notice that the pilots never say much, but when they do, it is so nonchalant – almost as if they were bored. They are conveying that there is nothing to worry about. Even when they come on and tell the flight attendants to take a seat because of turbulence, it’s as if it’s corporate policy and they are merely following protocol.
How would you feel if the pilot’s voice were cracking, nervous or excited?
As a Pilot in the Classroom, you need to work on your “Captain” voice. When I was a pilot in training, I would speak to myself, (usually driving in the car) practicing radio calls and my Captain’s voice. “Pearson Advisory, Cessna 123 Whiskey Alpha with the minute weather, departing runway 26 to the north.” In aviation we know that ATC doesn’t trust a pilot who doesn’t sound professional and well trained. Once you have accepted authority for the operation of your classroom, master your voice. It will have the same calming effect on your students that an airline pilot’s confident voice has on you.