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No Dress Rehearsal- Shauna Pollock's P3

  • Writer: Noa Daniel
    Noa Daniel
  • Nov 27, 2017
  • 4 min read

I was so happy to have Shauna Pollock on the Personal Playlist Podcast. From the first time we met online, I was intrigued by this powerful educator who always made way for kids- you could hear it in every tweet. Whether it is through fostering self-directed learning and exploring passion, educating Syrian newcomers by bringing school to them, or building a brand new school reflective of her personal pedagogy and vision for the “school of tomorrow”, Shauna Pollock knows that we have only one life to live, and we have to give it our whole selves. Shauna Pollock “loves to create safe, inspiring places for learners.” Shauna is the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and has been recognized for her student-centred teaching and creative use of technology in the classroom.

Shauna is the author of Creating Classroom Magic, which is how I first got to know her. Though my participation in CanEdChat, I won and read this great book. Lucky for me, Shauna then agreed to be our guest in ONedchat, and we’ve been running into each other virtually ever since. Besides the whimsy of using Disney’s teachings to philosophize about learning, Ms. Pollock’s book provides great ideas on how everyone can bring the magic of Disney into their classrooms. She took the insights in her book and, with the help of her business partner Karen Hill and a village of visionaries, turned the blueprint into the Blue Sky School. They're 3 months into this “experimental prototype school of tomorrow”, and the feedback has been excellent. Learners are deeply engaged, community partners are involved and the school is modelling a lot to the many educators they welcome regularly. When interviewed by the Ottawa Community News in advance of their opening, Shauna stated, “This is my dream, for my entire life, to open a whole new model of schooling.” She added, “What we’re doing is we’re creating a space where there isn’t a wrong or a right kind of student. We actually create a space that works for every type of learning.”

When Shauna began introducing her nostalgic song, she converged on images of camp and bonfires, leadership experiences, and the Canadiana of The Hip’s song lyrics and melodies. When a single song conjures so much, it powerfully takes you back and, whether driven by the music, lyrics, or both, it adds colour and scent to paint vivid memories. From the call of the loon and other outdoors sounds, to the poignant lyrics about David Milgaard who was wrongly accused of and jailed for the rape and murder of Gail Miller, spending 23 years in jail for a crime he did not commit. Shauna pointed out that she, like many of us, didn’t know the allusion of the lyrics for a long time, and enjoyed the song for its more immediate meaning. Here is Wheat Kings by The Tragically Hip:

When I first saw Shauna’s identity song on the list, I was surprised. So often, when we admire and look up to our role models and mentors, we forget that being innovative, creative and a change agent isn’t easy. Being a risk taker requires courage, and that is something that helps to propel pioneers. This song became her class’s anthem the year it came out, and they used to drive and empower them. “My identity has always been tied to the group of students that I’m working with,” our guest noted. This song is a reminder for her that fear is not a factor even if it can be a deterrent. “When things are feeling difficult and you know what you want to do, but you're scared...we get one kick at the can...one shot...I don’t want to leave this life with regrets.” Shauna referred to this idea many times throughout our conversation, and we should all heed this in the many manifestations this message takes.

We have only one life, and we must live it to its full potential, or else we live with the pain or even anguish of dissatisfaction from not even trying. “There’s not really any other choice,” Shauna asserted, "but to do the thing you want to do and be brave enough to bare that part of your soul to the world, and it’s not easy.” Shauna gave examples of “gut wrenching” experiences, but nothing did or will stop her from moving forward. “It takes a lot of courage to face that and say, 'World- this is me', exposing yourself to judgement and, even scrutiny." This song is a reminder to her to silence those negative voices and just go for it. Here is Sara Bareilles singing Brave:

Shauna’s pick-me-up song comes from an artist whose work often makes her feel joyful and even gets her dancing, which I learned is not an easy thing to do. She actually referred to it as one of the most uncomfortable things she has to do in life and is an incredibly “self conscious” dancer. This entire album means a lot to her because it was created after the artist visited active war zones and listened to people’s stories, recording a documentary along the way. This song speaks to her because of the messages of gratitude and unity. She also used this life affirming song to get kids moving in the cardinal directions, giving her some great teaching memories, as well. “If you read the lyrics, it tells the same story: that we only have one shot at this life.” Here is Michael Franti and Spearhead - "East To The West"

Once we have explored all three songs of the guest’s Personal Playlist, I often ask about what’s left out. I was so glad that Shauna could spend a moment to share that she and her partner have been together for so long and that he is a perpetual support. As a musician and music lover, his all time favourite group is The Dave Matthews Band, but she mentioned the song Pig in particular, so I added the image below as a tribute to the band and her love with her high school sweetheart. Having shared this time together, the thread in all of Shauna Pollock’s song choices is that we only have one life to live. Watching her actualize her dream is a reminder to all of us about what’s possible. This blog would be incomplete without reference to a favourite Disney quote: If you can dream it, you can do it. Shauna is a dreamer, a doer, a thinker- she sees possibility everywhere and is compelled to make it happen.


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