Embracing the Other Side

Ok so hang with my musical nerdiness for just a few reading moments. One of my absolute favorite musical movies soon to be stage shows is “The Greatest Showman,” which highlights the life of P.T. Barnum. If you have not seen it, as soon as you are done reading this, run to watch it.

Trust me.

During my tenure as a principal, we chose the theme “The Greatest School on Earth,” borrowed from one of my best friends and colleagues. The purpose being that the movie’s themes of embracing our own authenticity, tuning out the naysayers, never allowing circumstances to deter dreams, and always being on the lookout for inspiration could help drive our year.

All of those themes show up in the music throughout the show, but my favorite song from Barnum’s biography encapsulates all of it and more.

The song "Other Side" is a duet performed by Hugh Jackman (P.T Barnum) and Zac Efron (Phillip Carlyle) and beautifully captures the essence of struggling with challenges and embracing change. For anyone who works within the walls of a school, this resonates deeply as they navigate the complexities of education. The lyrics reflect the internal battles educators face, balancing hope with the fear of failure while motivating both themselves and their students to pursue success…sometimes in very new, challenging ways.

Throughout the song, Barnum is doing everything he can to convince Carlyle that leaving his current mundane, yet wealthy and comfortable, life and joining the excitement of the circus is the right choice. Barnum believes that Phillip can assist in bringing the show to life and help the performers see their value and potential. Phillip sees it as a risk not worth taking. Teachers often find themselves on the frontline, dealing with diverse learning needs and personal crises, all while trying to inspire. The themes in "Other Side" encourage teachers to recall their purpose: to ignite a passion for learning and resilience within their students. Just like Carlyle, teachers have the chance to help students see their value and what unique strengths they bring to this world.

Administrators, too, can find motivation in the song's message. They are tasked with creating a supportive environment and implementing policies that foster growth through stepping out of the comfort zone. The song often reminded me, as a principal, of the importance of leading by example, facing the difficulties of managing a school community, and addressing the emotional and educational needs of both staff and students. By embracing these challenges rather than avoiding them, administrators can cultivate an atmosphere of collaboration and innovation. It was never about eliminating those needs, but finding the strengths to build on and better serve our community.

Above all of else, the song illustrates the significance of unity, showcasing how individuals can come together, each bringing their strengths to overcome adversity. In a school environment, fostering a culture of teamwork empowers educators to share strategies, support one another, and create a more effective educational experience for students. Recognizing the "other side" enables staff to work collectively towards common objectives.

Ultimately, "Other Side" serves as an anthem for school staff navigating the highs and lows of the educational landscape. It is a call to action, encouraging them to harness the support of their colleagues, embrace change, and remember the impact they have on their students’ futures.