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The Art of Vision for the Rio School District

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Contributed by: Nancy Mayerson on 8/30/2007

Teachers have the most important job in our society. Not only are they charged with academically challenging their students, they are to inspire, motivate and be role models. In recognition of all these vital tasks, the Rio School District held a seminar Aug. 24 for certificated personnel to inspire them to see the "Art of the Vision." The seminar by motivational speaker Erik Wahl of The Wahl Group was part of the district's "Dare to Fly" theme for this school year.

Wahl, a bundle of energy who captivated the packed multipurpose room at Rio Vista Middle School, used art and anecdotes to fan educators' passion for teaching. "We should all get our Ph.D. in kids. We should become apprentices at the feet of our children" said the husband and father of three young boys. "Ask questions of them. Their answers would surprise us because kids are not bound by what we've been blocked (from acting on)."

He challenged educators to rethink where creativity lives, to twist challenges and look at them a little bit differently to see their potential for opportunities, to tap into the right side of their brains. "In a blank canvas there are unlimited potential solutions...Look for something not originally seen at first glance," said Wahl, an artist and professional speaker.

To illustrate his point, Wahl spread a black canvas with yellow, green and red brushstrokes. The colors stood out against the dark background as random swishes. As he continued, a compelling portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emerged. Later in the seminar, Wahl created a portrait of another great innovator, Albert Einstein.

Wahl spoke to the group about the importance of words of support and encouragement, as well as attributes of great leaders. The "North Star" of leaders, he said, is the cartoon character Wile E. Coyote. As the crowd chuckled, he explained that the coyote is notable because he has a vision, he's a risk taker, creative, a visionary extraordinaire, and he bounces back after setbacks.

Wahl also used video images and music to further "wake up brain cells to find unconventional solutions in a conventional world." Across the large screen at different times flashed "discipline," "unique," "dream," "hope," "innovate," "sing," focus," "execute" and "laugh."

"Stop trying to be perfect and start trying to be remarkable," he encouraged. And dare to fly.

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