research The Voice of Professional Friendship
and Paulo Friere Sheila J. Feay-Shaw, WMEA State Chair, Research
“I cannot make my- self alone, nor can I do things alone. I make myself with others, and with others, I can do things.”1
Music teachers are some of the most
isolated professionals in education. Even within our school buildings, we are often stuck in a room at the end of the corridor so that our sound does not disturb others, or put in the basement where the floors are thicker and the sound will remain contained. In my years of teaching in several different states, music programs
2010-2011
have also been put in the modular units detached from buildings that are used to add space where buildings are at capacity. What does this do to the psyche of a new music teacher trying to explore who they are as a teacher, a professional, a member of a school staff? According to Estelle Jorgenson, music education philosopher, “Music educators are entrusted with creat- ing solutions appropriate to their particular circumstances in their individual ways… they are empowered as artists to seek the most effective strategies” for what they do.2
What then are the ideas that expe-
rienced teachers are able to share with those new to the profession or those in mid-career?
The quote from Paulo Freire above, can be interpreted to say that being a music education professional requires look- ing at ourselves, our colleagues and our profession to grow. I recently asked my graduate students, who have been teaching anywhere from six to 15 years, what they would say to a first year teacher about be- ing a music teacher. The number one com- ment was one of encouragement, “Keep your head up! Don’t expect to be perfect. It is the best job in the world!”3
How Concert Season “Providing Excellence in Musical Opportunities” 608.263.3320
Evelyn Steenbock Fall Concerts Saturday, November 13, 2010 1:30pm Sinfonietta and Concert Orchestra 4:00pm Percussion Ensemble and Philharmonia Orchestra
Sunday, November 14, 2010 2:00pm Harp Ensemble and Youth Orchestra
Winterfest Concerts Saturday, March 12, 2011 11:30am Sinfonietta and Harp Ensemble 1:30pm Percussion Ensemble and Concert Orchestra
4:00pm Philharmonia Orchestra Sunday, March 13, 2011 2:00pm Youth Orchestra
Eugenie Mayer Bolz Family
Spring Concerts Sunday, May 22, 2011 1:30pm Sinfonietta and Concert Orchestra 4:00pm Percussion Ensemble and Philharmonia Orchestra
7:00pm Harp Ensemble and Youth Orchestra
wyso.music.wisc.edu
exciting is it to hear that we know new teachers need to know that there are many others standing behind them hoping for their success! Most days teachers love the children they teach even if they sometimes dislike the behaviors they exhibit. Seeing potential in children, musically, humanly, is why we show up at school every day. A few years ago, I posed a question to some of my recent graduates finishing their first year of teaching asking, “What have you learned about yourself as a teacher in this first year?” Overwhelmingly, these new teachers talked about the need to develop strong relationships in their buildings with the custodian and office staff (after all they run the schools), but also to talk with a mentor whether they have been assigned the role or given it by the new teacher. We recognize our need to be social, but in so doing, to develop professionally. These teachers also realized that their love for teaching comes from the students they teach and the relationships they build within and outside of their classrooms.
“The world is not finished. It is always in the process of becoming.”4
The second question I asked my students was “What would you say to a fifth year teacher about how to be successful?” The most important idea seemed to be YOU ARE NOT DONE GROWING AND LEARNING. The concept of reflecting
28 April 2011
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