Joe Shively, Editor I hope each of you is having a restful and rejuvenating summer. This issue has a wonderful range of articles for you to consider as you prepare for the coming year. In particular, I point you toward a couple of articles about teacher evaluation.


We are all well aware of increasing focus on teacher evaluation. Because of this, we are bringing use this issue now with articles about teacher evaluation. It is likely that no one would argue with the underlying notion of teacher evaluation and improvement. As we look to develop meaningful teacher evaluation, it is incumbent upon all of us to seek approaches to teacher evaluation that not only lead us to a lifetime of professional growth, but also support meaningful learning on the part of all of the students who enter our classrooms.


As with many of the decisions we make about music education, we are always walking a fine line between maintaining the unique qualities of the music classroom and seeking to be viewed as a school subject on par with all others. It would be easy to use measures that are already in place, such as festivals. It would also be easy to adapt our approach to fit in with other subjects.


We must take the cue from those who are leading these discussions and be proactive. If we do not do something ourselves, then something will certainly be done to us. No group understands the nature of music learning and teaching better than the professional music educators who serve the children of the state of Michigan. I hope each of you will consider the ideas of teacher evaluation presented in this issue and provide guidance to those in your schools about how best to evaluate music teachers.


This is the last issue that will be delivered primarily as a print journal. Michigan is joining the ranks of many state music education associations who are using digital publications. You can read more about this move, including information about the availability of print copies, in this issue. Look for the first online issue in September.


I close by thanking John Lychner for the extraordinary leadership he has provided as MMEA President and look toward Christina Hornbach to lead us in the coming years. n


Be heard. www.depauw.edu/music 3


From the Editor


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