Dear Fellow Music Teachers, Christina Hornbach
As I write this column, we are heading towards a brand new calendar year. When you read this issue of the Michigan Music Educator, you will be well ensconced in preparing for and “doing” your winter music ACTivities (I deliberately highlight the “act,” or shall I say “active” part of this word). From concerts to festivals…from elementary general music in-formances to at- tending state conferences, we are all on the go and working hard. I do hope that this finds you renewed and ready to face the challenges and embrace the joys of the rest of the academic year. If maybe you are feeling a bit frazzled or need a bit of “umph” in your teaching day – here are a few thoughts to move you along towards some self-renewal and support. I first spoke of “Actions” in my Fall 2012 President’s Message. I hope you will be inspired to DO (ACT) things that you have not done recently in your teaching community and to take care of you, the music teacher as well.
At the risk of having you sigh or roll your eyes (I don’t want to sound pedantic or be too hokey, but that’s what it’s all about…get it?), I ask you to take a moment or two to think about you (I know, when…) and your daily ACTions for yourself, interACTions with your colleagues and administrators and your teaching ACTions in the classroom and from the podium. As music teachers, we are ACTing or DOing all day, but we often miss moments of connection with col- leagues and administrators because we are put- ting students first or just plain getting stuff done (um, order spring music, check…). We rarely sit, and it is often a luxury to eat lunch with fellow teachers in our buildings or interact (in person) with our music teacher colleagues. Music teach- ers are busy folks and we are able to get a lot done, but, truly, sometimes I wonder if we make it look too easy. We juggle hundreds of students with a variety of needs, class after class, and as- sessment and curriculum for a number of music programs with a wide-range of developmental ages. For some music teachers, informing or educating our administrators and parents can feel like an overwhelming task or too much like “look how much I do and please, praise me.” However, if you are not your own advocate, it is unlikely that really busy administrators will understand (and also be able to help) you, your program, and ultimately, your students.
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We all know that student learn a lot about how to be musicians and human beings from our own model. How you treat them, how you treat yourself and how much space you have greatly impacts your ability to give in your teaching (energy and time, baby). The teacher in YOU. The musician in YOU. Have you checked in with yourself lately? Are you taking good care of you? Your program will thrive if you are thriving (there’s that pedantic line…)
So, here are four ACTs for you to add to your multi-tasking, music teacher to-do list, which I am hoping will benefit you and your program and inspire you to put you back on your to-do list. You might have heard a few of these things before, from me…from others… Personally, I always appreciate a few gentle reminders from my family and colleagues. We are all human and sometimes it takes a few times to sink in or for us to ACT.
1. ACT of kindness to yourself. What’s it going to be and how are you going to get it into your daily routine? Can you commit to ten minutes? Just five – build it in, schedule it and do not break the date. Put this ACTiv- ity in your daily calendar and do not break it or show up late. Read a novel in 5 minutes a day? Do a few stretches at your desk. If you shove it aside and get to a few more work emails, it will never happen.
2. ACTively build a relationship with your principal. Have you dropped by your prin- cipal’s office lately to just chat, laugh, tell a joke (and maybe casually drop a line of in- formation about music department happen- ings)? Be sure to drop by when you’ve had some tea, coffee, or a 5 minute break. If you aren’t rested, you might end up venting in order to share “how hard you work” – focus on something positive that you are doing and gently educate with 5 minute infomercials. You want your administration to view you as the positive, can-do person, someone they can count on, but also need to be forthright if you are facing challenges.
3. ACTively promote your program. Have you been forthright about your needs and made a plan? Have you made sure your pro- gram highlights make the student announce- ments? Local paper?
4. ACTively enhance your teaching. Challenge your teaching language. What do
President’s Message
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