From the Editor
If you read Lisa Furman’s president’s message you will know that this will be my last issue as journal editor for the MME. Aſter five years it’s time to pass the reins to another colleague. I’m pleased that Christina Hornbach has agreed to take on the editorship. With her expertise, experience, and connections across the state, I am confident the journal will continue to grow and thrive.
Abby Butler
Serving as editor has proved a rewarding and an educational experience. Te satisfaction that comes with ushering in the publication of a journal issue or assisting an author through the revision process is payment enough for the time investment, and of course, the shared excitement over an author’s first publication is priceless. I’m also grateful for the opportunities to develop professionally. Trough the editing process I’ve improved my own writing and communication skills, but more importantly I’ve expanded my knowledge and understanding of music educa- tion across multiple topics.
Role of the State Journal
Perhaps the most important thing I’ve come to appreciate during my tenure as journal editor is the role of the state journal within the infra- structure of the NAfME state affiliated associ- ations and its potential for supporting profes- sional growth. Every state publishes a journal, which typically functions as a vehicle for com- munication regarding state MEA events. Addi- tionally many journals also serve as a resource for professional development both in terms of access to scholarly articles while simultaneously promoting teacher authored publications. When I joined the executive board as journal editor in Fall 2014 I questioned the viability of the journal as a resource for MMEA members. Five years and fiſteen issues later, I have come to truly value the journal’s potential for supporting profes- sional development amongst Michigan’s music educators.
Journal Writing as Professional Development
What is professional development? A quick Internet search reveals multiple and varying definitions depending on the source and the profession in question. Te Oxford dictionary describes it as the “development of competence or expertise in one’s profession; the process of acquiring the skills necessary to improve per- formance in a job.”1
Similarly, CareerOneStop, an online employment resource sponsored by
But I’m Not a Writer… Of course, you may encounter a few obstacles along the way, but they needn’t be insurmount- able. If you don’t feel confident as a writer, begin by getting your ideas down on paper, then find a colleague or contact a column editor who will be willing to read your draſt and offer feedback. You might also consider co-authoring an article if you’re not comfortable writing on your own. Contact the MME editor for recommendations.
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the U.S. Department of Labor, explains, “Profes- sional development simply means keeping up to date on the trends, skills, technologies, and other characteristics of your field.”2
While neither of the definitions presented in the previous paragraph specifically acknowledges authorship as a form of professional develop- ment, neither do they exclude it. I would argue that writing for a state journal sponsored by one’s professional organization qualifies as a form of professional development. Here’s why. Writing offers teachers a chance to share prom- ising ideas, present new techniques, examine challenges, or question traditional practices. Trough the process of writing: gathering and synthesizing information; organizing and prior- itizing content; craſting and revising the written document for clarity, authors come to a deeper understanding of their topic. Personally, I have found writing to be invigorating, reinforcing, stimulating, even cathartic, and ultimately a highly rewarding experience.
Get Involved: Be a Team Player
You want me to write an article for the journal? Why not? Te MME exists as a resource for all MMEA members. As such it reflects not just the face of the MMEA board, but more importantly, it reflects the face of music education throughout the state of Michigan. It is our journal. Collec- tively we can affect the journal’s efficacy as a resource for professional development through individual contributions.
Our MME column editors are always looking for interesting and relevant articles. Anyone is welcome to submit articles for publication, simply follow the submission guidelines on page 33 of this issue or locate them on our website3
. It
is not necessary to be an experienced teacher. In fact, teachers at different stages in their careers are encouraged to contribute to the journal. You simply need to have something valuable to share and be able to articulate your ideas in writing.
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