elementary general music
“Be active in your professional music organizations.”
Go Fund Me Pages – I have been inspired by the many educators who have been able to raise funds for their classrooms via the Internet Go Fund Me efforts. People outside of your community may be willing to invest in your classroom music book library or instruments.
NETWORKING – Develop a network of other music educators that supports you in your growth as a music educator.
Wisconsin General Music Teachers Network Facebook Page – This is just one of many Facebook pages that offers a place to communicate with other elemen- tary music teachers about curriculum, strategies, opportunities and practical sug- gestions for the classroom. Exchange ideas and build a network of positive initiatives for music education.
Workshops – Take a workshop and connect with other music educators. Be inspired by their accomplishments and
recharge your enthusiasm for teaching. Make friends and stay connected with those people via email conversations. Workshops supporting staff development and a collegial atmosphere are offered all year round at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education. CMP has a summer workshop that is in different parts of the state each year. Gain support for your teaching through learning new techniques and conversing with other professional educators. Opportunities are available for people interested in technology, Orff, Kodály, Music Learning Theory, World Drumming and lots more.
WMEA and NAfME – Be active in your professional music organizations. These groups offer opportunities to be in a lead- ership position as well as network with others. You will learn of new opportuni- ties and ways to support your professional enthusiasm and growth as well as your program.
Share Your Stuff and Your Ideas – Talk to other elementary teachers in neighbor- ing districts. If you need extra xylophones for a performance, costumes for a show, or additional ideas for a project, contact a neighboring elementary music teacher. You can research their email via their school district website. Introduce yourself and ask for help. Swap equipment for a
short period of time. Sharing can stretch your budgets and create more opportuni- ties for your students. Exchanging ideas and encouraging each other is the best way to build great communication.
All these suggestions take time and en- ergy. That can be daunting when you are already trying to keep up with hundreds of students and the daily responsibilities of teaching well. Keep in mind that the benefits of partnerships and networking with others are extensive. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and our triumphs and disappointments in teaching. It is nearly impossible to be a successful teacher in isolation. Let’s look to each other and the partnerships of our com- munities to create support for ourselves, our profession and our elementary music programs.
In conclusion, the Beatle’s lyrics says it all! “I get by with a little help from my friends.” Support each other. Music teach- ing is a wonderful profession and it can be even more rewarding and successful when we support each other.
Kathy Bartling is a recently retired general music teacher who taught at Waunakee Schools for 40 years. She is active in WMEA and is a member of the CMP committee. Email:
kathybartling@gmail.com
Wisconsin School Musician
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