elementary general music
For our learners with mental health chal- lenges or different abilities, we can be sure to include a variety of learning and assessment experiences to help them grow and demonstrate growth without making them feel like they’ve just been tossed into shark-infested waters. We can use the technology that many of us have been re- lying on in our virtual and physical class- rooms to facilitate these experiences, for example, using platforms like Flipgrid or Seesaw for individual playing tests instead of doing them in front of the class. We can craft learning extensions and leadership roles for our high-achieving students to give them the chance to continue forging ahead when they already know or have a quicker grasp of the content the class is learning. For the learners who are com- municating various difficulties via their behaviors, how can we better reach them and help them learn and communicate their struggles in different ways?
Everyone is in a different place in their journey of self-reflection and their evolu- tion of teaching. That is okay; that is life. If you’re looking for more information, I suggest exploring music teacher social media spaces and places like Decolonizing the Music Room. There are innumerable groups on Facebook, including the Wis- consin General Music Teachers Network. Search for music teacher-related hashtags on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Some starter hashtag searches that I would sug- gest include #musicteacher, #iteachmusic, and #elmused (that one is found more on Twitter). You can click around and see what other hashtags content creators include, and the algorithms will be able to suggest more like content for you to ex- plore. Some places have more purposeful and productive discussions than others, so just like toxic conversations in the teach- ers’ lounge, be cognizant of what kind of vibes we are listening to, accepting and
encouraging. As with any research, be sure to double check your sources and not treat any one person as a monolith.
As you remodel and redecorate your class- room to contain more mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors, remember these words from the highly recommended book All Are Welcome, written by Alex- andra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman:
“We’re part of a community Our strength is our diversity A shelter from adversity All are welcome here.”
Corinne Galligan teaches elementary general music in the Pulaski Community School District and also serves on the board of the Association of Wisconsin Area Kodály Educators. Email:
cmgalligan@pulaskischools.org or Social Media: @cmgalligan.
DE P A R TMEN T
music.edgewood.edu D E G R E E S
Music • Music Education • Music Media & Production Music Promotion & Industry
P E R F O R M A N C E O P P O R T U N I T I E S Concert Band, Orchestras, Choirs, Guitar Ensemble
and West African & Middle Eastern Drumming
F I N E A R T S S C H O L A R S H I P S Music scholarships offered to deserving students regardless of major.
Go to
music.edgewood.edu for audition information. For more information: Beatriz Aguilar •
baguilar@edgewood.edu • 608.663.3442 Wisconsin School Musician 51
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