government relations
professional development, field work, etc.). This change would not neces- sitate a major or minor in the em- phasis area, but instead would allow preparation programs the opportu- nity to structure how candidates will demonstrate competency across the license and in the area of emphasis in a multitude of ways.
Officials at the Department of Public In- struction have reported that this proposal would not affect already licensed and contracted music teachers but it would allow school administrators to cobble together general, instrumental or choral music FTE into more attractive full time teaching positions.
The Leadership Group has also proposed a system of “tiers” of teaching licensures.
Tier 0: This tier would include indi- viduals without education training or background who have a temporary, limited permit to teach to a specific purpose within a school.
Tier 1: This new tier would recog- nize those educators that are in the process of completing their require- ments for full licensure.
Tier 2: This tier would remain as it currently exists for traditionally trained as well as alternatively pre- pared educators.
Tier 3: This tier would remain as it now exists for professional educators with five years of experience.
Tier 4: This tier would remain as it currently exists for master educators or National Board Certified Teachers.
Tier 5: The Leadership Group is recommending this new tier to recog- nize efforts to recruit retired educa- tors to return to roles in the classroom without having to navigate all of the other licensing and professional development requirements of the system. The group also recognizes the need to reform current laws that prevent retired educators to return to
Wisconsin School Musician
the classroom without risking their existing retirement benefits from the Wisconsin Retirement System.
It remains to be seen if the implementation of a single statewide music license will be helpful to school district administrators struggling to fill vacancies. It certainly would be helpful for smaller, rural school principals by allowing them to combine portions of general, instrumental and choral music pieces into more desirable, full-time music teaching positions. Yet one wonders if a young person who has been drawn to the profession by their love of choral music will be equally compelled to become an educator knowing they may be asked to teach choir AND band.
Alternative licensing paths are also a two-edged sword. For example, allowing talented performers to teach music in the schools implies that a tremendous amount of the educational process, methods, pedagogy and literature knowledge can simply be ‘picked up’ by a person in a classroom.
Ultimately, the success or failure of these proposals will depend on how the teacher preparation programs in our colleges and universities structure curriculums to meet the challenges. A single broadfield music license will require young educators to know more about a wider range of music learning disciplines. How ‘Emphasis’ areas are to be structured and granted has yet to be worked out. Student teaching and practicum experiences may have to be rethought and certainly paths for learn- ing pedagogy and classroom methods for educators seeking to retool will need to be provided.
Teaching is one of the most important pro- fessions in any community. It is my hope that any new structure of licensure will attract qualified, committed and caring teachers to schools across our state.
Brad Schneider recently retired from teaching instrumental music at Middleton High School. Email:
brad.schneider102@
gmail.com
Recognizing Teacher
Recognition)
Service (25-Year
Teachers who receive the WMEA 25 Years of Service recognition have taught a minimum of 25 years, been a member of WMEA/ NAfME at least 10 of those years and have not been previously recognized for this accomplishment. These teachers cultivate a love of music in their students. The musical experiences they share have touched the lives of students and community members alike. On behalf of the students and communities they serve, congratulations and thank you for your dedication to music education. WMEA is proud to recognize the following teacher for her service:
Connie Root – 41 Years
Hudson Middle School – 34 Years
Catholic Elementary Schools (Holy Ghost/St. Charles/ Notre Dame) – 7 Years
Here are some of her proudest moments…
R R
“Honors staff (High School State Honors Orchestra coach/ Middle Level State Honors Band coordinator/Middle Level State Honors chair).”
“Being involved in the State Honors Music Project changed my teaching. It introduced me to many new colleagues who are now friends!”
Learn more at
wmeamusic.org/ awards/25-years-of-service.
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