You Are the Best - You've Taken the Vow!

Dull, drab, boring, routine, empty, accustomed, forced, and miserable are words that describe the opening scene of the musical Les Misérables. In that scene, the prisoners, including prisoner 24601 (Valjean - the hero) are in their daily routine of hard labor while singing, "...look down...don't look them in the eye..." These words also portray the scene in the musical Oliver! where the orphan children are lined up in rows and being served "...food, glorious, food." Although they are getting food, it is not the glorious fare they dream about each day. Wait...could these words characterize your daily music classroom routine? Let us hope not!

New teachers have it tough because when they take the "loyal oath" to become a music educator, they are given the awesome power to change the world of students. Music is special, and a student's world can be transformed on a daily basis by the music teacher. Music can be heard in every aspect of our lives because it involves our emotions, more than any other subject taught in school. That is why a music teacher should be the very best, most knowledgeable, highly trusted and caring person in students' lives...right?

As any good apprentice knows, tools come with the trade; however, at first, those tools are not always affordable, nor are they laid before us the first day on the job. The apprentice must earn such tools along with the knowledge learned through experiences on the job. KMEA offers new teachers tools and knowledge all in one place...the New Teacher Handbook! It can be your Felix the Cat's Bag of Tricks! Remember how Felix would reach inside his bag and find an object or tool that would solve his problem? Okay new teachers...many of you probably have no idea what I am talking about, so Google "Felix The Cat" or watch a video. The Handbook is full of links to numerous ideas for teaching music. You will find information about beginning the school year, lesson planning, festivals and contests in Kansas, advocacy, dates and deadlines, and much more! To directly open your "bag of tricks" go to: http://www.ksmea.org/mentoring/handbook/.

If you are a new teacher reading this article and you are without a mentoring music teacher, please contact your District Mentor Chair who will get you connected with a mentor in your district. A mentoring teacher can help you open that "toolbox" for top-notch teaching. Even if you are a veteran teacher, but new to Kansas or your district, please take a moment to contact your district mentoring chairperson...sometimes even the most veteran teachers need help getting started! You will find your District Mentoring Chairperson(s) below:

NORTHWEST
Jeff Jordan


NORTH CENTRAL
Kris Brenzikofer


NORTHEAST
Maggie McKain


SOUTHWEST
Erica Fleeman


SOUTH CENTRAL
Gretchen Bixler


SOUTHEAST
Mark Gard


The New Teacher Luncheon at the KMEA In-Service Workshop will be back by popular demand and is completely free! We look forward to meeting many of you in February during this event. The luncheon will not only provide you with a great eating experience, but will also feature several speakers, and great conversation with other new teachers and the mentoring leadership in Kansas. Position yourself in the right place by creating a network of music colleagues at this luncheon. Do not forget to sign up for the (free) luncheon when you register for the In-Service Workshop online at: www.ksmea.org.

Dull, drab, boring, etc...does not have to describe your teaching, especially during your first year. The music mentors in Kansas are ready to help you be your best. Join us at the KMEA In-Service Workshop this February 2012, because we want to support your "vow" to provide exemplary music education to your students.