We're Here for You
"I'm here for you," I (Kelly) said to one of the students who enters my class every day ready to see what line he can attempt to cross. "I'm here for you, not here to be against you, I'm here for you." Those lines must have meant a lot, because his attitude changed. I guess he finally understood that someone was watching out for him and expected him to give his best each day. Someone who was not watching and being critical. Have you ever been in a situation where it felt like the whole world was working against you? You know, one of those days, weeks, or months where nothing seemed to go the way it's supposed to go? How about the student who thinks you are always after him or her, and comes defensive and ready to fight? How can you possibly have the answers to every situation that may arise in your classroom, especially your first year of teaching? Well, I know a safe place where you can begin!

We're Here for You in the Cyber-World
If you have not visited the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) website at: www.ksmea.org, make sure you do so soon. That is the place where you can pre-register for the KMEA In-Service Workshop held in Wichita, Kansas, February 23-25, 2012. The KMEA In-Service Workshop (ISW) will provide you with great networking, excellent examples of performances in your field of music, new and tried and true products for teaching, and incredible clinics geared to boost your effectiveness as a music teacher.

While you peruse the website, you will find at the bottom of the left column an area dedicated to new music teachers. Included is the New Music Teacher Handbook www.ksmea.org/mentoring/handbook/, an online resource for new and veteran teachers alike. It includes resources for handbooks, lesson planning, curriculum assessment, rehearsal techniques, and classroom management all in one place. This is a great place to start!

We're Here for You During Your First Years
One "can't miss event" at the KMEA ISW back by popular demand and a proven highlight is the question and answer session titled "Tips from the Trenches - How to Survive the First Few Years of Teaching!" During this session, newer music teachers have the opportunity to listen to and speak with a panel of experienced music teachers who have tackled many problems faced by all music educators today. Year after year, the advice, guidance, and help given during this session have proven to be quite valuable. New teachers are encouraged to ask questions, but sometimes just listening to the tips and advice will prove to be a huge teaching aid to those new to teaching music education.

We're Here for You... Free Lunch!
We want to make you feel welcome and to just plain help! It's not just a free lunch we are talking about, but free information and the opportunity for making networking connections. Please take time at the ISW to join the KMEA Mentoring Program for a complimentary New Teachers Luncheon on Saturday, February 25, 2012, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The luncheon is open to all Pre-K through 12 music educators currently in their first year of teaching. Guest speakers will be KMEA President, Craig Manteuffel, KMEA Executive Director and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Southwestern Division President, John Taylor, Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) KMEA Consultant, Reggie Romine, and from Senseney Music, Lori Supinie will speak on behalf of the Kansas Music Merchants Association. Luncheon attendees will receive information about the KMEA Mentoring Program and free material courtesy of NAfME.

Please register for the New Teachers Luncheon online at: www.ksmea.org, the KMEA webpage. Halfway down the page is a section for In-Service Workshop registration. You may register for the luncheon there or, upon entering the ISW Registration page, you will find a link in the section asking, "Are you a new teacher this year? Have a free lunch at ISW. Sign up here." Click on that link and register to join us. The New Teachers Luncheon is being sponsored by KMEA, Fruhauf Uniform Company, and the Kansas Music Merchants Association. We thank our fantastic sponsors for helping to make the luncheon complimentary to all new music teachers. You must register by February 17, 2012, on the website, so run to your nearest computer and register today!

We KMEA Mentoring Co-Chairs fully believe that KMEA and the KMEA ISW can help put you on a path of success as a music teacher in Kansas. Remember, we are here for you and we hope to see you at the ISW!