The Three E's: Energy, Excellence, and Education!

The fall is in full swing and the summer days are gone! At least the days of leisure are past. Many of you are getting ready for your first performance or already had one at this point. We are all working on assessments, curriculum, new mandates from the district and state, staff issues, classroom management issues, etc... the list goes on and on...

What are you doing to stay focused and passionate about teaching each day in the classroom? It can be an energy drainer unless you keep your mind thinking ahead and staying focused on the final goal which is to promote lifelong music makers who understand and contribute to the beauty of making music in this world.

One of the first issues that I struggled with in the day to day teaching was keeping my energy level up and running in a positive direction. I found that being well-organized with yearlong plans helped me in the daily and month to month preparation and planning. I believe that is an area where most new teachers struggle with and stay up late many nights writing lesson plans. Sunday evenings can become a terrible time if the plans are not finished for Monday and the week ahead. When you are well-rested and have a balanced life with other activities you enjoy, you will be much more positive and dynamic in the classroom.

If you want to keep your energy level up and positive, look for positive people in your life who truly inspire you. Wichita just recently lost an energetic and inspiring retired music teacher to cancer. Sharon Parks brought life and positive energy to any room. Her outlook was contagious. Are you the type of person who inspires others to reach their potential?

Keep your expectations high if you are going to accomplish excellence in the classroom. I have found through the years that students know if they have done well or not, so do not give compliments that are not earned. A teacher must learn how to inspire students and in turn, the students will want to reach a level of excellence with hard work and pride. I suggest that you give music with lasting value to your students. Is it music they will talk about in ten years? In twenty years? The same is true for expectations of behavior. By now, you have something in place. Is it still working or do you need to begin something new? There is nothing wrong with stopping and starting over again if you are not getting the desired behavior that you expect for quality learning and respect in your classroom.

It is a known fact that teachers are there to educate the students. If you have energy and expectations in place, the educating of the students will be a joy each day. Many things will be accomplished because of your hard work and determination to offer the best quality music education program possible to your students. If this is a tough year, get the help you need. Look for a mentor teacher who is willing to give time to help you grow in the profession of music teaching.

Do not forget about the upcoming KMEA In-Service Workshop in Wichita, February 21-23, 2013. It is NOT too early to get a sub lined up and permission from your principal to attend this wonderful conference. The next issue of KMR will share the topics and clinicians that will be a part of the KMEA ISW this year. You may also get the information on line at: ksmea.org. David Frego, Artie Almeida, and Leigh Ann Garner will be clinicians. Marilyn Killian, past founder and artistic director of the Wichita Community Children's Choir, will lead the elementary reading session. The 2nd annual family folk dance night will be led by KMEK members on Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m. Plus, three elementary choirs will be performing this year!

Thank you teachers for your ongoing energy, excellence, and education for our next generation! See you at the KMEA ISW in February, 2013.