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)! 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 day to day and month to month preparation and planning. I believe that is an area where most new teachers struggle and stay up late many nights writing lesson plans. Sunday evenings 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 moving in a positive direction, look for positive people in your life that truly inspire you. Recently, Wichita just lost an energetic and inspiring retired music teacher to cancer. Sharon Parks brought life and positive energy to any room. Her outlook on life 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 don't give compliments that are not earned. A teacher must learn how to inspire students and in turn, the students will want to reach the level of excellence with hard work and pride. I would suggest that you give music to your students that have lasting value. Is it music they will talk about in 10 years? What about 20 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 that is willing to give time to help you grow in the profession of music education.

Don't forget about the upcoming KMEA In-Service Workshop in Wichita, February 27-March 1, 2014. 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 ISW.

And... If you do not have a mentor in music from your district in Kansas, please take a moment this week and write an email to your district mentor chairperson. Introduce yourself and see if there is an upcoming event, which you can attend to meet your district colleagues. You can find your district chairperson listed below.

NORTHEAST:
Maggie McKain; nementoring [at] ksmea.org

NORTHWEST:
Dr. Jeff Jordan; nwmentoring [at] ksmea.org

NORTH CENTRAL:
Nancy Monical; ncmentoring [at] ksmea.org

SOUTHEAST:
Rosie Sweaney; sementoring [at] ksmea.org

SOUTHWEST:
Lynn Unruh; swmentoring [at] ksmea.org

SOUTH CENTRAL:
Amy Brown; scmentoring [at] ksmea.org

Thank you teachers for your ongoing energy, excellence, and education of our next generation! See you at KMEA ISW in February, 2014.