"Should-a, Would-a, Could-a"

Have you ever left a conversation and immediately said to yourself... "I should-a said this... this and this!" Maybe you have tried to change the headlight on your vehicle and after taking it in because you could figure it out, you watched an internet video and said, "That looked easy, I could-a done that myself!" Or, possibly you missed the 2015 KMEA In-Service Workshop in February and now you're saying to yourself, "I should-a made a point to go this year!" Well, if you didn't go this year... start kicking yourself now!

This year's "kickin'" In-Service Workshop featured two long running favorites of the Mentoring division of KMEA, the discussion time called "Tips From The Trenches," and the "New Teacher Luncheon." First, Holly and Kelly played host to about 30 first year teachers and college students at the "Tips from the Trenches" question and answer session with a veteran panel of teachers. Once again, the panel featured a wonderful panel of veteran directors in all fields of music instruction. We were fortunate to have high school Band director, Jason Richins, high school Choral director Todd Burd, middle school Band director Scott Freeby, middle school Strings and secondary director Laurie Hutchins, middle school Winds and secondary director Patti Sweet, and elementary school Vocal director Teri Harpool. We are very thankful to have such willing participants on the veteran panel! Some topics discussed were classroom management, relationships between director and accompanist, and how to keep a positive atmosphere going at all times in the classroom.

Secondly, the New Teacher Luncheon housed 21 new teachers to Kansas, but allowed for KMEA Mentoring to connect with an additional 9 new teachers on paper too. The speakers gave pertinent information to help guide these teachers, but unfortunately NAfME President James South was unable to attend, because of the weather. However, our guest speakers were KMEA President Avian Bear, KMEA Executive Director John Taylor, President-Elect Martha Gabel, Past (Vice) President Craig Manteuffel, Assistant Executive Director of KSHSAA Reggie Romine, and representing KMMA and Senseney Music, Lori Supinie. This was a great lunch as it gave the attendees the opportunity to meet each of these KMEA leaders and affiliate organizations face-to-face. A survey was given to all attending new teachers and then was tallied. The areas of most concern to this group of new teachers were: classroom management/discipline; knowledge of administrative/political structures and procedure; and student evaluation and grading. Most new teachers want a mentor, but most did not have one. New Teachers shared advice with each other saying: "Find Connections, people to help, borrow, trade & talk to;" "Go to KMEA [ISW], dive into what you are teaching - don't just sit passively;" "Get a mentor in the beginning... You might miss opportunities and deadlines for your students;" and "Find a mentor who will be honest, supportive, and willing to take time to help you."

New teachers are the future of the profession! The first years of teaching can be very stressful and at times can seem that there is no one to turn to, especially when in rural area or small town, where you might be the only music teacher. Having someone to help mentor you through it all is the purpose of the KMEA Mentoring program. So when the first year teaching should-a's, could-a's, and would-a's catch up to you, you need to start with KMEA Mentoring where all new teachers can get connected and ease the stress of the first few years of teaching.