Here it Comes!

I started teaching elementary music in 1985.  From the first day in the classroom to this week before school begins again for me, there has been a constant fear among music educators - that our programs will be cut or eliminated.  You've heard the arguments, "Why don't they cut the football team?  Music is important!  How could they do this to our children who are expected to be creative thinkers!"  Yes, it is true that music instruction in schools is important.  I fear, however, that sometimes "music people" can be their own worst enemies.  They do their work effectively, quietly plodding along, then WHAM!  What happened to my program?

As we approach this new school year, keep these three things in mind and they MIGHT help keep the fear of being on the chopping block at bay:

1.  Get Involved

Outside of your regular classes or program preparation, how involved are you with the goings on at your school?  Your community?  Your state?  Do you stick to music-alone activities (preparing school programs, writing music curriculum, assisting classroom teachers with finding songs about this or songs about that)?  Or do you immerse yourself in your school?  Do you serve on non-music committees?  Do you keep abreast on the latest trends in education?  Are you viewed as an instructional leader in your school?  Or do you plod along, continuing to do things the same way because your methods have been tried and true and you have no desire to change or take up your time?  Do you find reasons to not be involved?  "I have a family!"  or "I have a life!"  Yes, we all have lives, but that doesn't mean we abdicate the work that needs to be done to "somebody else."  We are, after all, professionals, and with that title comes some sacrifice.

It is important for colleagues, students, and community members to see that you have many capabilities.  Yes, you are knowledgeable about music and you should be the "go-to" person when matters that concern music and music education are at hand.  But do you really want to be known only for that one thing?  Do you want to be a "one-trick pony"?  I am certain that anyone reading this blog right now has many, many talents and skills that so many may not be aware of.  Let others see your value as a member of the faculty at your school and in your school district.  Be known not only as "the music teacher" but also as "an educator."

2.  Be Relevant

I saw an Internet meme that was passed my way by my niece.  It was certainly meant to be humorous and I understood that.  But there was something deeper under the surface.  "There is many a true word spoken in jest."  The meme was simply a picture of a recorder with the text "How did THIS help further my education?"  OUCH!

Frequently as artists, we tend to think, "Well!  The importance of my art is OBVIOUS!  I shouldn't have to EXPLAIN its importance!"  I have news for you:  yes, you do have to explain it.  Over, and over, and over again - in social situations, in your classroom, with administrators, with parents, ALL THE TIME!  Take every opportunity to show the cultural relevance of musical knowledge.  Cite studies that show how the study of music is beneficial in oh so many ways.  Always be on the lookout for data that will help build your case.  Do not assume everyone will just "know" how important your program is.

When you complete a lesson, what do you think your students would say about it when asked by an adult?  Would they be able to relay some valuable musical knowledge they learned solely because they were in your class?  Or will they simply relay a song name or a dance?  Will they say they played instruments?  Or worse will they simply say, "We watched a video..."  Every word spoken in your class needs to be spoken with a purpose:  for children to learn.  I am not saying that learning songs and dances are not valuable experiences - they are.  But how are you connecting those experiences to musical learning and then to life learning?

3.  Be Kind

Teaching is stressful - very stressful.  And it seems to become more and more stressful with each passing year.  I'm still not sure if "things have changed so much" that's causing the stress or if I'm just getting old.  Regardless, it is your JOB to always be "the better person." Are you or your students best served by getting upset?  How will carrying gossip around your school help your students in the end?  How does confrontation help?  How does bottling up a perceived injustice and then venting it off to someone who has little or no power to change it help?  These things will rob you of your joy, they will rob your students of a positive musical experience, and they certainly won't further the importance of your music program.  When it comes to thinking of "the first people to eliminate" how do you want others to perceive you?

Students are professional button-pushers.  Don't let them.  Remain calm.  Address the situation the best way you can (and I know, in today's classroom, this can be an awesome challenge).  Getting upset can backfire in oh so many ways.  Don't become a victim to "reaction."  Always, always "respond" rather than "react."

Colleagues can get under your skin.  When something happens, did they really act any way other than what they normally do?  Probably not.  Do not allow them to get to you.  Smile, be kind, don't get caught up in the drama of others, and carry on.  If it's something serious, address it calmly and head-on.  Do not go around talking about the colleague, approach them (kindly) face to face in a private setting.

When it comes to education as well as life - change will happen.  This is a given.  So what will you do about it?  Freak out and complain to anyone who will listen?  How did that help?  Did you feel better?  My guess is that you probably didn't feel better and, in fact, you probably ended up even more upset than when you started to relay the situation.  Instead of railing against change, find a way to make the imposed changes fit with procedures and routines that you already find comfortable.  Why are changes being made?  For the sake of change?  I know, sometimes this happens; but when it is that kind of change is it worth implementing to the best of your ability?  Usually changes are being brought about for a reason.  Look beyond the change itself, find the reasoning behind it, and then see how you can address the problem by either implementing the change or integrating it into your current methods, routines, and structures.

Be kind to yourself.  Pick at least one day of the week where "I will leave the building on time."  Get enough rest.  Exercise.  Smile.  Eat well and eat sensibly.  Instead of "How on earth do they expect me to...." think "I can do this, I'll adjust.  What an opportunity to broaden my experience..."

As the school year begins, remember YOU control your reaction to things.  You can't control the things others say and do, but you can control your reaction to what they say and do.

When you find yourself being involved, relevant, and kind, you may be amazed at how little effort you have to put forth to justify your program, and that will be one less stressful thing in your teaching life.  It's gonna be a long year (I still haven't experienced a short one).  Hopefully you can keep these three tips in mind and it will help you sail through it with flying colors.

Until next time...