Teaching Philosophy

I believe that understanding students is essential for effective instruction. Through maintaining positive interaction with my students, I can understand help to reduce the barriers that they face in the classroom environment. These positive relationships also develop intrinsic motivation in my students that help to drive student progress forward in the learning environment. I believe that music is especially suited for connection and building relationships with students because of its appeal across typical societal divides. In my classroom, my students also see me as a model for how planning and preparation, by arriving early, moving equipment, and organizing my environment, leads to positive outcomes in the learning process and beyond.

Music is a multi-faceted subject; in that it teaches skills not covered in other courses and can be used as a tool to aid in student literacy. Through public performance, a student can both express the knowledge and time they have spent learning along with connecting with the community in a format that easily bridges cultures together. In connecting with the community through performance, music allows more parent involvement in the educational process. With this parent involvement, brings better support to the educational process both in school and at home.

As a teacher, it is my responsibility to continue my personal education, viewing my students as both people to teach and people to learn from. Self-improvement is a lifelong project that encourages me to seek opportunities whenever possible.

I seek to inspire students to be compassionate, relatable, and prepared as future members of our community. It is my hope that my contributions as an educator far outlast my time in the classroom.