Blog

What Happens To Our Exceptional Learners After They Turn 21? exceptional learners music teachers Mar 02, 2021

      When we enter the world of special education as teachers, we are told of some standards which are “set in stone,” for our students. Every student is entitled to a Free and Appropriate Public Education. Every child who qualifies for special needs services...

Continue Reading...
33 | Where do we go from here? distance learning show notes that music podcast Feb 24, 2021

 

 


 

This week we’re gonna keep it real. This year has been so hard.

      In this week’s episode I reflect on my last couple of months teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.

      My music room has been silent for 83 days. During...

Continue Reading...
Having an Identity Outside of Being a Teacher mental health music teachers teacher tips Feb 23, 2021

 

      What is the first thing you say when you meet someone new? For me, it’s usually something along the lines of “Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a music teacher - what do you do?” Our identities constantly circle around being teachers, especially in...

Continue Reading...
32 | Becoming a Children’s Book Author with Vicky Weber picture books show notes that music podcast Feb 17, 2021

 


 

      In this episode I chat with Vicky Weber about her journey as a music educator and a children’s book author.

VW+%281%29.jpg

      Vicky Weber is a musician and an elementary educator with a love for children's literature. While she has...

Continue Reading...
Books for the Music Classroom (written by a music teacher) music class resources music teachers picture books Feb 16, 2021

 

      If you know me at all, you know that I love using books in the music classroom. A while back, I had a music teacher reach out to share a book that she had written with me. Vicky Weber, the author of all of the amazing books in this post, is an amazing music educator...

Continue Reading...
31 | Books in the Music Classroom with Meghan Kennedy picture books show notes that music podcast Feb 10, 2021

 


 

      In this week’s episode I chat with Meghan Kennedy about using picture books in the music classroom.

MK+%282%29.jpg

      Meghan Kennedy is in her fourth year of teaching elementary school music. She has taught elementary general music...

Continue Reading...
Snow Day Thoughts first year music teachers teacher tips Feb 09, 2021

 

      It’s a teacher’s dream: Waking up to a beautiful blanket of snow outside and a message from your school reading “no school today, snow day!” Last week, I experienced my very first snow day as a teacher, and it turned into a double snow day. I...

Continue Reading...
30 | Culturally Responsive Teaching with Darlene Machacon inclusive show notes that music podcast Feb 03, 2021

 


 

      In this episode I share my conversation with Darlene Machacon about how we can be sure we are respecting the identities of our students by allowing our curriculum to allow all students to feel seen and accepted in our music classrooms.

 ...

Continue Reading...
5 MORE Things About Elementary Music (That You Didn't Learn in Undergrad) educational tips elementary music first year Feb 02, 2021

 

      I often try to explain to my friends outside of the world of education what it is truly like to be an elementary music teacher. Sure, everyone has been to school and has some schema around what they believe it is like.  However, I am constantly finding occasions...

Continue Reading...
29 | General Music Jumpstart: A Student’s Perspective music class resources show notes that music podcast Jan 27, 2021

 

      This week’s podcast comes from an Instagram live I did with a General Music Mastermind alumnae. Kate took the course when we did our beta launch over the summer and is going to be taking it again with us this time around.

      Kate shares her...

Continue Reading...
Teaching Music Without Performances distance learning educational tips music teachers performances Jan 26, 2021

      No matter where you go or who you talk to, music class is synonymous with performances and concerts. Whether it’s the whole school winter concert or a school assembly performance, opportunities to perform in front of an audience are part of most music class...

Continue Reading...
28 | Advocating for Music Education with Rainy Barton music advocacy show notes that music podcast Jan 20, 2021

 


 

      In this episode I share my conversation with Rainy Barton about how we can advocate for music education and our programs.

      Especially now during the time of COVID-19, it is important for us to make sure we are advocating for...

Continue Reading...