Teacher Feature: Michelle Brinkman

• Michelle Brinkman
• Posted 10/26/20
• 0 comments

Get to know our authors.  In our “Teacher Feature” you will not only learn about our contributors’ professional endeavors but also get to know them as humans too.  Just like our readers – our authors are actively teaching in schools across the United States.    

How did you end up becoming a music teacher?  

I always loved playing flute in band and it was a huge part of my middle and high school years.  I went to college with the intent of being a high school band director, but my career path ended up in elementary music.  I married a high school band director instead.   

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education?  

My three high school band directors from Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, IN:  Jim Butz, Gary Fields, and Gary Wishmeyer. 

What inspires you to share your experiences with other teachers?  

I enjoy presenting and sharing my ideas with others in order to spark their own creativity.  I love it when another teacher takes my ideas and adds their own ideas to it. 

What is your favorite music teaching moment?  

My favorite teaching moment is seeing how proud and excited my students are when they have accomplished something. 

How do you deal with stress?  

I deal with stress by reading, baking, and spending time with family.  Since we are both avid coffee drinkers, my husband and I have started exploring various local coffee shops on Saturday mornings.  We call it our family’s “Java Journey” and it’s a fun way for the two of us to spend time together and with our daughter, discover new parts of our city, and drink coffee, of course!  

Fun Facts About You?    

What is your favorite food?  

Taco Salad 

Do you have any pets?   

I have a 6-month-old Australian Shepherd puppy named Piper. She’s probably the smartest and sweetest dog I’ve ever owned.  She loves being with our family and it’s hilarious when she gets excited because her entire body wiggles (she has a docked tail as many Aussies do, so she can’t actually wag her tail)! 

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?   

Opera and Musical Theatre 

What is your favorite school appropriate beverage – are you a cola or coffee drinker?  

Cold Brew Coffee and Coke Zero  

What is your favorite book?  

That’s hard to say because I have so many, but I love historical fiction. 

If you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?  

Wonder Woman because she is able to do everything. 

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Michelle as much as we have.  Make sure to check out her article: RU Ready for This?  Exploring the Rhythmische Übung