Teacher Feature: Karla McClain

• Karla McClain
• Posted 2/9/21
• 0 comments

Get to know our authors.  In our “Teacher Feature,” you will not only learn about our authors’ 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   

Karla is a National Board-Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent/Young Adulthood Music and teaches at Irving A. Robbins Middle School and East Farms School in Farmington, CT. Before teaching in Farmington, Karla taught in West Hartford, CT and Hilliard, OH. Karla is in her 22nd year of teaching choral and general music. Karla is also the Assistant Director of Laurel Music Camp in New Hartford, Connecticut. 
 
Karla is an active presenter and clinician and has presented for state, regional, and national conferences. Her choirs have been featured in Showcase Ensembles for the CMEA State Conference. Karla serves on the Professional Development Committee for CMEA and is a member of ACDA.  
Karla received her Bachelor of Music in education from Ohio Wesleyan University and her Master of Science in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University.  

Some other interesting facts we learned about Karla…  

How did you end up becoming a music teacher?  

I knew I wanted to be a music teacher in 8th grade. I was inspired by my middle school band and choir teacher. I went into high school doing anything I could with music, including playing trombone in band and jazz band, being the drum major of marching band, singing in every choir, and taking all of the music electives offered in my high school. I participated in Regionals and All-State festivals for all four years, All-Eastern Choir, and went to Laurel Music Camp for five years. I am the Assistant Director of that camp now!  

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education?  

I was inspired by my middle school band and choir teacher, Jeanne D’Angelo, but I also had amazing high school music teachers, Bill Davis and Scott Friend. They all gave me so many opportunities that helped me continue to grow as a musician. When I told Mr. Davis that I wanted to look at small schools in the Midwest, he recommended Ohio Wesleyan, his alma mater. It really changed my life, and I am forever grateful to him.  

What inspires you to share your experiences with other teachers?  

I had wonderful mentors who helped me along the way, so I always feel the need to pass on my knowledge and experiences to others. I also learn so much from others, so when I share things from my classroom, they also end up giving me some great ideas.  

What is your favorite music teaching moment?  

In general, I LOVE having students multiple years and continually that moment each year where I realize how far they have come. Particularly when it is a student who struggled as a 7^th grader, but then everything clicks in 8^th grade.  I also love when students come back and reminisce about songs that they connected with or realize why I had the expectations I did. It is very validating.  

What has been the biggest surprise/revelation about being a music teacher?  

How much I learn from the students. Still! How so much of teaching music is teaching kids to be good people. I know that now, but I definitely didn’t know that as a young teacher. I say all the time that I teach kids THROUGH music.  

How do you deal with stress?  

I am an avid reader, and I love walking, hiking, and yoga. During this strange year, walking and yoga have been so important to me. I also no longer have a school email on my phone. That has made a massive impact on separating the school from home. Spending time with my family is important to me, too.  

Fun Facts About Karla

What is your favorite food?  

Seafood.  

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them. 

No pets–my son and husband are allergic.  

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?   

It depends on the day! Right now, I am listening to a lot of Dua Lipa and Davina and the Vagabonds.  

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

Neither. I drink water all day long at school. I can’t drink caffeine, but I will occasionally have decaf tea or hot chocolate on a chilly day.  

What is your favorite book? 

I have read the Harry Potter series many, many times, so probably those! 

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

The Flash– I want to be able to travel quickly.  

We hope you enjoyed getting to know Karla as much as we have! Check out her articles below.