A Note to New Teachers

• Kelsey Helton
• Posted 8/12/22
• 0 comments

Welcome to the amazing world of music teaching! Whether you are fresh out of your certification program or you are new to the musical world, welcome! Please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle as we disembark on this wild ride.

Congratulations on selecting a fabulous profession. Yes, there will be a lot of work, but it comes with a lot of rewards! I’m sure you are super excited. I’m sure you are nervous. I’m sure you are ready to get to work and bring those smiling faces into your classroom for an awesome experience! Let me help you think through a few things before you are in the throws of the school year.

You don’t know what you don’t know. And that is ok.

As I look back at my first (few) years, I realized I didn’t know anything. I would like to go back and send my first-year choir students a thank you note for being my guinea pigs my first year. I knew the music content, but the rest was “iffy.” You won’t know where everything is. You won’t remember everyone’s names. You will forget to submit your grades or attendance or call a parent back. You will change your discipline plan, seating chart, and expectations multiple times. That is ok.

Seek a mentor, either online or in person.

Some districts provide a mentor in the building or your content area. Some state Music Education Associations have a network of folks who would love to help you out. Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and ask questions about what they are doing. Chances are, they would love to help you out! Don’t have anyone in your building or even your district? Take to Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube and beg, borrow and steal ideas to use in your room. We are in a fantastic era of educational technology; there are very few times when you need to recreate the wheel!

Join your professional organizations

State Music Education Associations and local chapters are excellent resources for professional development, festivals, and new ideas. I am a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), and Feierabend Association for Music Education (FAME). I also follow Facebook groups and Instagram accounts for World Music Drumming, Elementary Music Teachers, Elementary Art Teachers, Mariachi, and more. All of these groups have awesome websites and social media channels where like-minded folks can share resources, post and answer questions, and more. Online and in-person groups exist for Orff, Quaver, Kodaly, and pretty much any other methodology or supplement you might need.

Sit down with your supervisor and discuss expectations

When I start the school year, I try to sit down with my principal to discuss expectations for the school year. This can include performance dates, after-school activities, and things happening in your classroom and program. Sometimes performances and such are pre-determined, but sometimes they are not. Talk to your supervisor (principal, fine arts director, etc), so you can plan for the year and are not surprised! They will probably contact you throughout the year to check in and discuss evaluations,  but feel free to talk to them outside of those specific times!

Stay Positive As Much As Possible

I am a rule follower and I am great at jumping to the thought that I have done something wrong. To this day, I still get nervous when the principal calls me in, even though I have never had any issues. It’s just my nature. My goal for this year is to think on the positive side when the principal or a parent calls wanting to discuss something. As long as you are doing what you are supposed to (see above) then you are on the right track!

Classroom Management is Key.

As a new teacher, you may hear “don’t let them see you smile until December.” As someone who tried that, know that it doesn’t always work. The opposite doesn’t always work either. I consider myself pretty good at classroom management, but that is a big hurdle for many teachers, especially since we see so many kids in a short amount of time. Here is my unsolicited advice: Be a strong presence in the classroom, but remember that you are teaching kids. Kids are going to be wiggly. Kids are going to do strange, rude, and mean things. Remember, they are figuring life out, just like you are. Patience, Kindness, and High Expectations are a must. Kids need to know they are safe, loved, and in a stable environment. If you change the rules every week, you are going to have a bad time. Spend some mental energy getting your classroom management game strong, then everything else will fall into place.

Organization

Organization is important. You need to know where your things are and how many items you have. You need to plan ahead as much as possible (and have backup plans!). Get yourself a planner and use it. Learn your email system, online document system and, anything else your district uses (Eduphoria, Schoology, Classlink, Quaver, etc.). Not only does your computer need to be organized, but so does your classroom. Don’t spend valuable time looking for enough egg shakers for Kindergarten. Spend some time making sure everything has a place and can be easily accessed as needed.

Be proud of yourself

You have chosen a profession that is praised and criticized. A profession that changes constantly. Give yourself grace and be proud of your decision to be a teacher. Show excitement in your planning, your music selection, and your passion. Enjoy your kids and be proud of their accomplishments.

School will be starting soon and you will be excited, but nervous. You can do this! Cherish your time in the classroom and remember that the days pass slowly, but the months and years go by quickly. Enjoy sharing the love of music with your students, your school, and your community. I am proud of you, I believe in you and I wish you the best!