Teacher Feature: Christa Schmidt

• Christa Schmidt
• Posted 3/4/21
• 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 . 

Hi! My name is Christa Schmidt, and I have taught general music education at the elementary level for four years. My classroom is Kodaly and Orff inspired and based upon fast-paced, highly engaging, sequential learning. I taught English for one year in Malaysia on a Fulbright grant. I am privileged to make music with children every day! 

Some other interesting facts we learned about Christa…  

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education? 

I was lucky to have many. Some of my biggest heroes include my piano teacher, MiWon Brown, who said she could always forgive wrong notes but never forgive not being musical, Cynthia Nott, Nora Henson, Robin Brockway, and Terrie Preskitt. However, my most significant impact was likely my two parents: my dad, who taught middle school for many, many years (and was my middle school band director), and my mom, who teaches oboe privately and performs professionally. Piano lessons were non-negotiable. 

What inspires you to share your experiences with other teachers?  

I know how immensely watching and learning from other teachers has helped me, and when I’ve found something that works, I love sharing it. It makes the lives of other teachers easier, and it only benefits them and their students. Win-win!  

What is your favorite music teaching moment?  

Anything joyful. Watching lightbulb moments and joyful music-making is the greatest part of my job.  

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

The greatest surprise has been that I enjoy teaching elementary music. I wanted to be a high school choir director, but because of life and timing wound up teaching elementary, and it’s just a blast. It takes lots of planning and prep but ultimately has been a joy.  

How do you deal with stress? 

I consider avoiding teacher burnout a very serious priority. I am a better, happier teacher if I set clear boundaries and leave work at school and leave at a reasonable hour. There are many days when I put work aside, and address it the following day. The more I plan in advance, the less stressed I am and the less I have to do later. For me, my outlets are lighthearted TV shows and movies, hip hop dance classes, and when I’m REALLY stressed listening to Christmas music year-round. 

Fun Facts About Christa

What is your favorite food?  

I love Indian food. My favorite dish from a nearby restaurant is called Aloo Chole (or curried chickpeas and potatoes). 

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them.  

I don’t personally, but my roommate has two adorable Australian shepherds for whom I am their “auntie.“  

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?   

Depending on my mood, musical theatre, hip hop, R&B, “oldies,” and reggaeton.  

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

Lemonade! Forever and always! I don’t drink coffee.  

What is your favorite book?  

A Thousand Splendid Suns 

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

Wonder Woman, of course! She’s a strong, courageous female.