Teacher Feature: Kayleigh Parker

• Kayleigh Parker
• Posted 3/28/22
• 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. 

Kayleigh Parker has been teaching for seven years in public school districts in rural Illinois. She received her Bachelor’s in music with K-12 licensure with a minor in Community Health to teach 9-12 health from Eastern Illinois University in Fall 2014. Kayleigh also has received an Associate’s in Arts at Illinois Central College in Spring 2021 and is working on a Library Technical Assistant Certificate at Illinois Central College. Kayleigh and her husband of six years, Jonathan, recently welcomed their daughter Victoria into the world. 

Some interesting facts we learned about Kayleigh… 

How did you end up becoming a music teacher?  

I knew that I always wanted to be a teacher and really enjoyed being in the band. I went to Eastern Illinois University to be a band teacher but realized that I rather teach younger kids so I went for a job that had general music.  

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education?  

I do look up to my dad growing up and he is a teacher at an alternate school. 

What inspires you to share your experiences with other teachers?  

This is something that I always wanted to do but just didn’t have the courage to. After having my daughter in May 2021, I decided that it was time to put myself out there. 

What is your favorite music teaching moment?  

I really like the discussions we have about music in my class or that a student got a music concept because I taught them. 

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

That not everyone likes music or is going to try like I did when I was their age. I really have to get to know the class or students in order to have good music classes. 

How do you deal with stress?  

I realized that the only thing I can control is myself and to take things one step at a time. 

Fun Facts About You?

What is your favorite food?  

I LOVE FOOD and will try anything.  

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them.  

No pets unless you count a newborn daughter as a pet, LOL! 

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?   

I really enjoy all types of music. 

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

I really love coffee and have to have at least one cup a day. 

What is your favorite book?  

I love a good mystery and enjoyed reading One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus .

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

I don’t know if I would pick a certain superhero but I always wanted to fly. I think it would be cool to go where I want to. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Kayleigh! Check out her Music ConstructED articles below.