Teacher Feature: Kim Cantley

• Kim Cantley
• Posted 5/28/21
• 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.     

Hi! I’m Kim Cantley, a National Board Certified music teacher at a rural elementary school in West Virginia. I have 25 years combined teaching experience in the music, algebra and deaf and hard of hearing classrooms.  

I serve as an advocate for the West Virginia Music Education Advocacy Leadership Force, and I have been a featured educator for the West Virginia Department of Education’s COVID lesson hub for my “Chrome Song Maker Name Composition.” I was also featured by PBS in an episode of “Education Station” demonstrating how to use glasses and water to create instruments.  

My professional development instruction includes “Differentiating in the Algebra Classroom,” “Virtual Co-teaching,” “Innovation Team Review,” and “The Beat Goes On: Teaching Music Virtually.”! I have received more than $30,000 in grants during my tenure to promote student achievement and make music fun and meaningful for my students.  

Some interesting facts we learned about Kim

How did you end up becoming a music teacher?  

I became a music teacher because I loved my musical experiences growing up, and I decided that teaching others to love music would be the perfect gig!  

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education?  

My private flute teacher, Vickie Aliff, was the main reason I became an educator.  She took me for a visit to her college, and when I decided to audition for a scholarship, she made sure that I was well rehearsed and prepared.    

What inspires you to share your experiences with other teachers?  

I love to share my experiences with other teachers because I get some of my best ideas when others are willing to share as well.  As a music educator I feel it is my responsibility to increase engagement and achievement for all music students.    

What is your favorite music teaching moment?  

My favorite music teaching moment is when my students are playing something and I realize, “Hey, this sounds great!  They are doing this!”   

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

I guess I never realized how important my music programs would be to my school community.  When I have a program, it is wall to wall people, and we are always afraid the fire marshal will show up!    

How do you deal with stress?  

When I am stressed, I like to do tasks like cleaning, cooking or running so that I can burn up the negative energy with something that is good for me.  I always think of Sheldon from the “Big Bang Theory” who claimed that he could find solutions to the big problems when doing common tasks.  

Fun Facts About Kim     

What is your favorite food? 

I am a meat and potatoes kind of girl!  

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them. 

I recently lost a cat, but I have two stray feral cats that I feed and shelter with a heated cat house and a heated water dish.  They are certainly posh for stray cats!  

What is your favorite style of music to listen to? 

I love just about any kind of music except for opera…..I can never understand what they are saying!  

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

I love “Cafe Godiva” carmel, carmel coffee!  My daughter says she loves my craft coffee.    

What is your favorite book? 

I like the “Jesus Calling” books.  

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

I would be the Flash because it would enable me to accomplish more!  

We hope you enjoyed learning a little more about Kim! Check out her Music ConstructED articles below.