Teacher Feature: Meghan Kennedy

• Meghan Kennedy
• Posted 7/30/21
• 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. 

My name is Meghan Kennedy, and this is my fourth year of teaching Elementary General Music. I currently K-5 General Music & 3-5 Chorus in Georgia. Previously I taught PK-5 General Music and 4-5 Elementary Band in New Jersey.  

I earned my Bachelor of Music Education from Gettysburg College, where I was an active flute and piccolo performer in the Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and Marching Band. I completed Level I, II, and III Kodaly Certification at Westminster Choir College and will be completing Level I Orff Schulwerk training this summer.  

I regularly attend Orff Schulwerk and Kodaly courses and conferences. I enjoy sharing my classroom and lesson ideas with other music teachers on my Instagram @musicmrsk and on my Teachers Pay Teacher store – MusicMrsK. I love to spend time playing board games and outside gardening or going on walks with her husband. 

Here are some other interesting facts we learned about Meghan….

How did you end up becoming a music teacher? 

I started playing flute during the summer before 4th grade in my hometown’s summer music program (offered to elementary school students). When I was in middle school, my band director asked me if I’d like to help out with the program and be a teacher’s helper. I was so excited!  

From that point on, I kept finding joy in experiences where I could teach music. I attended Gettysburg College for Music Education and completed my Kodaly Level I, II, and III throughout my college years. Through those experiences, I found my passion in elementary music education and taught in that world ever since! 

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education? 

Yes! My middle school and high school band directors were incredibly inspirational in helping me develop a passion for music, and more specifically, for teaching music. 

We’ve read your blog and really enjoyed it! What inspired you to share your experiences with other teachers? 

In my first year of teaching, I found the online music teaching community. I was so thankful for all of the ideas that I decided to make a separate Instagram account to organize my favorite music teacher accounts and posts. In my 2nd year of teaching, I decided to start sharing some of my own teaching ideas and have been encouraged along the way by the online music teacher community. I love connecting with other teachers and sharing ideas! 

What is your favorite music teaching moment? 

My favorite moment of teaching music that comes to mind first is from Fall 2020. My school returned to in-person teaching in August 2020, and I’ve been trying my best to play more fun instrument-playing activities since we are not singing.  

In 5th grade, that means playing the ukulele! I was able to use my budget in previous years to build up a class set of ukuleles. In my first week of introducing them to my 5th graders, I was able to take my classes outside to play.  

Seeing my students spread out in the grass, figuring out their ukuleles and listening to the beautiful sounds (and expressions of success!) was absolutely beautiful. For sure one of the highlights of my teaching. 

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

The biggest surprise about being a music teacher is how much there is to learn! I’m constantly going to workshops, sessions, reading blogs and articles, borrowing ideas for other teachers, and there’s always still more to devour! 

I learned a lot in college that helped set me up to start my teaching journey, but I’ll never be done learning. There are always things to improve, some things to reflect upon, something to change, and things to add.  

I will constantly be revising my curriculum and sharing new ideas with my students. It’s so important that our classrooms reflect our students, so I’ve learned how important it is to make sure I change with the times and with my students’ interests and needs. 

How do you deal with stress? 

I deal with stress by spending time with my husband, meditating, going on walks, and listening to music. 

Fun Facts About Meghan

What is your favorite food? 

Honeydew

What is your favorite style of music to listen to and why? 

I love listening to Pop music! I like knowing what the current trends are in pop music, and it’s fun to dance to and sing along with. 

What is your favorite school-appropriate beverage? 

Sweet Tea and Lemonade (an Arnold Palmer)

What is your favorite book? 

Next Year in Havana 

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

If I could be a superhero, I’d be Captain America from the Marvel series! He’s selfless and protects what is important, which are some of my favorite qualities! 

We hope you have enjoyed getting to know Meghan as much as we have.  Make sure to check out her articles below.