Teacher Feature: Stevie Whitehead

• Stevie Whitehead
• Posted 3/11/21
• 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 .   

Stevie Whitehead currently teaches K-6 General Music in Wilton, Iowa. She has a Bachelor’s of Music Education from Simpson College (‘10) and a Master’s of Education in Teacher Leadership from Walden University (‘19). She has completed Kodaly Level 1 and is looking forward to adding levels 2 and 3 as well as Orff Level 1, 2, and 3 in the near future. 

Mrs. Whitehead served in her current position for a year before living in Louisiana for three years. Upon her return, Mrs. Whitehead has strived to build a comprehensive music program including ukulele, recorder, First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfege, and creative movement in addition to Kodaly and Orff methodologies. Her students are active in area honor choirs and OPUS auditions. She serves on a Social-Emotional professional learning team and has previously served on the building leadership team. 

Some other interesting facts we learned about Stevie…   

How did you end up becoming a music teacher?  

I knew I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age and settled on teaching music in high school. I always thought I wanted to be a high school choir director until my elementary student teaching placement with a fantastic teacher named Rita Bresnan.  

Did a teacher influence your decision to enter education?  

Absolutely. My mom is a teacher, and so many of my teachers made a huge impact on my life. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.  

What inspires you to share your experiences with other teachers?  

I love collaboration and connecting with other music teachers. Our positions can feel really isolating and overwhelming.  

What is your favorite music teaching moment?  

One of my most memorable moments was a group performance with rainbow colored plates I choreographed to Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, but my students make me smile at least once a day.  

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

I feel like there’s always something new to learn or try or something I’ve never taught before. It is both a blessing and a curse. It was impossible to predict how much my students would mean to me.  

How do you deal with stress? 

 I journal and use my planner. I also enjoy a good cup of coffee. I can also usually be found scrolling endlessly through funny TikToks.  

Fun Facts About Stevie    

What is your favorite food?  

Sushi or steak and potatoes.  

Do you have any pets?  Tell us about them.  

Yes! Roxi is a cat I’ve had for 14 years and Oscar, a dog, who is 10.  

What is your favorite style of music to listen to?   

Alternative Rock 

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

Heavy coffee drinker  

What is your favorite book?  

Even tie between A Handmaid’s Tale and Where the Red Fern Grows 

We hope you enjoyed learning about Stevie as much as we have! Be sure to check out her articles below.