Southwestern Section Update

to my belly, and some would correct others in class, “Shhh, don’t stress out the baby!” Even the kids who had behavior problems in the past stepped up. Little middle school kids can sometimes act fully grown up!

JM: Was anything different as a new parent when we resumed with fully remote teaching the next fall?

LS: I always made sure either my husband or mom was around. It was tricky, but we planned ahead as much as we could. Occasionally Rachael would visit and say hi to the kids, who always wanted to see her. I tried to avoid having to take care of her and Zoom at the same time, so I could be really present for my students, and it ended up working out.

RS: [nods in approval]

JM: You mentioned wrestling with some feelings of guilt, balancing the jobs of parent and teacher.

LS: Yes. I feel like a lot of moms, whether you're working or stay-at-home, feel so much guilt on one side or the other. Either you’re guilty for staying home and not going back to your job, or you feel guilty not being with your baby all the time. The best advice I read was to allow yourself to be fully present with both jobs. So when I'm at school, I'm their teacher 100%, and then when I’m at home I'm all mom. It's kind of making sure that I'm not feeling bad about not being the best at either job, but doing the best I can in each moment. I’ve gotten better at just unplugging from work when I’m home.

JM: That’s great. So often music educators seem to be plugged in consistently, “on call” well into the evening…

LS: Yes, it’s good advice for everyone. Being a new mom really forced me to do it. Really, being a new mom has made me a better teacher overall. It brings your understanding of students, and definitely parents, to a different level. Teaching has helped me prepare to be a better mom too, I think.

JM: Are there any other thoughts you want to share?

LS: Sometimes it seems there's a right time to do a certain thing. There's never a right time, it's just not a thing, whatever it is. You make it work and I wouldn't change anything, because I love my job, I love my students, I love my daughter.

RS: [plays with leaf, signaling boredom with interview and time to wrap it up]

Southwestern

Southwestern Section Update

by Ryan Rowles

As we finish the school year, it is amazing to look back and see all that has happened in our respective schools and communities at large. With that in mind, the Southwestern Section is excited to present "Summer Series: Reflection for Meaningful Change." This is a four-part series that provides an opportunity for fellow music educators to come together to interact, collaborate, and learn from one another.

We begin Saturday, June 12, 2021 from 9AM - 11AM with "Decompress: What I Learned About Teaching During Covid." It is free to attend and open to ANYONE, even those who are not current CMEA members.

Zoom Link and Dates

https://csulb.zoom.us/j/81728785375

June 12 – Decompress: What I Learned During COVID June 26 – Representation/inclusivity in Music Literature July 10 – Digging Deeper: Exploring Our Own Biases July 24 – Ready, Set, Go: What to Consider in Starting Classes this Fall

Fall Virtual Music Educators Conference

We are also seeking conference session proposals for the 2021 Fall Virtual Music Educators Conference scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2021 via Zoom. Those interested may apply to be a conference session presenter by filling out this form: Session Proposal Form All proposals due via the above form by: Friday, July 9, 2021. Those selected to present at the conference will receive complimentary admission to the entire conference. All presenters may attend the conference free of charge. Wishing all music educators across the state a restful summer!!!