Southwestern Section Update

Dr. Tamara Thies Southwestern Section President

Southwestern Section Spotlight: 2024 Grammy Music Educator Quarterfinalist

backgrounds that are represented in each of her classes. Initially, she examines the School Accountability Report Card (SARC) for each school she teaches. This report provides information regarding how students identify and the potential for differentiating cultural experiences through music that can assist in choosing and developing teaching materials representative of her students.

While she chooses the songs and materials that are learned, she opens opportunities for students to make choices. She found that her students often request songs that have accompanying movement with them. Her students engage best when they are active.

In addition to her students-first approach, she consistently finds opportunities to acquire classroom inventory and learning opportunities. Grants are one way she has supplemented the district’s budget for music. For example, she wrote a $17,000 grant to the RuMBa Foundation of Long Beach that provided 35 drums for four of her elementary schools. This led to a classroom Drum Circle Project that develops each student’s unique musical voice while fostering a sense of community.

Valerie also brings guests to schools as well as takes students on field trips. She was instrumental in bringing Baba the Storyteller (https://babathestoryteller.com/) to interact in different grade-level assemblies. Additionally, she takes her students on field trips like the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) where students sang a song for everyone in the lobby. By inviting individuals in to offer personal insights and taking students on field trips, her students are broadening their own knowledge while expanding their own viewpoints.

Advocacy

Valerie Vinnard, Elementary General Music, Long Beach Unified School District

Valerie Vinnard is a 24-year veteran elementary general music teacher in the Long Beach Unified School District. She currently serves five elementary schools, some of which include dual immersion programs. As a dual citizen with Brazil, Valerie shares her own background while supporting the cultural backgrounds represented in her classroom through students. This grounding lays a foundation for her to continuously develop as a teacher-learner, diversify opportunities for her students to learn, and advocate for elementary general music education.

I had the opportunity to chat with Valerie shortly after she learned she was a quarterfinalist for the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award. The Grammy Music Educator Award recognizes current educators—kindergarten through college, public and private schools—who make significant and lasting contributions to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to maintaining music education in the schools. Valerie shared her priorities in developing as a teacher that led her to this honor. The following is a recapitulation of this interview that highlights three important points to succeed in the field of music education.

Student-Focused Approach

First and foremost, Valerie focuses on her students’ cultural

Valerie is a consummate advocate for music, especially elementary general music. Because elementary general music does not necessarily have the well-attended public performances of a marching band or choir, elementary general music can easily be overlooked for the important foundation it instills in children. Elementary general music is an important foundation for students to develop a love and potential continuance of learning music in schools.

Making sure that others know what happens in an elementary general music classroom is a mission for Valerie. She consistently posts pictures and activities that occur in her classroom on social media. She invites the Board of Education and Superintendent to her musical events. Valerie also consistently writes short articles for their School News Role Call publication highlighting differing topics that have included social-emotional learning, closing the achievement gap, differentiation in the classroom, and culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogies. Each of these ideas offers opportunities for parents and the community to better understand the impact of music in the lives of children.

Professional Activities

Valerie articulated that she is constantly learning. She earned a Masters in Music Education, is trained in Kodály method, and is acknowledged as a National Board Certified Teacher. Additionally, she is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a society founded with a purpose to improve opportunities for qualified women employed at every level of education, as well as to advance the status of women educators. By furthering her education, participating in collegial professional opportunities, and infusing her persistence and drive, Valerie continues to develop as a teacher-leader who is clearly being recognized.