Southeastern Section Update

all of us. And of course, the beginning of traditions that somehow should have been there all along

It was a beautiful day that renewed my spirit. I know that the overall progress of music education may be slower than I would like, but I am able to make the best of each moment with my students, and be an unwavering advocate for myself and music education. The long haul of renewal.

Do we have a long way to go? Yes.

Do we still need more collaboration time, better teaching spaces, and more professional development? Yes.

Renewal is finding a way despite all of that, we keep singing, and bringing the art, beauty, and love of music, every day.

Nora Hunter teaches TK-5th Grade music, Chorus, Band, and also teaches Music for Children courses for Chico State.

Dr. David Betancourt,

Southeastern Section President

What To Do This Summer?

Many colleagues have now completed their spring activities and have been let loose for the summer. It has been an intense year of rebuilding programs, communities, student confidence and skill, and ourselves. I don’t think I spoke with a single music educator, anywhere, that didn’t grapple with the dichotomy of being so glad to be face-to-face again, while also finding the year full of challenges. Many colleagues have also transitioned right into teaching for the summer or preparing for the next school year.

I would like to offer up a thought that many of us have read and talked about, but may have put on the back burner because others need us: Take care of yourself.

Take time this summer to take care of yourself. The emotional cost of teaching is one that we willingly pay. It would benefit us to be aware of this cost, and to be proactive in finding ways to recoup and decrease that cost. We all want to give our students, colleagues, partners, children, and community our best selves. Taking care of yourself goes a long way toward being your best self, which can then be shared with others.

So here is a short list of ideas to consider as you navigate your time this summer.

• Read a book. Even if you are not an avid reader, find something that interests you and take a little time each day to stop what you are doing and read. • Write. Journaling can be very therapeutic. Take the time to purchase a journal you like along with a pen that feels good in your hands. • Learn to play chess, or any other game that requires you to stop, pay attention to the game, and focus on what you are doing in the moment. • Walk. Taking a 30-minute walk each day (or whenever possible) is such a great way to sort ideas out in your head, connect with family, and get some exercise. • Meditate. Take a class if needed • Get away. A couple days with different scenery does wonders for recouping. If traveling overnight is out of the question, put together a short list of day trips to take. There are a ton of free and very low-cost options for day activities. • Plan a staycation. Turn off notifications on all your devices for two days and just veg! Let people know you are not available, and then just do what you want! For some people, cooking is very therapeutic. Others enjoy working on the house uninterrupted. And others might want to experience a Netflix binge! • Take some time to focus on a hobby. Have an end goal, or not, whichever doesn’t cause stress. • Buy a puzzle and set it up to work on a little bit every day.

No doubt our CMEA membership could expand this list. Please do!

I think it is great to love your work. I love teaching and can’t imagine doing anything else (except maybe be a stand-up comedian). But I think there is something to the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” Let’s take care of ourselves so we can be the best versions of ourselves as we take care of others.