On Being a K-12 Teacher

In North Dakota, as in other states, it is not unusual for a teac her to be em pl oyed as a K-12 M u s ic S pec ial ist. These teachers are dedicated to their students and to their communities. These instructors become well acquainted with their responsibilities to the entire music education of their students.

During the height of COVID, North Dakota ACDA had several "Check In Chats" to keep instructors from feeling totally isolated and to offer each other ideas and support. In addition to COVID funding received by schools, some of our innovative instructors asked for support through their communities to donate items for music practice supplies. Lacey Hanson, music director Center-Stanton Public School shared with community members, "We would like to organize 150 personal instrument kits, so each child has their own bag - no sharing and no worrying about disinfecting and spraying excessive chemicals in our room." Requested supplies included "dowels, 150 Easter eggs/filler material/tape or actual egg shakers, pool noodles, movement scarves, gallon zip lock bags and plastic cups or canisters to use as a drum." They received that and the community also donated enough to purchase an air purifier and amplification system for the music department. Another teacher shared that they asked for donations to build individual instrument packets (scrapers, shakers, etc. all in ziplock gallon bags) for students in grades K-6.

Lacey related, "as for suggestions, my biggest suggestion is to be organized and know it's okay to say "no" sometimes. I think it's very overwhelming taking on K-12 and we feel we need to do everything, but our mental health and family should be #1." She also suggested building connections with those other teachers in our state through professional development and conferences. "It's so easy to feel like you're on your own island when you're the only music teacher in your building. Some of my closest friends are those I've met through being a music teacher!"

Lacey listed some pros and cons of a K- 12 position.

Pros: 1) You can build your program exactly how you want it from the lower grades up!! My elementary band students already know rhythms/terms because I've made sure they know it by 5th grade. 2) You can build relationships with the entire family. You may have siblings within the elementary, Junior High, and High School.

Cons: It's a lot, and very overwhelming at times. I feel it's easy to burn out if you

t a k e o n t o o m u c h v s . p r i o r i t i z i n g w h a t ' s t r u l y t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t .

Mary Svenvold, an outstanding Montana music educator, explains the pros and cons of teaching a K-12 position. "You teach kids everything they know, and you have them for a long time!" Her best advice would be just like for any music position "make friends with secretaries, custodians, guidance counselors and other teachers; s u p p o r t t h e a t h l e t i c t e a m s ; a n d b e a s o r g a n i z e d a s y o u c a n b e . " M

Being involved in the community builds a strong bond that can be very beneficial in the most difficult times. I get the opportunity to adjudicate at music festivals. It is impressive that many of the smaller schools have such a large percentage of their students involved in music programs around the state. In some of the smallest schools, most of the students are involved in music.

Quite often the K-12 Music director is in charge of band choir, and elementary music classes. Organizing concerts, local contests or festivals, preparing large group and solo music, ordering music, writing invoices, and fundraising are a few of the many details to be taken care of by these dedicated instructors in addition to dealing with students in classes. Mrs. Svenvold gives great advice, "If you feel unprepared in any part of your teaching assignment, take some classes!"

Each of our K-12 instructors listed being organized, making connections, and strong relationships as priorities in being successful in this type of position. Positive and strong support for music from families has been the result of many fine teachers in a K-12 position. Many of these teachers are HEROES in their communities.

Cheryl McIntyre Jamestown MS/HS NDACDA Past-President

(Response to an inquiry from national ACDA on K-12 teachers.)