SCOTT KINNEY

Mr. Scott Kinney is our faculty in the spotlight for our Summer Edition. Did you know that he is originally from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee? Mt. Juliet is approximately 40 minutes away from Murfreesboro. His pathway to music education is quite interesting. His Dad was a band director, and his Mom was into teaching, and Mr. Kinney stated, “It was the right thing to do [to teach music].” Indeed, music and teaching are a natural part of the Kinney family as one of Mr. Kinney’s daughters is a professional French Horn player, and his other daughter is currently student teaching. He said that he discovered his talent as early as high school, and now he is on his 30th year sharing his passion for music with students and music lovers. Mr. Kinney obtained his music education degree from Memphis State University and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).

Mr. Kinney’s educational philosophy is treating children with dignity and respect while maintaining strong discipline. His educational philosophy is evident in how he nurtures relationships with his students. Mr. Kinney explained, “I smile a lot, I use good manners, I use positive reinforcement, and I play music. I get to know them, and I joke.” His past students, peers or administrators would describe him as hard working, dedicated, and kind. Mr. Kinney is proud to say that his greatest success is “lots of kids making it to all state level and making it into the Governor’s School for the Arts, and former students are now working as band teachers and performers.”

We asked Mr. Kinney the greatest challenge facing students today, and he replied, “Students are unable to put their phones down, connect with the real world, and get off social media.” He considers 9/11 his worst teaching day. From this experience, Mr. Kinney learned that everything is temporary, and he needs to love everyone. Mr. Kinney believes that the outstanding traits of a great teacher are showing up every day and putting the needs of their students above their own. As to the type of legacy he wishes to leave behind as a teacher, Mr. Kinney shared, “I want to leave behind the legacy of kindness and perseverance. ” We asked him if there were any question he would like to ask us that we did not ask and this question was, “Source of your success and happiness?” Mr. Kinney disclosed, “My relationship with God.”