STANDARD 7: The teacher of PK-12 music demonstrates professional responsibility and reflective practice.
As educators, we have a responsibility to not only teach our students but provide them with a safe and positive learning environment, that will help them to embrace their talents fully and allow them to feel comfortable in the classroom. Not only will classroom procedures and etiquette help with this, but also teaching students to be global citizens and helping them to appreciate the many cultures of our world.
In order for students to be fully available to learn, they must be comfortable. We can create a positive environment in a number of ways. One is getting to know my students and creating a professional relationship with them. Interacting with students on a deeper, more personal level allows you to get to know them, which will help in the classroom with everything from repertoire selection to instructional techniques. Choosing music that reflects the ensemble and the people in it is so important to individuality and the ensemble’s identity as a whole. Another way to create a positive learning environment is the implementation of classroom guidelines and procedures. These guidelines not only tell students what you expect of them but also lets them know what to expect of you. Students will know that my classroom is a place that they should be kind respect one another and anything less will not be tolerated.
In another vein, music is a huge part of the identity of many cultures. In the music classroom, teaching the cultures of the students in our classrooms as well as cultures from around the world will have a significant impact on the classroom environment. If cultures from around the world are taught, students will feel more able to be themselves in the classroom. This also stems from having the opportunity to know the students on a more personal level. When you get to know students better, you often learn about their backgrounds.
As an educator, I need to be constantly reflecting on my teaching to improve my practices so that I can offer my students the best educational experience possible. I will continue to analyze, reflect on, and work to improve my lessons so that I can reach all the students in my classroom and connect with them. I will do my best to facilitate music making and music learning in such a way that best supports all students.
In order for students to be fully available to learn, they must be comfortable. We can create a positive environment in a number of ways. One is getting to know my students and creating a professional relationship with them. Interacting with students on a deeper, more personal level allows you to get to know them, which will help in the classroom with everything from repertoire selection to instructional techniques. Choosing music that reflects the ensemble and the people in it is so important to individuality and the ensemble’s identity as a whole. Another way to create a positive learning environment is the implementation of classroom guidelines and procedures. These guidelines not only tell students what you expect of them but also lets them know what to expect of you. Students will know that my classroom is a place that they should be kind respect one another and anything less will not be tolerated.
In another vein, music is a huge part of the identity of many cultures. In the music classroom, teaching the cultures of the students in our classrooms as well as cultures from around the world will have a significant impact on the classroom environment. If cultures from around the world are taught, students will feel more able to be themselves in the classroom. This also stems from having the opportunity to know the students on a more personal level. When you get to know students better, you often learn about their backgrounds.
As an educator, I need to be constantly reflecting on my teaching to improve my practices so that I can offer my students the best educational experience possible. I will continue to analyze, reflect on, and work to improve my lessons so that I can reach all the students in my classroom and connect with them. I will do my best to facilitate music making and music learning in such a way that best supports all students.
ARTIFACT 1: Handbook
The Handbook below was created for use in a secondary choir classroom - specifically high school but could also be adjusted for middle school. This portfolio includes all the information students will need that semesters as well as guidelines and procedures that will be used in the classroom. Also included are numerous forms and information about what will be occurring. This allows me, as the teacher, to determine a plan for the semester and create expectations for the classroom and communicate them to the parents in an effective manner.
ARTIFACT 2: Afro Cuban Music Lesson Plan
This lesson plan focuses on the unique elements and history of Afro Cuban music. It is my hope that through learning about a wide variety of cultures and musical styles that students will develop a respect for peers and recognize that difference aren't bad, they make you who you are. We should be embracing each other and I think it is my professional duty to foster this mindset. Lessons like this will have that result.