Why elementary?

I think a lot about my job these days. Maybe it has something to do with its 'newness'. Maybe it also has a little to do with the fact that I've potentially chosen a life long career (which is scary in itself). But more than anything, I think about the fact that I teach elementary school. Elementary school of all things- why on earth would a music teacher want to do that?

Well, I never planned on it....ever. I was sure it would drive me crazy. I was sure that teaching young children would force me to stifle my personality- because I couldn't possibly communicate with these 'partial human' beings while being myself. I was also sure that I wanted to be the music teacher that "made a difference". I wanted to be the teacher that students attributed their love of music to. For almost everyone, it was the high school and middle school teachers that made them want to teach music. It was the experiences in high school that aroused their passion for music and performance. So again, why would I want to teach elementary? Why would I be the teacher that kids wouldn't really think of again? Plus, It's pretty well known that elementary music teachers will inevitably,turn into the dreaded "crazy necklace lady" who wears socks and tennis shoes with their skirts- and who is unashamed of playing Native American flute music on a regular basis. How would it be worth it to make this job a life long career?

Maybe its just that the elementary music realm needs more superstars. They have a bad wrap, and often fit right into the negative stereotypes. Maybe they really need more "normal or realistic" people who teach skills, music, ensembles and fun, instead of Native American passing games and outdated songs. And more importantly, maybe this career needs more people who treat their kids like people and don't talk to them like little puppies (which is where I fit in)- and shoot, my kindergartners are some of the most witty and funny little people in the school.

Point is, that they are students and they need a teacher. And, despite the common trends, they are extremely capable of an outstanding product, and they learn much quicker than the average middle school-er with an attitude. Not only that, but they love inherently love music. Kids were created to 'move to the groove' and sing their hearts out. Who wouldn't love to be a part of that everyday?

So I think it's time to end the stereotypes, and get this career on the musical map for respectable career choices. We don't just play games and sing songs....we teach real skills, to students who will end up loving music....and isn't that the whole point?

the 10K

So I finally did it! I ran a 10K.

I'm proud- and maybe somewhat addicted.

There will be more. oh yes, there will be more.

The crazy unknowns.

Well, it's the end of the year and like most people, I feel a little 'checked out'. I will officially be moving away from Artondale Elementary in 'somewhat beautiful' Gig Harbor, to some unknown school, in some unknown location.

I'm going a little crazy filling out applications. Five in a week is a record for me. I have most of my reference numbers and addresses memorized by now- which I suppose isn't such a negative thing. But I desperately wish the process was over with.

Everyones favorite question these days is "What are your plans for next year?" "Are you going to stay in the area?" -which is a hard question in itself because everyone here is so darned attached to Gig Harbor. 

I want to say, "Actually, we don't really like it here cause everyone is 30 or older with kids and all we really want is a dog" but instead I say, "Well, we might try and move closer to Seattle, so we're closer to family." Which is partially true. but whatever.

So five applications and one interview later, we still have no idea what's going on. Just like yesterday, just like the day before yesterday, and just like the day before that.

So what can you do besides hope? Hope that we end up with the job we'll enjoy. Hope that Tacoma is more appealing next year, than it is this year. Hope that someday soon there will be solid answers......for the many, many questions.