Written by Veronica Kulek, Class of 2023
Earlier this month I attended RU NAfME’s event titled “So You Want To Be A Music Educator”. This event featured Professor Todd Nichols, Director of University and Athletic Bands at Rutgers University, speaking on his experience of the realities of being a music teacher. I’ve compiled a list that provides a recap of the event and broke it down into three main categories: Navigating The “Real World”, Classroom Management, and Tough Situations. With remote learning, I found that gaining a glimpse of the real-world experiences within music classrooms was very informative.
Navigating The “Real World”
I found this aspect of the presentation to be very helpful regarding navigating an actual classroom. Teaching music will not always be as it is when student teaching, there will be difficulties that school cannot prepare you for.
You will have to deal with parents, teachers, students, guidance counselors, fundraising, parent organizations, etc. for far more time than you will be making music
Anger from parents must be dealt with by taking the high road, there will be many nasty emails and calls.
Physical health is important. Taking time for yourself is key, the “workaholic” mindset can be pretty toxic for your mental and emotional health.
You do not have to give up things to be a great band director: you need to plan and prioritize and coordinate and say no to things you can’t do
Classroom Management
Managing the classroom goes beyond setting rules, you can decide the atmosphere you want to create for your classroom. Having honesty and compassion is a key factor to Professor Nichols’s advice when talking with students.
When having to let down students (placements, auditions, etc.) be honest and compassionate. Tell students to collect themselves before getting upset over their disappointment.
When handling parents, “telling the parents that their kids can talk to the directors if they have questions/concerns regarding placements”, having a rubric and guidelines will help you show the students where they can improve.
Sometimes, and it is important to know when, you’ll have to put your foot down. Keep in mind the school administration and policies.
You have an unofficial responsibility to bring people together (“central conduit”)
You are making a difference, the kids are paying attention, trust in the music.
You will change your students’ lives by caring about them and really paying attention to them
Tough Situations
There will be times when you are presented with a tough situation that you aren’t sure how to handle. Remaining calm and reaching out to administration when necessary are important steps in being able to solve these problems.
You are friendly, you are patient, but you are not the students’ friends
No personal phone numbers, no personal emails, that’s what REMIND 101 is for and your school email
Don’t say anything about anyone that you wouldn’t say to their face
Become comfortable with having uncomfortable conversations
Email over text, always. Written words can always be saved and you must be careful what you say.
Document everything
ZOOM RECORDING LINK (MUST BE ACCESSED WITH RUTGERS LOGIN): https://rutgers.zoom.us/rec/play/SFjVdJ8oKJl9O2G8vAvBv95p2i5pbj7caEvvC_JTljtPVzdvazQ2vwoA4qzWe5KnwSXPTnD6ZbKnICs.DOzU3qzEk1NEWMRv
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