What is your Alma Mater?
University of South Carolina
Where do you currently teach?
Farragut Primary School, Knoxville
How long have you been teaching?
5 years
Why do you choose to be a member of TMEA?
I believe that professional development and networking are a teacher's most valuable resources outside the classroom. It is a support network of colleagues who are always willing to help others (and looking for help themselves!) and participating in workshops is one of the best ways to continue to grow both as a musician and as a teacher.
What do you love about teaching?
Whether it is a greeting in the morning, singing a favorite song or game, or overcoming a challenge, nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing smiles on my students' faces!
If you could choose another job for one day, what would it be?
Barista - I absolutely love coffee and would love learning more about how to make it!
Tell us one thing about you that people would be surprised to know or something you are passionate about besides teaching.
My original plan out of college was to teach middle school band. A tough job market in that area forced me to try my hand at elementary general music and I have not looked back since!
Share a fun and unique idea that you use in your classroom!
Puppets make a regular appearance in my class - they are my teaching assistants and I would be nothing without them. They can be used to help teach songs, to reinforce concepts such as loud/soft, and (my favorite) for comedic effect. Since they each have a unique personality, they are incredibly useful in creating a fun, vibrant classroom environment.
University of South Carolina
Where do you currently teach?
Farragut Primary School, Knoxville
How long have you been teaching?
5 years
Why do you choose to be a member of TMEA?
I believe that professional development and networking are a teacher's most valuable resources outside the classroom. It is a support network of colleagues who are always willing to help others (and looking for help themselves!) and participating in workshops is one of the best ways to continue to grow both as a musician and as a teacher.
What do you love about teaching?
Whether it is a greeting in the morning, singing a favorite song or game, or overcoming a challenge, nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing smiles on my students' faces!
If you could choose another job for one day, what would it be?
Barista - I absolutely love coffee and would love learning more about how to make it!
Tell us one thing about you that people would be surprised to know or something you are passionate about besides teaching.
My original plan out of college was to teach middle school band. A tough job market in that area forced me to try my hand at elementary general music and I have not looked back since!
Share a fun and unique idea that you use in your classroom!
Puppets make a regular appearance in my class - they are my teaching assistants and I would be nothing without them. They can be used to help teach songs, to reinforce concepts such as loud/soft, and (my favorite) for comedic effect. Since they each have a unique personality, they are incredibly useful in creating a fun, vibrant classroom environment.