Why do you teach?
Reprinted from Fall CMEA Journal
Welcome to Fall. I hope your year got off to a great start. With the economic status be thankful if you are employed. If this issue finds you without a job I am sorry. Perhaps take the opportunity to help out at a neighborhood school, teach private lessons, or become a substitute music teacher. There is a huge need for all of the above. Stay involved; keep active, turn lemons into lemonade.
As you have started another year are you excited and motivated, or tired and going through the motions? Do you teach for a paycheck only? I truly hope the answer to the last question is no. I have been teaching for over 25 years. It is so much more than just a paycheck. Yes teaching is hard work but I love it. This summer as I took on my household products I had the opportunity to deal with the business industry on a regular basis. While I respect individuality I could not imagine myself doing a 9-5-paperwork job. It is not who I am.
Teaching is a profession. It is not only a job, but a life choice. A good teacher gives so much of themselves to their students. Both in time and wisdom. It is not a 9-5 job by any means. I teach because I love music and I love sharing my passion. I get excited when a student finds a new love for music. I get excited when the “light bulb” goes on for a new concept. I get excited when we have a great rehearsal. I tell my students when they play to give me goose bumps. I love when that moment happens.
My own children finished their first year of College and are into their second year of becoming music educators. I am so proud of both of them. They both had several opportunities to teach over the summer. To see their excitement about teaching is rejuvenating to me. The passion and excitement is there. As a first year or twenty-sixth year teacher is the excitement and passion in your teaching? If your answer is yes, bravo. If your answer deep inside is no, please re-evaluate why you teach. There are teachers wanting to teach who are un-employed. Enjoy your profession. Make it more than a 9-5 job. Be a teacher! Come to the Clinic/Conference January 27,28,29
Registration form online at www.cmeaonline.org
Early registration due December 30th !
Sincerely,
Michelle Ewer
Immediate Past President