Music Teacher Coffee Talk

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT #103- Dear Choir Directors   Main Theme: In this episode, Tanya interviews Amanda Isacc, a high school choir director in Bakersfield, CA. Some of the question for Amanda include: How did you come to use Kodály principals/philosophy in your teaching? What does a typical rehearsal look like in your choir room? What do you do to prepare for a rehearsal? How did you stay healthy, sane, and balanced during student teaching? Do you have any tips or suggestions for choir directors? Coda: Tanya recommends the movie Tick, Tick, Boom! Amanda recommends the book Beard in Hiding by Penelope Reid (a Smarty Pants romance)

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT Episode #102: Dear Student Teachers Main Theme: In this episode, Carrie interviews her former student teacher, Brian Celaya. We talk about the following topics in our conversation: What do you look for when choosing a student teaching placement and cooperating teachers? How do you prepare for student teaching? How do you develop an organizational system with your cooperating teacher for both long-term planning (unit planning or concert planning) and daily lesson planning. What schedule do recommend for the release of responsibilities to the student teacher? Should every student teacher have the opportunity to fully plan and teach at least a few days on their own? What does effective communication and feedback look like between the cooperating teacher and student teacher? Classroom management: How do you build relationships and establish classroom management procedures and techniques with students you do not know well? When do you ask for help when thi...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT Episode #101: Dear Frustrated Teachers Main Theme In this episode, Tanya and Carrie discuss some thoughts and strategies to consider when you are feeling frustrated or burnt out in your teaching job. Thoughts to consider when you are feeling burnt out: Know yourself as a person: Know what makes you happy and brings you joy and bring those things into your life. Also know what your stress triggers are, physically and mentally. Know yourself as a teacher: Know what brings you join the workplace and how to have fun making music with your students. Complete the stress cycle: What can you do physically or mentally to help you get the stress out of your body? Be a goldfish: Let things go, especially things that are out of the sphere of your control. Also, look for ways to balance the negative moments with equally important positive ones. "You know what the happiest animal in the world is? It's a goldfish. It's got a 10 second memory. Be a goldf...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT Episode #100: 💯Favorite Things It's our 100th episode! We are celebrating by sharing 100 of our favorite things both in and out of the music room. Thanks for listening and supporting us along the way! Favorite Picture Books for the Classroom: I Took the Moon for a Walk Hand, Hand Fingers Thumb The Composer is Dead Jennie Jenkins Mary Wore Her Red Dress Your Name is a Song The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night We're Going on a Bear Hunt Remarkable Farkle McBride Favorite Podcasts: My Favorite Murder Armchair Expert Music Room Music Ed Amplified Office Ladies Happier with Gretchen Rubin Culture Gabfest What Should I Read Next? Ten Percent Happier Favorite Classroom Instruments: Cajón Tubanos and djembes Rhythm sticks Xylophones Ukulele Egg Shakers Boomwhackers Hand drums Tone bars on a ladder Favorite Places to Visit: Camping the Poudre Canyon Sayulita, Mexico Yellowstone National Park Prague Thailand Breckenridge, Colorado Seattle Dingle Peninsul...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT Episode #99: Dear Cooperating Teachers   In this episode, Carrie and Tanya give advice and ideas for cooperating teachers who will be welcoming a student teacher into their classroom in the near future. Main Theme Advice and ideas for cooperating teachers: Considerations Are you ready for a student teacher? Don't feel pressured to accept a student teacher if the timing isn't right. Get to know your local universities and what kind of training and preparation they will be coming to you with. Preparation Prepare a space: small desk or work area Prepare your students: invite the teacher in a few times before the real start. Have established routines and procedures and ensure your student teacher will continue those practices. Establish when your student teacher will do their work sample (if required in your state). Consider encouraging your student teacher to do that project during their secondary student teaching placement. Prepare your curricul...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT Episode #98: Dear Seasoned Teachers In this episode, Tanya and Carrie share advice and ideas geared towards "seasoned teachers," meaning teachers likely around year 4 or 5 and beyond. Main Theme This article is helpful in explaining the various Developmental Stages of Teachers . Today's episode is aimed towards teachers in the Renewal and Maturity stages. If you are in the Survival or Consolidation stage, check out our Episode #97: Dear New Teachers . For Renwal Teachers: Establish your philosophy and don't be afraid to hold to your values. Find your people. Join organizations, serve on the board of chapters and organizations that you are passionate about. Get some training! If you can, complete your training and/or master's degree before starting a family. Attend professional development on a larger level. Consider attending state, regional, and national conferences to meet people outside of your immediate area. Hone your craft ...

Music Teacher Coffee Talk · MTCT Episode #97: Dear New Teachers...   In this episode, Tanya and Carrie share advice for new teachers who are in year one or two of their teaching career. Main Theme 1. Find your inspiration Craft your mission statement or philosophy. Find and follow teachers who resonate with your philosophy. Be inspired by the musical literature you are using with your students. Choose things you love! 2. Seek out professional development Attend local workshops (Kodály, Orff, Dalcroze, etc). They are well worth the time and money. Attend summer training if you are ready. Don't pile on too many trainings in one summer! Attend state/county conferences and network with local music educators. 3. Find systems that work for you Are you a digital or paper planner? Where and when do you plan best? What are the sustainable routines you can establish now for your classroom and for yourself? 4. Learn to scaffold and break things down How can you break down activities into me...