A place that best exemplifies myself and how I connect to others is my music classroom. Growing up, the music classroom was always a safe space where I could connect to peers who shared similar interests to me. It was a place where I could be myself without fear of judgement, learn new things, and grow as an individual. I had always wanted to recreate a space like this one day in my own teaching practices to offer students a similar experience. Eventually when I started my professional career, I realized this space was not as simple to create as I had imagined. Firstly, I was never in the same classroom consistently since I was occasional teaching or long-term teaching. Secondly, Music and Arts positions are more specialized, and the space I wanted to make connections in was not a space I could call my own because I was always covering for another teacher. It has taken some time, but I am slowly building up my own program. Every day, I get to experience students walk into this space and make music, find friends, and connect with me about their interests. It is such a beautiful experience for me to watch old students I used to supply teach for, connect with new students I am now teaching music to, and pass on my love for learning.
I am in my third year of teaching. At the very beginning of my career, I was doing supply and long-term coverage at a school I did my alternative placement at when I was doing my B.Ed at Queen’s. Their music teacher was close to retirement and I would fill in for them when they went on extended leave. In August, they officially retired and in September, I applied and interviewed for the position. This past week has been a whirlwind of events, as I got the position, signed my official contract and can now call myself a permanent teacher of the board.
As I tell my students, my classroom philosophy aims to create a safe learning environment for all, while creating lessons that are both relevant to the curriculum and current events. I believe in the value of lifelong learning and try to model this behaviour to encourage students to do the same and to reach their highest potentials. Many students come into my class unsure about music because they fear they will not excel at it, and my goal by the end of the semester is to change their mind and help them develop an appreciation for the art form. This is my sixth course of the PME program and I am looking forward to learning with you all.
Toronto, September 2023
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