Top 10 Things That You Still
Want To Know About Teaching
2016 Arizona Music Educators Conference
Phoenix Mesa-Marriott ▪ January 30th, 2015
Presented by Jon Gomez
Top Ten Questions
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How does one establish effective communication skills?
What are appropriate student/teacher boundaries?
Can you explain how the management-side of the profession works?
With regard to financial or budget issues, what should one consider?
What are the pros and cons of a parent booster organization?
What are the benefits of a student leadership program?
How do I create a belief system (vision statement, mission, or
philosophy)?
• How do I develop an effective handbook for my program?
• What does good teaching look like?
• What additional professional issues should I be considering?
Question 1: How does one establish
effective communication skills?
• Don’t assume that your school community knows what you do.
• Educate not only the students, but the school community as
well (students, staff, administration, community).
• Be creative or innovative in getting the word out.
• In dealing with potential issues, be proactive rather than
reactive.
• Be a good partner within the school community. 100 praises = 1
reprimand!
Question 2: What are appropriate
student/teacher boundaries?
• Assume that anyone has access to your social media. What will
principals see? What will parents see? What will colleagues
see? What will STUDENTS see?
• Develop strategies for handling one-on-one situations and
handling sensitive correspondence.
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner. Students want to
know that you care, not that you are their friend.
• Be a good listener. Know, however, when issues are legally
beyond your jurisdiction and refer to your state law.
Arizona Child Abuse Hotline
1-888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445)
A report of suspected child abuse, neglect, exploitation or
abandonment is a responsible attempt to protect a child. Arizona law
requires certain persons who suspect that a child has received nonaccidental injury or has been neglected to report their concerns to
DCS or local law enforcement (ARS §13-3620.A). YOU may be a
child’s only advocate at the time you report the possibility of abuse or
neglect. Children often tell a person with whom they feel safe about
abuse or neglect. If a child tells you of such experiences, act to protect
that child by calling the toll free Arizona Child Abuse Hotline at 1888-SOS-CHILD (1-888-767-2445). To learn more about Mandated
Reporting, select "Who must report?" from the following list.
Question 3: Can you explain how the
management-side of the profession works?
• Question: How do I fill out a purchase order? Think about how
many other forms you may need to know how to fill out!
How does one fill out a purchase order?
• Bus Request Form
• Travel Request Form(s)
• Facility Request Form(s)
• Club Chartering Form
• Fund raising Form
• Absence Form(s)
• Substitute Form
• Inventory Form(s)
• Student Activity Requisition
• Standard Requisition Form
When if I don’t know what I don’t know?
• Review your district websites before the first day of school
teacher meetings.
• Find a go-to person(s) who can successfully guide you.
• And, by the way, one does not fill out a purchase order. The
steps are:
• Fill out a requisition, which generates a purchase order.
• Use the purchase order number to make a purchase.
• Receive the product and submit the invoice (if attached) to your
secretary for final processing.
Question 4: With regard to financial or
budget issues, what should one consider?
• Follow the policies established by your district.
• Don’t spend what you don’t have, regardless if you are budgetdriven or program driven.
• Avoid handling money if possible.
• Establish a checks and balances system.
• When interviewing, inquire about what kinds of budgets you
have at your disposal
Thoughts about fund raising
• Consider your profit margin.
• Avoid pre-payment fund raisers; only pay for what you sell.
• Check with your district to make sure that your preferred fund
raising company is an approved vendor.
• Research the vendor to make sure that you are dealing with a
reputable business.
• Make sure the vendor (or similar product) hasn’t saturated your
school community.
• Diversify your fund raising.
Question 5: What are the pros and cons
of a parent booster organization?
Things that only a teacher can do:
Things that parents/students can do:
Plan curriculum
Finance
Develop lesson plans
Organize the classroom
Score preparation
Clean the instruments
Issues related to pedagogy
Organize the music library
Attend faculty meetings
Load equipment trucks
Progress reports and grades
Host post-concert receptions
Programming*
Programming*
Teach*
Teach/sectionals*
Parent Boosters can be an asset!
Effective
COMMUNICATION
is key.
Develop a
PURPOSE
that everyone can
support.
Create a
BUDGET and live
within your means.
Association of Music Parents
Brings together all stakeholders in
music education.
Advocates for music education at the
local, state and national level.
Provides parents with resources.
Question 6: What are the benefits
of a student leadership program?
Things that only a teacher can do:
Things that parents/students can do:
Plan curriculum
Finance
Develop lesson plans
Organize the classroom
Score preparation
Clean the instruments
Issues related to pedagogy
Organize the music library
Attend faculty meetings
Load equipment trucks
Progress reports and grades
Host post-concert receptions
Programming*
Programming*
Teach*
Teach/sectionals*
Three Suggestions When
Developing Leadership Teams
Select students that are willing to serve.
Develop a culture that reflects your belief system.
Make sure that training is ongoing.
Recommended Leadership References
• Nationally recognized colleagues, such as: Tim Lautzenheiser,
Fran Kick, and Frank Troyka
• Local colleagues and leadership workshops, such as: Scott
Lang, Bill Humbert, and Dave Kuhns
• National workshops, such as: The Music For All Summer
Symposium, and the Conn-Selmer Institute.
• GIA Publications: A great resource for leadership as well as
pedagogy, curriculum, music aptitude, and vocal music.
Were you anyone of these students when asked to
write a philosophy statement?
• The student who didn’t know what to write because she/he
didn’t know what they didn’t know yet.
• The student who, after learning a plethora of teaching models,
has concluded that good teaching is pretty much common
sense?
• The student who thought the assignment was just a waste of
time because it was taking time away from quality practice time,
or even worse, or happy hour!
Question 7: How do I create a belief system
(vision, mission statement, or philosophy)?
#1
#2
#3
• Develop for yourself a vision as a music
educator and as a person.
• Develop goals that support your vision.
• Reflect and assess. Either adjust your goal or
continue with new goals for continued growth.
Creating SMART Goals
S
• Specific
M
• Measurable
A
• Assignable
R
• Realistic
T
• Time-related
Quality of Life Habits of a Successful Band Director,
by Scott Rush and Jeremy Lane, GIA Publications
Profession
Spiritual
Wellness
My Model
Regarding A
Balanced
Lifestyle
Financial
Stability
Personal
Life
Health &
Wellness
Too much of any one thing is no longer a good thing!
Question 8: How do I develop a
handbook for my program?
• Communicate who you are.
• Share what your values are.
• Define what you expect.
• Include important timelines.
• Include consent/agreement forms.
• Borrow templates from existing schools to gather ideas.
• Introductory Cover Letter
• Locks and Lockers
• Philosophy and/or Mission Statement
• Behavior Expectations
• District Goal and Essential Skills
• Forms of Communication
• Program Core Standards
• Music Faculty & Contact Information
• Course Offerings and Descriptions
• Guidelines for Marching Band Uniform
• Grading Policy
• Guidelines for Concert Band Attire
• Attendance to Class and Performance Events
• Vendors for Uniform Needs
• Method Book Materials
• Band Letter and Award Requirements
• Chair Placement
• ECA Tax Credits
• Extra Help/Tutoring Information
• Confirmation of Fee Payments
• How to Practice
• Band Activity Permission Form
• Equipment and Maintenance
• Handbook Acknowledgment and Consent Form
• Recommended Mouthpieces
• Private Lessons
Question 9: What does good teaching look like?
• Four Domains of Instruction
• National Association for Music Education
• National Core Arts Standards
• My Music Class Library
Charlotte Danielson’s Framework
1
2
3
4
• Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
• Domain 2: Classroom Environment
• Domain 3: Instruction
• Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities
Domain 1: Planning and Preparation
• 1a Demonstrate Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy
• 1b Demonstrate Knowledge of Students
• 1c Set Instructional Outcomes
• 1d Demonstrate Knowledge of Resources
• 1e Demonstrate Coherent Instruction
• 1f Design Student Assessments
Domain 2: Classroom Environment
• 2a Create an Environment of Respect and Rapport
• 2b Establish a Culture for Learning
• 2c Manage Classroom Procedures
• 2d Manage Student Behavior
• 2e Organize Physical Space
Domain 3: Instruction
• 3a Communicate with Students
• 3b Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques
• 3c Engage Students in Learning
• 3d Use Assessments in Instruction
• 3e Demonstrate Flexibility and Responsiveness
Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities
• 4a Reflect on Teaching
• 4b Maintain Accurate Records
• 4c Communicate with Families
• 4d Participate in the Professional Community
• 4e Grow and Develop Professionally
• 4f Show Professionalism
http://www.nafme.org/
http://www.nafme.org/my-music-class/
http://www.arteducators.org/research/nccas
Question 10: What additional professional
issues should I be considering?
• Preparing For The Interview
• Professional Affiliations
• The Importance of Seeking Further Knowledge
Ten Sample Interview Questions
by Candace Davies, President of A+ Resumes for Teachers
• Tell me a little bit about yourself.
• How would you motivate parents to become involved in their child’s education?
• What did you find to be the most difficult aspect of student teaching?
• What ways do you assess and evaluate students?
• What are some of the trends, issues, and methodologies in education that are
specific to your curriculum area or grade levels?
• Do you know what is going on in education today; how do you stay current?
• What is your classroom management plan?
• Do you enjoy teaching children? If so, how would I know if I observed your class?
• How do you differentiate your teaching? Please provide a couple of examples.
• What can you contribute to our school community?
Professional Affiliations
• American Choral Directors Association
• American String Teachers Association
• Arizona Music Education Association & Constituent
Organizations
• Conn-Selmer Institute
• The Midwest Clinic
• Music For All
• National Association for Music Education
• TMEA/TBA
For More Information…
http://www.mpsaz.org/dobson/staff/jagomez/amea-conference-materials-andhandouts
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Dobson High School Band Handbook Sample
• Dobson High School Choir Handbook Sample
• Dobson High School Orchestra Handbook Sample
• http://www.mpsaz.org/summitclimb/organizations/band/handbook/
• Rhodes Junior High Band Handbook Sample
• Connolly Middle School Handbook Sample
• Highland Junior High Orchestra Handbook Sample
• Wilson Elementary Band Handbook Sample
FINAL THOUGHTS
May our profession become your passion. Always
seek out knowledge and never stop learning. And,
strive to make this profession a better place for your
students than you have had for yourself.
THANK YOU AND ALL THE BEST!