I have always been able to inspire students to succeed. I have never had to punish students to succeed. I believe igniting a love for music and a passion for excellence through a positive environment leads to continued participation and contribution to the arts. (Just to clarify - I am not incapable of discipline, and "positive environment" does not equal a lack of structure). In the past, student dedication and teacher/parent support have allowed me to create and nurture young musicians in this positive manner, and the results have been life-changing for all involved. I now battle lack of support and a general satisfaction with mediocrity, combined with thinning materials, exploding class size/numbers, and more responsibilities. The magic of past years has vanished.
My goal this summer is to find a solution/balance for having had to sacrifice many of my beliefs as a teacher in order to produce functioning programs. As it stands, the schedule and responsibilities for next year will remain as they were this year. In fact, I believe another section of Kindergarten will be added (in combination with cuts in art and PE). Something has to give, and I am not yet willing to have that something be the magic of inspiration.
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