Networking and staying in touch with colleagues at every level of teaching will only help the instrumental music teacher stay the most up to date with education trends, new teaching methods that work, and professional development opportunities. Also partnerships within the community, such as participating in the local school events, and participating in parades can help your music program gain recognition as an important aspect of your school and communities identity.
Artifact:
Teacher Observation (Two observations at the Middle School and High School levels)
Rationale: This artifact is evidence that I go out into the field and observe others in the same profession as myself. I was able to observe a music educator at a middle school and at a high school and take notes over teaching styles and habits that I liked or disliked. I also mentioned how I would do things differently if it was the other way around.
Artifact:
NBA Meeting (Notes from a National Band Association Meeting with Dr. Kevin Gerrity)
Rationale: The above artifact are some notes that I took in a professional development meeting. I am a member of the National Band Association (NBA) and the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME). I attend meetings that bring in professionals in the industry and receive newsletters from each organization. The notes above are evidence of my attendance at the meetings and also a valuable tool for future dealings with Middle School Ensembles.