Celebrating Teachers, Growth, and Music

I hope January and February weren’t too cold, too long, or too short. I hope that the things that needed to get done were, and that you’re still thriving as we turn round the riverbend and look at the promise of Spring Break.

My multiple jobs allow me a lot of time to observe outstanding teaching, and I am absolutely thankful for this. Watching a great teacher is like witnessing an outstanding performance—it’s captivating. I love seeing how the small choices they make, whether during warm-ups, sight-reading, or any part of their teaching, connect seamlessly. It’s inspiring to observe how they engage with their students—greeting them, answering their questions, sharing jokes, and sparking curiosity. They redirect, encourage, and guide their students toward deeper learning. And as a musician, I get to witness incredible educators making beautiful music with their students.

Last week was FIU’s Spring Break, and during that time, I worked with amazing choir teachers across the county. I saw firsthand how tirelessly they prepare their students for assessments. What stood out to me most was the dedication it takes to navigate the challenges they face—students who aren’t enrolled in choir but want to join after school, students who are working hard yet still hesitant, and those who are new to music but determined to grow. These students may not yet produce every sound perfectly, but they understand what their teachers have taught them. Music educators do more than teach notes and rhythms—they train both the mind and the muscles to create music. Sometimes, the mind has reached the knowledge before the muscles have perfected the skill. 

With MPA (Music Performance Assessment) coming up next week, it’s important to remember that this is just a moment in time—a reflection of our students’ growth and an opportunity to identify how we can continue to support them. It’s natural to worry about MPA results, especially when factors beyond our control come into play. At times, we may feel that our scores are a direct reflection of our teaching ability or musicality. But the reality is that teaching is a partnership between educators and students. While we provide the knowledge and skills, students must also be willing and able to apply them.

Here’s what I believe: teachers are incredible. They work tirelessly to create meaningful opportunities and experiences for their students. Our job is not to compare ourselves to one another—or to a number on a score sheet. Our job is to recognize the value of the work we do, knowing that its true impact is measured in the lives we touch. We may not always see immediate results, but the seeds we plant today will grow into something beautiful—into music that lasts far beyond a single performance.

As you power through March- remember your worth, remember your strength, and remember that you deserve support. Feel free to reach out when you recognize that need for support!