Do you remember the days when you first stepped into the classroom as a music teacher, full of enthusiasm and a passion for sharing the gift of music with your students? Every lesson felt like an opportunity to inspire and connect with your young learners. However, as the years go by, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of burnout and “Sunday night panic lessons,” as one experienced teacher, Anna Jo, aptly put it.
In this blog post, and on episode 268 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, we’ll explore one teacher’s journey as a music educator and how she moved away from Sunday night lesson planning. Anna’s experience with the Harmony membership highlights the key takeaways for teachers seeking a more organized and efficient teaching experience.
Finding the Harmony Membership:
Anna’s journey began with the all-too-familiar struggle of trying to piece together a week’s worth of lesson plans on Sunday nights. She knew there had to be a better way to break free from the cycle of stress and disorganization. Anna discovered the Harmony membership through various podcasts and was drawn to its logical scope and sequence of lesson plans.
From Chaos to Structure:
Before Harmony, Anna lacked a structured approach to her teaching. She would jump from topic to topic, leading to a lack of continuity in her lessons. This lack of cohesion made it difficult for students to see the connection between elementary and high school music. Harmony’s well-organized lesson plans provided her with a clear roadmap to follow, creating a smooth and continuous teaching experience.
Customizable Teaching:
One of the highlights of Harmony membership for Anna was its customizability. She could easily integrate her favorite teaching materials and personal touches. Whether using Harmony’s resources as they were or adding her own, it all fit seamlessly into her teaching style. This flexibility allowed her to stay true to her teaching philosophy and cater to her students’ needs.
Overcoming Burnout:
Anna faced one of the hardest periods of her teaching career when dealing with burnout. The experiences of teaching pre-COVID versus post-COVID were different, and she knew she needed a fresh perspective. In her journey to overcome burnout, she revisited the basics of her “why” – the reason she chose to be a teacher in the first place. Rediscovering her passion helped her navigate the changing landscape of education.
The Power of Community and Mentorship:
Anna Jo emphasizes the importance of finding mentors and like-minded teachers to help navigate the challenges of being an educator. As a mentor herself, she has witnessed the incredible impact that fresh perspectives can have on veteran teachers. When you surround yourself with new educators, you’re not just mentoring; you’re also being mentored. The excitement and innovative ideas they bring to the table can breathe new life into your teaching journey.
Rediscovering Your Why:
When the going gets tough, it’s crucial to revisit your original motivation for becoming a teacher. Anna Jo advises teachers to remember their “why.” Whether you’re a new teacher or have been in the field for decades, your motivation for teaching is at the heart of your journey. Knowing why you chose this path in the first place can reignite your passion for education, even in the most challenging times.
Flexibility and Adaptation:
Teaching in today’s post-COVID era presents unique challenges. Children are different, and educators need to adapt to their changing needs. Anna Jo stresses the importance of flexibility. Things may not always go as planned, and that’s okay. Embracing change and finding new ways to connect with your students can be a game-changer.
Teaching Little Adult Humans:
Anna Jo reminds us that we are teaching little humans who are growing and evolving, just like we are. They are learning to navigate the world, and our role is to provide them with tools for their journey. What we impart in the classroom, whether musical concepts or life lessons, can shape their futures.
Self-Compassion:
Perhaps the most critical lesson of all is self-compassion. It’s easy to put immense pressure on ourselves to be perfect educators. Anna Jo’s journey has shown that it’s okay not to have everything figured out. Give yourself permission to have “grouchy days” and know that it’s just a part of being human. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about doing your best and supporting your students on their educational journey.
The Impact of Your Environment:
Surrounding yourself with beauty, both in your physical space and your teaching materials, can be incredibly uplifting. Inspirational quotes, meaningful artwork, and a clutter-free workspace can contribute to your overall well-being. The positivity you bring to your environment will influence your mindset and ultimately your teaching.
Anna Jo’s journey is a testament to the enduring love of teaching and the power of self-discovery and community support. Every teacher faces moments of doubt and exhaustion, but it’s essential to keep moving forward, adapting, and nurturing the passion that first led you into the classroom. Whether you’re a mentor or a new teacher, your unique perspective and passion can inspire others on their educational journey. As you reflect on your own teaching path, remember that you can always choose to have a good day, even when faced with challenges. Your students, your colleagues, and your future self will thank you for it and the Harmony membership will help you to achieve your goals in a big way.
How do you feel about lesson planning each week? Tell me about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post. I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it too.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
Also…I wrote a book called “Make A Note: What You Really Need To Know About Teaching Elementary Music” to help music teachers move forward in your teaching career. You can get your copy here.
