Change is gonna come - and it can be hard to keep up, but keeping kids & music in focus helps.
- Dismantling the Department of Education
- Underfunding schools
- Teacher burnout
- Reduced funding for student supports
- Inclusion is at risk
1. The Impact of a Changing Education System
I'm first to admit: I did not fully appreciate the State Board of Education ,much less the US Department of Education. I was naive, and hadn't spent much time thinking about the centralized mandates. I took for granted that it fought to ensure equitable access for all students. I even undervalued the resources provided.
Now I'm realizing that we teachers now bear more responsibility. We're increasingly responsible for funding our classrooms, finding resources, and advocating for our programs.
Music programs, like many other specialized areas, are often the first to face cuts. SO advocate for the arts!
2. Building Resilience as an Educator in 2025
- More is caught than taught.
- Students are watching, so teach Growth mindset by living & demonstrating it.
- Try to be flexible when planning & teaching.
- Music can be a source of resilience.
- Build Community.
- Collaborate with fellow music teachers to share resources, lesson plans, and ideas.
- Build partnerships with local musicians, cultural organizations, and businesses to supplement school music programs.
- Look for Freebies
- Self-Care for Educators.
- Maybe it looks like professional development or ongoing education. Maybe it's hiking or a coffee with a colleague. And maybe, just maybe, it's transitioning out of the classroom. And that's okay, too.
- Teachers who model self-care inspire their students to do the same.
3. Keep Kids Safe
- Physical and Emotional Safety:
- Music programs are instrumental in this area. Band, choir, & orchestra foster community, emotional safety. & self-expression.
- Everyone's welcome means everyone.
- Select inclusive repertoire
- Promote diver genres
- Perform culturally relevant songs
- Celebrate holidays
- Differentiate for all students with all levels of skills
Inclusive Education: - Support marginalized & vulnerable students.
- All students deserve music.
- Adaptive music tools & tech
- Empowering Students:
- Section leaders encourage students to take ownership.
- Student agency.
- Choice-based instruction
- Electives
- choice boards
- tic-tac-toe projects
4. Advocate for Music Education
Advocacy for music education is critical as budgets tighten and policies shift.
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Articulate the Value of Music Education:
- Research: data on the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of music education.
- Apply it: Studies consistently show that music education improves memory, attention, and academic performance.
- Share success stories. Give kids a voice, too!
Communicate the benefits to students, parents, school boards, legislators, & the community.
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Build a Support Network for Advocacy:
- Engage parents early
- host concerts, workshops, or send regular updates
- Start a booster club of guardians who can advocate, fundraise, and fill in gaps.
- Encourage students & give them platforms to share their love of music.
- speak at school board meetings
- School news papers
- Perform at community events
- Partner with local musicians, organizations, and businesses to raise awareness & funds
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Funding Music Education:
- Grants: Identify and apply for grants
- Fundraise: school-wide events like talent shows or charity concerts could help
- Corporate Sponsorships: Approach local businesses for sponsorship or donations. Offer visibility in exchange for support, like displaying their logo at school concerts or events.
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Advocating at the Policy Level:
- Engage with Local Legislators: Attend school board meetings, write letters, or meet with local representatives to discuss the importance of music education in schools. concrete evidence of its benefits can persuade policymakers to allocate funds toward music programs.
- Grassroots Campaigns: Start a petition or social media campaign advocating for music education in your district. A grassroots campaign can gather the attention of local media and community leaders, helping to rally support and awareness.
5. What to expect:
- The future of music education is uncertain, but its importance remains clear. Even amid a turbulent political climate, students deserve safe places to be creative & joyous at school.
- If Covid teaching taught us anything, it is that music teachers are resilient. It will be hard, but we can certainly do it.
- Prepare the next generation.
- Elevate student leaders who can teach younger musicians.
- Invite elementary students to attend middle school concerts.
- Keep the fun alive to boost engagement.
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