I am debating on what to do. I want to teach, that is certain. The question is what and who.
What: I have been adamant about teaching music because of the importance, but is that really what I'm being called to do? This question is still being processed in the inner works of my brain. So until I know how to further this question, I will move on to the next part of the first question.
Who: To get the sarcasm out of the way: KIDS!!!!! Focusing on grades is what this question is referring to. I have felt that I want to be able to work in the advanced studies of music with high school age students, but recently, I felt that maybe I need to explore the idea of teaching elementary age kids. I have enjoyed working with grade school kids in the past with teaching vacation bible school at church, but is it really what I want to do? Is it what I'm being called to do?
I have been really pondering this part of the question lately because of my involvement in M.E.N.C. (Music Educators National Conference) Lately, they have brought elementary education speakers and their attitude towards the kids they teach has inspired me about working with kids that age. They are so influential in these young lives, but this isn't the main reason I want to teach. It's not about me, it's about these young humans that are the future of the world. These kids are at the age that they are developing their brains and can learn more efficiently then starting programs at older ages. Take foreign languages for example. There are studies that prove that if you start learning a foreign language at an early age such as those in Pre-K to 2nd or 3rd grade (approximately so don't quote me on it) that they retain the information more than starting to learn a language in high school or college. To teach the basics of music at such an early age would benefit their lives as a whole. For instance, I wish I would've learned solfege more consistently in my education than just starting to grasp the concepts of it now. Even learning it now, I realized that I could learn it better by implementing hand motions to the solfege than just by learning the verbal syllables.
The guest speaker tonight talked about the Kodaly method of education and quoted him with a quote that engraved itself in my mind.
"Only the best is good enough for children."
The speaker also talked about how he required his teachers that taught music in the elementary age to have degrees in Music Education, Elementary Education, and Conducting because "Only the best is good enough for children." I have never really had the passion to go onto grad school, but now I see the opportunity to instead of pursuing a single course all the way to the doctorate level (which would be cool), but more the way of rounding out my education so my students will receive the best instruction I have to offer. I would rather have 3 degrees rounding out my education than only have all the experience applied towards a doctorate degree. I don't mind being just Ms. Seale rather than Dr. Seale (although it has a ring to it :P).
I guess I need to focus right now on what God is calling me to do and surely he will give me the guidance on where I need to be. I will be (hopefully) a good example of his love and like Koday said, "Only the best is good enough for children."
Thank you for taking the time to read this and as a reward, someone should give you a cookie. J
Best Regards,
Seale
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