Teaching Without Passion
On Monday's class, Professor Schmidt raised an interesting issue when he noted his frustration with young people who are not passionate about what they are doing. In my mind, it brought to the forefront the feelings I've been having in my current teaching position from the end of last year into the beginning of this year. I am concerned and at times have questioned my career choice because of my inability to enjoy what I'm doing, or feel that what I'm doing has a purpose, and I have only been teaching for a year. I began the MME program this summer and came away from the experience rejuvenated and full of ideas and passion. These feelings quickly ended when I came back to work to find that many decisions about the vocal music program at my school had been made without my input, apparently because as a non-administrator, my opinions are not important or valid. As my program continues to be cut down, I feel more and more helpless and wonder when and if I will ever be able to teach music the way it should be taught.
Will my passion ever be appreciated, or will the fire inside me to teach music be extinguished? I am worried that my frustration will effect my teaching. Is anyone else feeling this way? I do not want to be a 25-year-old burnt out music teacher.
posted by jodi m @ 10:37 AM
3 Comments:
Such an important issue that Jodi brings about. The concern with (1) being heard and having our voice count in decisions that directly affect us and (2) feel that what we do is not just directed towards others but indeed part of who we are and how we are in the world...that is something that brings us joy.
It seems to me that there is always a mix of a certain ache of not feeling we are doing what we suppose to or something that is fulfilling and the joy of engaging in ways that change our thinking (and sometimes life).
It seems that the engagement in which our voices become a part of the dialogue is and must come first and foremost from ourselves. Finding spaces to articulate what we believe to parents, students themselves and to administration. It is arduous work sometimes but often pays off.
I constantly fear not being happy as a music teacher. I have not had any extensive teaching experience. I’m still completing my undergraduate degree and am student teaching next semester. My only teaching experience is through practicum, private lessons, and the a cappella group I direct. I have not even had the experience of being in front of a class for an entire school day. I often question whether I have made the correct decision. Usually when I am asking my self this question, I answer by remembering my true passion for music and for teaching. I truly want to touch children’s lives with music. The arts is such an incredible field, which is extremely different than most subjects studied in school. I have found that I am truly passionate for the arts, especially music, and I want nothing more than to pass this passion on to other people. I often worry about the politics in the schools. I am honestly dreading having to constantly play the political game inside the school building. What I believe has to be remembered is the students. The political game needs to be played so the students are able to learn. I think it is incredibly important not to let the politics get in the way of the passion.
I find this topic to be so engaging. I love to teach and I love music, but one thing that I do worry about is the constant need for music teachers to defend their music programs. Very few teachers in the core subjects ever have to explain their teaching methods or their reasons for teaching certain material to administrators, parents, and even politicians. Do you feel this is because these teachers have just started to "teach to the test" because of all the standardized tests that students must take now? This blog really hit a nerve with me. Jodi, I hope you are not discouraged too much, and can find a way to both keep your passion for music and teaching, and make your voice heard with your colleagues and administration.
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