Hello music friends,
I would like to begin my first post to this blog with an introduction:
My name is Roxanne Rene (last name sounds like "rainy"). This is my very first time 'blogging' and I am excited about the possibilities for connecting with other fellow educators. I would like to be able to share my thoughts, ideas, and questions with the vast professional community of teachers that collaborate via the web.
I taught General Music to grades K-8 in Lowell, MA for my first year of teaching in 2005/2006. It was the most challenging year of my career, not only because it was my first year teaching, but mainly because it was an inner-city school where I had very little support. I have since learned to be extremely grateful for this experience: it gave me courage, strength, and the determination to go after my dreams.
I went on to become an Elementary General Music teacher in a suburban town nearby, Wilmington, MA, for my second year; and it is where I have remained since 2006. I absolutely fell in love with the position, teaching grades 1-3 in a town where I was very supported. I taught the ages I loved in a community that highly valued Music Education, as well as the other Arts.
Over the past 7 years, my job has changed a bit from teaching grades 1-3 in one building to traveling among three different buildings teaching grades K-5. Next year I will be back at one building again only teaching grades 1-3, but some of my time will also be utilized as an "Interventionist" collaborating with classroom teachers for reading interventions. Despite these changes, I truly have a passion for "What-I-Do" and I couldn't imagine teaching anywhere else - I LOVE MY JOB!!!
After teaching for 8 years, I have learned that nothing stays the same (not for very long, at least) in education (and in life, for that matter!). I should be prepared for change and open to it, so it will not catch me off-guard. Therefore, when things DO change (for better or for worse) I will be able to find the positive aspects and remain happy.
I am not perfect, but I aim to improve with each passing year. The Summer is a great time to rest, relax, and feel refreshed! I always start to get excited about the next school-year early in August and my creative ideas begin to play-out. I'm hoping that with this new music blog, my growth will be greater than I could achieve on my own.
How has your career changed over the years, and what positives were you able to draw from those experiences?
What has been your experience collaborating with classroom teachers/specialists to support RTI (Response to Intervention) and provide reading support in your schools?
Roxanne
aka
Mrs. Rene
