Monday, July 22, 2013

Introduction!

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

8 comments:

  1. Hello,

    Welcome to the blogging world! When I started my music ed career I had the naive belief that I would remain at my first school for my whole career. It was the elementary school my brother had attended, my parents lived in the neighborhood and I was only a 5 minute drive to school. At the end of my 2nd year of teaching my professional world came crashing down around me.

    That year was the year of cuts in our district, it coincided with the housing market crisis. Although my position wasn't cut and my principal wanted to keep me, she had no choice. Another teacher in the same area had been cut and because she was tenured they had to place her and I happened to be the newest music teacher in our area. So, just shy of 2 years into teaching I was left without a job and devastated about losing the program I was beginning to establish.

    While at the time it seemed absolutely heart wrenching, where I've ended up has been a blessing. Within a week of losing my position I interviewed and was hired by an amazing principal at a brand spankin' new school! I have been there since and I love it. My community and staff are supportive, I'm able to fundraise for any materials I need and my kids are amazing. Plus, the move to the new school with an Arts-minded principal was the reason I was able to do my Orff Level I and II.

    While changing schools was more of a major shift, each year is an experience in adaptation. When you work with kids no two days are ever the same. Being flexible and open minded are what you have to be as a teacher! :)

    Emily
    mrsqsmusicblog.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks for your warm-welcome and reply, Emily. I like how you mentioned "when you work with kids no two days are ever the same" - what a great reminder, indeed! What do you do for fundraising and for what what types of materials? :)

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    2. I use donorschoose.org for any additional materials I need above what my budget provides each year. I've been successful in having smaller projects funded that way. My PTO is really supportive and usually fundraise for one music project each year. Last year they purchased 2 additional choral risers for our growing school. The materials I request vary from year to year. If I'm doing a costume heavy production, I'll request fabric. This year I needed a log drum for a performance, so I requested that.

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    3. Congrats on your new blog!

      I have had many different roles as an educator including as a middle and high school science teacher as well as facilitating PD for peers. One thing that has stuck with me is actually a something my sister said once. She is currently teaching grade 5 but a few years ago was teaching Kindergarten. When she was asked to move from grade K to 5, I asked her how she felt about it after the first few months. She said "I just realized how much I love teaching...it doesn't matter what grade or subject, I just love to teach!". I feel the same way. We are so fortunate to have roles as educators where we are surrounded everyday by those fantastic sparks of learning!

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    4. Hi Jen! Thanks for visiting my blog and sharing about your teaching experiences. I really like the quote from your sister about loving to teach, no matter what grade - I can certainly identify with that feeling and agree that no matter WHAT topic or grade level, I, too, love teaching!

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  2. Emily- thanks for sharing your ideas about fundraising. We are fortunate to have a budget within our department to purchase many supplies. However, if I ever want a big-ticket item I will absolutely consider the other methods that you mentioned here. Thank you for sharing!

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  3. Hi Roxanne,I enjoyed reading your first post. I’m a true believer in learning through music. I’m always searching articles on Special Needs. I find music is a powerful recourse for teaching and connecting with my students. Looking forward to the new school year!

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    1. Hi Joanne,
      Thanks for your comments! I agree that music can certainly help to reach children with special needs in ways other mediums may not. I always appreciate your support - thank you! And I hope you enjoy a great school year. Hopefully I'll get to see you in the fall :)

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