Feature Article:

Take Advantage of Local Professional Development

David A. Rickels, Boise State University

The college education of a preservice teacher is an important time of gaining information and skills from instructors, course activities, and field experiences. It's also a period for building connections to the broader profession of music education. Professional development workshops and conferences can be an excellent way to connect with future colleagues while building knowledge beyond what can be offered in a limited number of college courses packaged in a four- or five-year degree program.

For many students, however, travel to distant conferences can represent an almost-impossible cost in time and resources. National and even some state conferences are often held quite far from many colleges and universities. While these events are very valuable, it may not always be possible for every college student to attend regularly. The alternative solution to this problem is simple: Look for professional development opportunities in your local area.

Where to look
National professional associations are often the richest sources of organized professional development. There is a plethora of such organizations for music educators, some of which have a broad focus, while others advocate a particular teaching method. Some organizations offer level-based certification programs that can be a boost on a resume. Most of these national associations have state, regional, or local chapters, and it is through these that you can find opportunities in your area. In addition to geographic convenience, many of these local organizations offer college students free or greatly reduced admission to professional development events.

Following is a list of state and national organizations where students and teachers can look for local professional development:

• State music educators associations affiliated with NAfME 
• American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) chapters 
• Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE) chapters and divisions
• American String Teachers Association (ASTA) state chapters
• Dalcroze Society of America (DSA) chapters 
• Technology Institute for Music Educators (TI-ME) chapters 
• American Choral Directors Association chapters (ACDA)
• State “bandmasters” associations – Many state-level band teacher associations operate independently without a single national association, so there is no central directory easily available. Try an internet search of the word “bandmaster” with your state name, and you can locate such an association if it exists in your area.
• Your college or university’s NAfME Collegiate chapter! Many chapters offer regular opportunities to connect with guest clinicians right on your own campus.

Look beyond your field
While music education may be your primary focus, remember also to look beyond music into the broader field of education. Music educators can benefit greatly from a deeper understanding of how students learn to read, how they develop emotionally, how they respond to authority and discipline, and a wide range of other issues. Often these nonmusical areas are the topics least likely to be emphasized in your music education courses due to limited time and demanding curriculum. Pay attention to announcements for guest speakers or workshop opportunities from your College of Education or other central unit for preservice teachers on your campus. Imagine the advantage you will have in a job interview with a nonmusician school principal when you can demonstrate your knowledge of the entire education profession by speaking intelligently about subjects beyond music.

Take advantage now
Your college years are full of wonderful opportunities, especially while you are focused on learning without demands on your time that a full-time teaching job will require. Take advantage of this time to seek out professional development, and start by looking in your own backyard.

David A. Rickels is an assistant professor and director of music education at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, where he teaches music education courses in foundational studies, instrumental music, and graduate research. He currently serves as the state NAfME Collegiate chairperson for the Idaho Music Educators Association.

Meet Your Collegiate Student Representative
6 Questions for Student Representative Ellen Watts (Southwest Division)

1.       Tell us about your current studies (school, major, year, etc.) and just general information about yourself.
I am Ellen Watts. I am a senior vocal music major at Arkansas Tech University with a minor in heater. I am involved in the ATU Marching Band (snare drum), ATU concert bands (percussion), The University Choir, Opera Workshop, and handbell choir. I am also a member of Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity and Phi Mu fraternity (social). I am completely involved in my music studies, and I have little to no free time but I love being busy!!! I found out today that I actually made the chorus line for the ATU production of Candide!
2.       Tell us about your future plans.
I plan to join the U.S. Air Force as an officer. I will be in the music field where I can work in the choir and the band setting as a conductor. The military will pay for my master’s and doctoral programs. I plan on getting my master's in composition and my doctoral in either musical theatre or conducting.
3.       What led you to an interest in Collegiate NAfME leadership?
Dr. Barber!. I had her for Music in the Elementary Classroom. She had us all join NAfME to see what it was all about, and I fell in love with the organization. She was always so excited about it, and she made me just want to get involved.
4.       What are you biggest concerns about the collegiate program?
My biggest concerns are numbers and communication. Numbers are always hard to deal with because of the ever constant graduating seniors. I would like to see all the chapters in the Southwest division as well as other divisions have a huge growth this year. On the communication level I really hope that I can personally get more involved on the regional level. Living in Arkansas, it’s sometimes hard to talk to people from Oklahoma or Texas, etc. I want to set my own goal of being more communication based.
5.       What changes would you like to see within the Collegiate NAfME community?
Again, COMMUNICATION! I love talking with other music enthusiasts of my own age. It would also be lovely to see us out in the community more.
6.       Anything else you’d like to share?
Southwest Division Rocks!

Member Benefit Spotlight

Weekly Web Articles
Each week a short article is posted on the NAfME website in seven different categories: Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Future Teachers, General Music, Jazz, and Higher Education. These articles discuss topics of special concern to music educators and offer suggestions for teaching and tips for the classroom. To read current and past articles, go to the section archives.
Here is a sample of recent articles:

• Band - Dropping Seeds and Waiting for the Harvest
• Choral - Dispelling 4 Middle School Myths
• Jazz - Creating the Environment Every Day
• Future Teachers - Confessions of a Failed Teacher
• General Music - 5 Books for Middle Schoolers
• Orchestra - Choosing Literature
• Higher Education - We Can Begin Again
• Legislative Memo 
   

Collegiate Specialty Items - HUGE CLEARANCE CONTINUES!!!
   
Blanket: Light gray, 50 by 60 inches, machine washable fleece. MENC Collegiate logo in black and white stitching. #8055. $5.00 (Was $20.00!)
Pen/Highlighter: Dual ended with black ink and yellow highlighter. Silver pen with black MENC collegiate logo. #8057. 2 for $1.00
Lapel Pin: ¾” steel pin with dark and light blue enamel. #8056. 2 for $1.00
Supplies are limited.
To order: Call 1-800-828-0229 or visit www.nafme.org.
 
Current News and Announcements 

MENC Becomes National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
As of September 1, 2011, MENC is NAfME (pronounced "N-A-F-M-E"). Collegiate chapters are NAfME Collegiate. A yearlong transition is under way!

CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION PROGRAM

Each year NafME recognizes Collegiate chapters that excel in the following categories:

• Music Program—A musical program organized and/or presented by a chapter.
• Professional Development—A project organized and/or presented by the chapter to further the professional development of its members.
• Recruitment Techniques—Successful techniques to recruit members to the chapter.
• Service—A project organized and/or presented to benefit its school or community.

Activities completed between January 1, 2011 and the application deadline of December 15, 2011, are eligible for Chapter of Excellence Recognition. Three chapters will be selected from each category, for a total of 12 awards. The criteria for Chapter of Excellence selection are chapter participation, commitment, creativity, impact, organization, uniqueness, and visibility. A committee of the current NAfME Collegiate Division chairs will select the Chapter of Excellence winners to be recognized. Check out sample projects.
Each award-winning chapter will be featured in the Newslink and either Teaching Music or Music Educators Journal. This year, the awards will be presented at the 2012 NAfME Biennial Conference in St. Louis, Missouri! The deadline to apply for these awards is December 15, 2011. Apply now.

2012 Biennial Music Educators National Conference
The 2012 Biennial Music Educators National Conference will provide a forum to share current research and pedagogical innovations that could shape the future of the profession. The conference is March 28–31, 2012, in St. Louis, Missouri.
The conference has a special focus on research in music education and on music teacher education. It is aimed at music education researchers, music teacher educators, college students, and pre-K–12 teachers interested in the cutting edge research and pedagogical innovations that will shape the future of the profession.
There will be a dedicated conference strand solely for NAfME Collegiate members. Each session will be of importance to you as you prepare for your career as a music educator. Moreover, the conference is a perfect opportunity to network with other collegiate members and learn what is happening in music education all over the United States. Plan to have your chapter attend! Register now.
 

 
Looking ahead to 2012!
June 22–25, 2012 – Baltimore, Maryland Music Education Week is music education’s premier event presented by the National Association for Music Education. A change from past NAfME national biennial conferences, Music Education Week occurs in a destination location on an annual basis and during the summer instead of the school year. At Music Education Week, teachers will network, lend their voices to advocacy efforts with our nation’s leaders on Capitol Hill, participate in professional development academies, attend concerts, and visit exhibits showcasing music education products and services.

NAfME Book of the Month
Great Beginnings for Music Teachers
Edited by Colleen M. Conway

This practical guide covers the challenges faced by beginning music teachers, district and state-sponsored mentoring and induction programs, alternative certification, and ideas for ongoing professional development. Based on the latest research, this book includes first-person accounts written by beginning music teachers and a state-by-state list of mentoring policies and programs.

Great Beginnings for Music Teachers is available from RLE. NAfME members receive a discount of 25% by using the code NAfME25. To order or for more information, call 800-462-6420 or visit www.rowmaneducation.com. 

Member Benefits and Resources

Member Discounts on NAfME Resources
NAfME Collegiate members receive a 25% discount on all resources available from NAfME including publications, videos, and other items covering a wide range of music education topics. Members may reference the NAfME Resource Guide. For more information or to place an order, call 1-800-828-0229 or email NAfME Member Services.

November Poll: If Money Grew on Trees

November Question of the Month: If money were no object, what part of your music program would you choose to fund first? 

Please take the short survey.

NAfME Collegiate Facebook – Like us today!        

• Stay connected with other NAfME Collegiate members around the world by joining NAfME’s Collegiate Facebook Fan page. Become a fan on NAfME Collegiate today!
• Want to know what’s happening in music education? Become a fan of NAfME on Facebook! 
• Chapter Events Section -- E-mail Becky Spray with your chapter’s events, service projects, concerts, and more. Please include date, time, location, and a brief description of the event. NAfME will then add it to the events section on the Facebook Collegiate Page where other Collegiate members can get information about the event.
   

Follow NAfME on Twitter.


NAfME on LinkedIn
Connect with fellow NAfME members and music education advocates on LinkedIn, a professional networking site. Participate in discussions about current topics, get music education news, and network with others in the field. To join, log in to LinkedIn, select “Search Groups” from the top dropdown menu, and search for “NAfME.” If you haven't created an account yet, you can sign up at linkedin.com.

“Ask the Mentor” Forum 
Do you have music education questions? NAfME’s mentors have the answers! Each month from September to May, the “Ask the Mentors” forum features a different mentor for band, orchestra, chorus, general music, jazz, and guitar. The mentors are veteran teachers who offer advice in response to your teaching questions. Post questions and read responses on the Future Teacher’s Forum.

Month of November
Band - Glen Schneider
Chorus - Cecil Shoemaker
General Music - Brian Uerling
Guitar - Juan Garcia
Jazz - Scott Rybolt
Orchestra - Sandra Dackow
 

For today's students to succeed tomorrow, they need a comprehensive education
that includes music taught by exemplary music educators.

—Becky Spray, November 17, 2011, © National Association for Music Education 

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