Secondary Music Teacher at the Virtual Secondary School
This year is a year of so many firsts, with lots of trial and error. What have you tried that has worked?
I teach music online in the virtual secondary school this year, and for the most part, I’m pleased to say that it is working surprisingly well. The most important thing as a teacher for me is to develop the class community and build relationships. I can deliver curriculum until I am blue in the face, but how am I going to get kids to make friends and take risks and how do you create that in a virtual space? I start with lots of community building, using Google Meet breakout rooms to facilitate quick 5 minute conversations. I ask questions such as “Find someone who… find one common thing, find a boring fact about themselves.” Kids who have chosen VSS may have been locked down for a long time due to family and health constraints so it is important for their mental health to make room for them to be social and to connect. My students have a discord chat on the side, sharing inside jokes, and are planning to meet IRL (in real life) post COVID. As a result of building the community they report that they actually feel part of a real school. I notice that introverts feel more comfortable in this space to share as well. They challenge each other and challenge me.
What isn’t working …. yet?
As a music teacher teaching in the virtual space, I’m still struggling with performances. The core of the music program is very demonstrative and performative. We can’t play live because of a myriad of technological and equipment issues. Microphones are an issue, there is internet lag that makes it impossible to play together, there are just too many barriers to do this well. We tried a multi-track mix, but not all students are there yet.
What is one tiny victory you have had in your teaching this year?
We did a study of really strange and experimental modern classical music and students created “Teens React” video, using as much musical knowledge as possible. Kids really went all in on that one, and it was a lot of fun!
What would you change about yourself if you could?
I have a lot of ideas and good intentions in both work and at home, but don’t have the capacity and motivation to follow through. I wish I could have more follow through on these ideas. I am not sure exactly what stops me, but only some of my ideas come to fruition. Sometimes the need to unwind on the couch is a greater draw in the moment, instead of editing that video or making that recording. There are many things you can be doing, and you also need to prioritize your own sanity, and your own priorities. As a parent of three children, I’m always pulled in many directions and many commitments, swimming lessons, piano and so much more. I have to say, the pandemic has crystalized what needs to be prioritized – and family time has truly been a blessing. Whereas before the pandemic, we were SO BUSY running around from commitment to commitment, the pandemic has focused us on going for walks together and playing board games as a family. It is nice to have time to regroup, and sit together. So in some ways, I am taking small steps towards focusing on my goals and refocusing on what is really important.
If you had a warning label, what would it say?
“Caution – time pirate.” I really love to talk. I don’t mean to, I just love humans and spend a lot of time talking, so be warned!
Do you have any words of encouragement and love for other educators and staff at Halton?
I have all of the love for my colleagues. This year in some ways has been the best year for collaborating as everyone is in the same boat. We are all in our first years teaching again and we are scrambling together, and every little reach out, every little tip, however small, helps. It could be as simple as sharing chrome extensions, some of those have changed my life! There has been so much banding together and helping each other out. Everyone deserves a shout out.
