Interview with Tiffany English, March 2, 2013

Partial Transcript: I’d like to start with: when and why did you become a music teacher?

Segment Synopsis: English describes her journey to teaching music that began in high school. She talks about her fear and uncertainty starting at an elementary school as well as the effort she put in to improve during her first year. She talks about the challenge of handling all of the logistics in and out of the classroom. She talks about how she would have benefited from seeking out more practical information and advice during college.

Keywords: AP classes; B.M.; Bachelor of Music; Sugar Hill Elementary School; Sugar Hill, Georgia; UGA; University of Georgia; band; character development; chorus; classroom management; drama; elementary school; fine arts; high school; high school band directors; lesson plans; middle school band directors; music education; networking; rehearsals; student teaching; vacation bible schools; workshops

Partial Transcript: What advice or comments can you make regarding the quality of your teacher training?

Segment Synopsis: English talks about her music education program preparing her well with the curriculum but lacking in practical knowledge and experience for the classroom. She credits Orff Schulwerk as being the main reason she has stayed with teaching. She talks about the many reasons, including the unreasonable pace required of public school teachers, that causes some to burn out or leave the profession.

Keywords: B.M.; Bachelor of Music - Music Education; Jean Piaget; Orff Schulwerk; UGA; University of Georgia; attention spans; burnout; cognitive development; college professors; creative outlets; educational psychology; elementary school; furloughs; lesson plans; music history; pedagogy; private schools; public schools; quarter system

Partial Transcript: Tell me about a time when you felt proud to be a music teacher.

Segment Synopsis: English talks about valuing the learning process of the classroom more than the actual performances. She talks about the challenge of dealing with emotional and accusatory parents. She talks about the reward of having former students choose to pursue music in middle school and high school. She talks about feeling hopeful when students who are troublesome for other teachers display good behavior in her class.

Keywords: behavior; children’s chorus; concerts; elementary school; honor choir; music education; music majors; parents; performances; senior recitals; student teaching; trumpet

Partial Transcript: What are some of the funniest moments you’ve experienced in your classroom?

Segment Synopsis: English talks about the value of encouraging humor and fun in a music classroom. She describes balancing her warm and engaging teaching style with setting high expectations. She describes how her high school band director inspired her to push her students to reach their potential, and how her language arts teacher taught her to be creative and organized in solving problems.

Keywords: AP Language Arts; classroom management; elementary school; high school band directors; lesson plans; music education

Partial Transcript: How do you motivate your students?

Segment Synopsis: English talks about motivating her students by constantly surprising them and using positive reinforcement. She talks about attending many professional development events and networking with other teachers. She talks about mentoring a student teacher and seeing her grow in her career. She talks about an autistic student who dedicated himself to overcoming challenges in performing with a large group.

Keywords: Orff Schulwerk; auditions; autism; chorus; classroom management; cooperating teachers; elementary school; mentorship; music education; national conferences; positive reinforcement; professional development; seminars; social networking; student teaching; vocal warm-ups; workshops