Interview with Kelly Hollingsworth, January 24, 2014

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

Segment Synopsis: Hollingsworth talks about her journey to teaching music, particularly to elementary school students. She describes her exhausting first day of teaching children of different ages and abilities. She talks about the benefits and the gaps of her teacher training. She talks about the importance of setting high standards for her students as well as being patient with herself.

Keywords: Auburn, Alabama; Cary Woods Elementary School; University of Mobile; cooperating teacher; dual certification; lesson plans; magnet schools; music education; music specialist; section leaders; student teaching; textbook series

Partial Transcript: What can you say about the quality of your teacher training?

Segment Synopsis: Hollingsworth talks about her teacher training preparing her well from a general education standpoint. She talks about the ways in which the general education and music education curriculum could better integrate. She talks about why she’s stayed in teaching as well as the particular challenges that might cause music teachers to leave.

Keywords: Auburn University; B.F. Skinner; B.S.; Bachelor of Science in Music Education; Common Core State Standards; Doctor of Philosophy; M.Ed.; Master of Education; Mozart; Neapolitan chords; Ph.D.; Robert Marzano; Skinner’s theory; University of Mobile; administration; assessments; elementary methods; general education; lesson plans; mentorship; piano proficiency test; professional development

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

Segment Synopsis: Hollingsworth talks about the connection that music creates with her students and the pride of seeing their performances. She describes the stress that comes at the beginning of each school year. She tells two stories describing funny moments from the classroom.

Keywords: elementary school; higher education; music education; performances; school assembly; student teaching; teaching cart

Partial Transcript: How would your students describe your teaching style?

Segment Synopsis: Hollingsworth talks about how her students perceive her teaching style as active and engaging. She talks about learning from her favorite teacher to use urgency and unpredictability in the classroom. She talks about using high energy and encouragement to motivate elementary school students.

Keywords: elementary school; motivating; music education; negative reinforcement; non-verbal; positive reinforcement; verbal praise

Partial Transcript: What do you think you need the most for your own professional growth?

Segment Synopsis: Hollingsworth talks about the benefits that would come from having more time with her students and researching teaching material. She describes a recent positive experience she had mentoring a student teacher. She talks about learning from her students to be more patient and to take joy in small victories.

Keywords: elementary school; interns; mentorship; music education; professional development; research; student teaching