FALL 2016
Quarterly news from Education Through Music
A Blueprint for Teacher Success In his statement on the importance of teacher preparation programs this October, U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King stated, “As an educator, I know that one of the strongest in-school influences on students is the teacher in front of the classroom.” Quality music education requires teachers who are not only musically talented, but are dedicated and can engage students in the overall learning process. To foster an accomplished workforce, Education Through Music provides teachers with the support and skills necessary to better serve students and advance their careers. “Strengthening music teachers’ skills is a priority for ETM and a key to our program’s success,” said Peter Pauliks, Director of Programs. “We believe every child deserves access to high-quality music education, and at its core are qualified and well-trained music teachers.” MENTORING One way ETM is cultivating teachers’ talents is through personalized mentorship. This year, ETM hired eight new music teacher mentors to guide music teachers
in refining teaching skills, achieving professional goals and overcoming classroom challenges. Erin Giacinto and Ulises Solano, two seasoned ETM music teachers, joined the staff with in-depth knowledge of ETM’s comprehensive curriculum. By hiring teachers who have firsthand experience teaching under its program, ETM is able to better support its teachers’ growth. “Being a teacher with ETM has been such an amazing experience because of the support and professional development provided,” said Giacinto. “One of the biggest sup-
ports that helped me grow exponentially as a teacher was my mentor. It has been very exciting for me to transition into being a mentor for our teachers and to give them the same invaluable support that I received in my teaching.” PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ETM furthers its ongoing support by providing music teachers with a series of professional development sessions to keep them current on instructional approaches. This past summer, ETM held two large-scale Continued on page 2
ETM Music Teacher Mentors left to right: Erin Giacinto, Kaitlin Simonson, Kathryn Umble Smucker, Alice Rogers, Marc Mosteirin, Andrea Lynch, Rachael Carson, Ulises Solano.
Quality music education for all children