Stomp'nchat

This morning I was reading some tips for education majors that are about to begin their student teaching. As I read, I thought about my own student teaching experience sixteen years ago. In the weeks before my first day, I was consumed with worry. Some of the worry was caused by horror stories I had heard about other people’s experiences. However, I was mostly worried about whether or not I had made the right choice.

Going into college, I had fully expected to become a band director. As the teaching certificate for music education is for kindergarten through 12^th grade, I had been given opportunities to explore teaching at all of the different grade levels. Through these experiences, I was surprised to discover that I had enjoyed working with the younger students. This led me to change my path and to choose student teaching at the elementary level.

For my student teaching, I was assigned to work with Dale Ludwig at the Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts. By the end of my first week, I not only knew that I had made the right choice but I felt like I had won the lottery in mentor teachers. She was positive, kind-hearted, funny, intelligent, talented, open-minded, and dedicated. In short, she was everything I hoped to be as a teacher.

Over the coming months, Dale taught me so much more beyond the skills for being an effective teacher. Through thematic planning with the other enrichment teachers and classroom teachers, I learned to see how music was connected to all of the other subjects. At the same time, I witnessed the value of working as a team in order to help the students succeed. While problem solving, I loved that Dale included me in the discussions and showed me how I can effectively bring about change. She was also constantly seeking ways to improve her teaching. During my time with her, I learned what it meant for a teacher to be a life-long learner.

The first few years of teaching can be a perilous time as the teacher encounters uncharted waters. At my first school, a classroom teacher was assigned to be my mentor. Although my mentor was able to guide me through school routines and evaluations, there were many questions that I had in regards to music. I was fortunate that Dale also served informally as a mentor. Several days a week, we would meet after school to walk. During these walks, I was able to seek her guidance on a wide variety of concerns.

Even though it has been sixteen years since I student taught, I still find myself occasionally asking when I encounter new problems, “What would Dale do?” Although she now teaches in Indiana, I take comfort in knowing that I can always, “Give a little whistle (or e-mail), and always let (my mentor) be my guide.”

 

 

Part Three of #NTOY16

On our third day of the 2016 National Teacher of the Year Convening, the State Teachers of the Year (STOYs) were introduced to Katherine Bassett, the Executive Director of the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY). Along with several representatives from NNSTOY, Katherine asked us to define leadership. She then shared the reasons why teacher leaders are needed in our schools. This was followed by an introduction to the Teacher Leader Model Standards.

Next, we were able to select a breakout session. I chose to attend NNSTOY’s workshop on “Messaging Activities”. During this session, we were asked to examine the process of change. We also learned how to organize and plan our activities so that we could best bring about the changes we would like to see in education.

Following lunch, the STOYs took part in media training with Melissa McGrath from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). After giving tips for successful media interviews, Melissa asked us to read a scenario regarding education. In smaller groups, we answered interview questions based on that scenario.

After the media training, we were able to select another breakout session. For this one, I selected Hope Street Group’s “Building Relationships”. Along with listing educational organizations that can aid us in our endeavors, they helped us to identify ways to build connections with policy makers. They also pointed out that “one conversation changes nothing”. We need to be consistently speaking with policy makers in order to build relationships.

The STOYs returned to our homerooms for our last session. This time my homeroom was led by Sarah Brown Wessling, 2010 National Teacher of the Year. She asked to reflect on the past three days and our paths moving forward.

Friday evening was a great celebration as the STOYs attended the Formal Banquet. During the dinner, the Director of the National Teacher of the Year Program, Jon Quam, shared with us the history of the program. We also celebrated the four finalists for the 2016 National Teacher of the Year. Then, Shanna Peeples, 2015 National Teacher of the Year, spoke. She called each of us “dragon slayers” and said, “Who you decide to speak about is who you decide to speak for.” As she spoke, I thought of the song, “Make Them Hear You”, from Ragtime. Her words were a rallying cry for us to “Go out and tell our story. Let it echo far and wide. Make them hear you”.

On our last day, we were asked to think of a story that best illustrates who we are as teachers. Like speed dating, we went around the room telling our story and noticing the slight variations in our storytelling as we moved along. The hardest part was then condensing this story into six words. After we each shared our six-word story, Sarah Brown Wessling ended with, “You’re ready. Walk through that door.” It was a powerful moment as each of us had truly undergone a transformation during the conference.

Now, I look forward to implementing all that I learned during the conference so that I can make a difference in education in Louisiana.

 

The second day of the 2016 National Teacher of the Year Convening took place at the San Antonio Museum of Texan Cultures. As we walked into the auditorium of the museum, I thought of John Mayer’s song, “Say What You Need to Say”, because the morning session was focused on developing our storytelling abilities.

Our facilitator for the storytelling session was Andy Goodman from the Goodman Center. After his introduction, Andy began by stating that “storytelling is the most powerful communication tool that we have”. Along with explaining this statement, he said that “no amount of data will change how minds work”. In order for our advocacy efforts to be successful, the State Teachers of the Year (STOYs) will need to wield our own personal stories and the stories of our students.

Next, Andy asked us to share with the teachers at our table a story about a time “we wanted something”. He asked us to identify the story that we most enjoyed. Three attendees then shared their stories with the entire group. Although each story had a different meaning, we realized that there were many common elements in the stories. He then asked us to follow an outline for developing a story about teaching. Again, a few teachers shared their stories, and we were asked to analyze the elements of each story. As the session came to a close, Andy reminded us that “stories get stored” in people’s minds.

Following lunch, we attended a technology workshop with Microsoft experts and another with a representative from the Smithsonian’s Learning Lab. She shared with us ways that we can use their digital resources. I was really excited to hear that we will be attending workshops at the Smithsonian Learning Lab when we travel to Washington, D. C.

We also got to witness a Naturalization Ceremony were hundreds of people took the “Oath of Allegiance” to become American citizens. I was not prepared for how incredibly moving the experience was to observe. It was such a privilege to witness such a significant moment in their lives.

Our last session of the day was focused on teacher evaluation policies. This was led by Caroline Wylie from Educational Testing Service and Dr. Holly Boffy. Holly is the 2010 Louisiana Teacher of the Year and serves on the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). They shared with us the overarching principles of teacher evaluations and how the recent passing of “Every Student Succeeds Act” impacts teacher evaluations.

As we dined together, the STOYs continued to share their stories about their students and their states. We also talked about the ways the information we learned that day will aid us in our year as a STOY.

Stay tuned for part three of #NTOY16!

 

“What’s around the river bend? Waiting just around the river bend?

I look once more just around the river bend.” – Pocahontas

 

As I boarded the plane on January 19, 2016, I truly had no idea what was waiting for me “around the river bend”. I was on my way to the 2016 National Teacher of the Year Annual Convening in San Antonio, Texas. Many of those previously named the Louisiana State Teacher of the Year had tried to explain the experience. I knew to expect fellowship and collaboration. I also had a general idea of the topics that were to be covered during the week. However, there was much about the week that remained “just around the river bend”.

Almost immediately after arriving, I began to meet many of the other State Teachers of the Year (STOYs). We had already begun forming connections through social media, but I was amazed to see how quickly the camaraderie developed between us that first evening.

On Wednesday morning, we were first welcomed by Paul Ferrari, the Director of Educator Engagement and Outreach for the Chief Council of State School Officers (CCSSO). He stated that the purpose of the conference was to elevate teachers, advance leadership, and help amplify teacher voice. He also asked us to think about our goals as STOYs by asking us, “What is your story going to look like after your year ends?”

Next, Chris Minnich, the Executive Director of CCSSO, explained the background and purpose of CCSSO. He also spoke about the resources that are available to the STOYs to help with our advocacy efforts. With advocacy, he urged us to “Be FOR something- not against something you don’t like”. He also said that we now had the opportunity to “change the discussions” about education.

Sarah Brown Wessling, 2010 National Teacher of the Year, then addressed the group. She called being a STOY a “doorway experience”. We each had chosen to walk through a door that would change our stories forever.

Then, we formed groups according to our subject areas. I was paired with Mairi Cooper, Pennsylvania STOY, Andrea Santos, West Virginia STOY. Mairi teaches high school orchestra while Andrea teaches Spanish and drama. In our groups, we shared information about our favorite lessons. We then discussed the commonalities between our lessons.

In the afternoon, Sarah Zuckerman from America Achieves gave us an overview of the history of public education in America. This was followed by CCSSO’s Peter Zomoa speaking about the policy changes that have made with the “Every Student Succeeds Act”. It was interesting to compare the recent changes to those outlined in Sarah’s presentation. He urged us to use these changes to engage our local and state leaders in discussions about policy.

At the end of the day, the STOYs from the South met with our home room facilitator, Dr. Holly Boffy. I was especially excited to have her lead the discussion as she is the 2010 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year. During this time, Holly asked us to identify the things that led us to being named a STOY, and she asked us to reflect on our experiences thus far as a STOY. I loved it when Anna Morris, the Mississippi STOY, pointed out that we really can’t compare our experiences with each other. We’re each writing our own stories as a STOY. There may be areas that are similar, but it is truly up to each individual to decide how our year will look. By the time we went to dinner, it was evident that we had formed the “State Teachers of the Year Class of 2016”.

Please check my blog later this week to see what was waiting for me next “around the river bend”.

 

On Tuesday, I will be flying to where the “stars at night, are big and bright” to meet with the other State Teachers of the Year. I have been eagerly looking forward to the 2016 National Teacher of the Year Annual Convening in San Antonio since being named the State Teacher of the Year (STOY).

Throughout the week, we will be learning about education policy, best practices in education, integrating technology, storytelling, and media training. I am also excited about meeting my other fellow STOYs and gleaning ideas for enhancing my service as the Louisiana STOY. Opportunities to learn and grow will be abundant!

During the week, I’ll be sharing many of our activities on social media. You can check out the events on Twitter @KellyStomps or my Facebook: Kelly Stomps 2016 Louisiana State Teacher of the Year. Be on the lookout for #ntoy16!

 

As I was walking into the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) yesterday, I began to think of the song, “Anything Can Happen” from Mary Poppins the Musical. Two months ago, I had learned that “Anything Can Happen” at a meeting for the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). In the five minute break between committee meetings, I had been approached by our Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, John White. He wanted to hear about my view regarding the state of music education in Louisiana. Following this, we scheduled a conference call to discuss this topic at greater length. This conversation resulted in the opportunity to speak during the Academic Goals and Instructional Improvement Committee meeting for the BESE board.

Before my presentation began, Mr. White spoke about the role of the Louisiana State Teacher of the Year. In addition to serving on the Educator Effectiveness Committee, he hoped that the presentation would lead to even greater involvement for future State Teachers of the Year. He also pointed out that we need to take a deeper look at our music programs in Louisiana as music serves a vital role in the culture of our state.

For each meeting, the BESE board members receive an agenda with details regarding the items that will be discussed. For my part, I had submitted results of recent research studies regarding music education and academic achievement. I also included a list of items from the “Every Student Succeeds Act” that are important for BESE to consider in regards to music education.

After referring to the items in the agenda, I began by sharing my own story of how music education helped me to overcome speech and hearing difficulties due to frequent ear infections as a child. Next, I spoke about why I teach at the elementary level and the lasting impact elementary music has on a child’s life. I also pointed out that access to elementary music programs varies greatly throughout the state. I concluded with asking the board questions ranging from the number of schools that offer elementary music programs to the barriers for implementing music programs. In the end, the board decided that it would need more information. They will be asking the LDOE to conduct an assessment of the elementary music programs in our state. We will then use the results of this study to help us identify the measures that need to be taken to improve the quality and degree of our elementary music programs.

While I was excited to hear the board members vote to take this next step, I was elated by what followed. Several of the board members spoke about their support of music education. Mr. Lurie Thomason even spoke highly about his music teacher from when he was in fourth grade. Kira Orange Jones and Dr. Holly Boffy also expressed their pleasure in seeing the State Teacher of the Year take such an active role.

My favorite line in “Anything Can Happen” says, “If you reach for the stars, all you get are the stars… If you reach for the heavens, you get the stars thrown in.” I know that I am reaching “for the heavens” with aiming for all children in Louisiana to have access to elementary music programs. However, I think yesterday that I might have gotten “the stars thrown in”. I am truly excited about the direction we are taking with music education in Louisiana and the role of the Louisiana State Teacher of the Year.

 

“A dream is a wish you heart makes.”- Cinderella

Each day, I am inspired by the dedication and passion of my fellow teachers. Not only are they extremely talented, each teacher has a special expertise that I can utilize to help meet the needs of my students. Together, we form a team where our goal is to help “every child, every day” succeed in school and in life.

As the State Teacher of the Year, I have received much recognition this year. However, I would love to see my fellow faculty members and the countless other talented teachers that have inspired me to also receive great accolades.

Fortunately, the Dream Teachers organization shares my dream of honoring these dedicated teachers. While Dream Teachers works in conjunction with the Louisiana Department of Education to honor the State Teacher of the Year, they have also started a program where they are recognizing a “Teacher of the Month” with WAFB news.

I would like to encourage all parents and students to nominate your “Dream Teacher” at the following site: http://www.dreamteachers.org/teacherofthemonth.html

Thank you to Dream Teachers for making dreams come true!

 

It’s always interesting to return to school after the Winter Break. My students seem to grow and change so much over that two week period. Along with observing their physical changes, the teachers and I are also evaluating other areas of growth.

At the beginning of the school year, all teachers conducted assessments to measure student knowledge. Then, we set academic goals for each child to reach by the end of the school year. We are now conducting mid-year assessments to evaluate the students’ progress toward that goal.

While classroom teachers are focused on measuring growth in ELA and math, I am conducting an assessment with kindergarten this week based on vocal technique. In this assessment, I am looking to see if students are able to sing on pitch and with a “head voice”. A head voice refers to a specific vocal range where the singer will feel the vibration more in the sinus cavity. However, many students will attempt to sing with a “chest voice”. This register is lower and is similar to what we use while speaking. In order to evaluate each voice, the students have to sing alone. Many may find this daunting, but the students have been eager to sing as I am using a game based format.

It’s been exciting to see the progress that has been made so far this year. While many are singing in the correct vocal range, the students will need further work on singing accurately on pitch. However, I have every belief that my kindergarten students will develop this ability by the end of the school year. As Frank Sinatra sang, I have “high hopes… apple pie, in the sky hopes” as it comes to the musical aptitude of my students.

From being named the 2016 Louisiana Teacher of the Year to being recognized during an LSU game, the year 2015 has been filled with so many blessings. However, I can’t help but be excited about the New Year as there are still so many wonders that are to come.

The year 2016 will be starting off with quite a bang.  In January, I will be speaking in front of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) regarding music education in Louisiana. I’ll also be attending the National Conference for the State Teachers of the Year (STOYs) in San Antonio. Thanks to social media, I’ve already had the opportunity to connect with several of my fellow STOYs, and I’m eagerly looking forward to meeting everyone at the conference.

There are also many other activities that I ‘m looking forward to in 2016. From various speaking engagements to attending the Dream Teachers Golf Tournament, the year promises to be filled with opportunities to connect with others and widen my understanding of education in Louisiana. Of course, my trip to Washington D.C. and meeting President Obama in April tops the list.

As everyone is making their New Year’s Resolutions, my one resolution will be a continuation of a promise I made to myself when I was named the State Teacher of the Year: to make the most of each and every opportunity that is presented in the coming year. Here’s to embracing the New Year and being open to every possibility!

 

As our winter break commenced, I headed to Alabama to spend the Christmas holiday with my family.  So far this week has been jam packed with activities ranging from shopping with my parents to seeing my sister, Beth, perform in a musical. I’ve also enjoyed simple moments like making cookies and dancing with my nieces. On Christmas Eve, I am looking forward to hearing my niece, Kate, sing with her church choir.

In all of our activities this week, my family has been surrounded by music. We’ve sung carols in the car and danced to performances of The Nutcracker. While watching the boat parade in Tuscaloosa, we sang our favorite holiday tunes. My family has even continued their tradition of texting or calling me every time they hear a recording of Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”. Since middle school, I had played that song every year in band. My nieces laugh when I perform the various percussion parts for them.

I love that my time with my family is filled with music and laughter. However, hearing Bing Crosby sing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” always brings a tear to my eye. Over the years, I’ve learned that home is not a place. Instead, it’s wherever my family is located.