Accomplishments
There are many aspects to music education outside of the classroom that impact the musical experience that students have with a teacher. Here some my accomplishments that have positively impacted my classroom, the music department, or Kent County Public Schools.
Initiatives
As I have found areas of need or interest, I have worked to bring about changes and implement fixes.
- Piloted Quaver Curriculum resource during first year of teaching and successfully lobbied administrators and Board of Education to implement it countywide.
- Changed the format of Garnet’s spring concert from an indoor stage production to an outdoor street fair. This new format welcomes not just families but also local officials and neighbors who might otherwise not venture through our doors.
- Built a website and newsletter to keep band families updated weekly on practice schedules, deadlines and performances.
Grants
Kent County Public Schools is a poor, rural district that does not have the resources to adequately support the music department. Having worked in nonprofit management in the past, I brought my experience in fundraising and grant writing to fill in the gaps in our funding.
in 2023
Awarded by the Kent Cultural Alliance towards instruments for 3 schools. We used the funds to purchase new pianos, percussion and a tuba.
Over 2 Years
Awarded by the Hedgelawn Foundation toward the KCHS Band trips to Atlanta and Boston.
Fine Arts Grants
Toward guest clinicians and workshops for students at all levels as well as supporting materials and software licenses.
Alumni and Community
Reached out to alumni and community members for small dollar donations to fund scholarships for band students.
Promising Educator – 2023
In 2023, I was awarded the “Promising Educator” award for both Garnet Elementary School and went on to win the districtwide award. This honor is bestowed on an educator who is in their first five years of teaching and shows promise as an educator.