Thanks so much for taking the time to learn a little bit about me! My name is Emily. I have a BA in music education and a Master’s in counseling. I’m pretty sure I hit the jackpot when it comes to spouses. My husband is incredibly kind to me and loves to goof around. We spend most of our time outside of work talking, watching soccer, and spending time with friends.
My Journey as a Music Teacher
Since this blog is dedicated to helping elementary music teachers navigate the stressful and often emotional world of teaching, I thought it might be helpful if I shared a bit of my personal journey and some of the struggles I have experienced over the years.
I began teaching after 5 years of undergraduate classes in music education. I’ll never forget calling one of my friends a week before I started and asking her “So, what in the world are we supposed to teach these kids?” I was terrified to start my job and completely unprepared. During my five years in college, I only had ONE course in elementary music education. The rest were courses in composition, theory, conducting, and so on. Sound familiar to anyone out there?? But I was certified to teach at the elementary level, and that was the job I got.
On top of having little training and no lesson plans, I was teaching at a school with quite a few severe behavior problems. I barely made it through some of my classes (and often had to call for assistance with out-of-control kids) and was the last teacher to leave the building nearly every night. Most of my Sunday nights were spent in tears as I dreaded the week to come. On top of that, the professional environment in my school was rough, to say the least. My principal didn’t seem too fond of me, and my best friends were the janitors.
Wow, I hope I haven’t depressed you too much! I included all of that so you can know that there is hope. Over the course of the next five years, my life at school (and at home) changed dramatically. I plan on writing some specific blog posts about the things I did to better my work-life, but I’ll include a few here too. For one, I learned that sometimes, the people around us treat us in ways that reflect their own hearts, not ours. Three years into my teaching career, my administration and most of the teaching staff left. I went from being an outcast to being named teacher of the month and having my new principle tell me that I was “amazing!” I learned that I shouldn’t have let the negative professional environment into my heart as much as I had early on. I learned to start saying “no” (in a polite way of course). “No, I will not add two extra programs to my schedule this year.” “No, I will not put pressure on myself to have programs that look like they’re straight off Broadway!” I also began to change my daily goals and started focusing on loving and forming relationships with my students first and foremost. (And I did truly fall in love with my students. Honestly, I would have adopted so many of them if I could have :)) And of course, after three years of late nights, I had lesson plans for the entire year, a simplified version of my district’s MASSIVE curriculum, and assessments and rubrics to prove that there was actually some data behind my grades!
Oh and there was one other thing that added to the peace I feel today. I got saved. I’m sorry if you’re someone who cringes every time you hear the word “religion” or “Jesus” (I used to be just like you), but I would be lying if I didn’t include this part. One night at the peak of my sadness and stress, I said the prayer that I thought I would never say, and I told Jesus He could enter into my heart. I felt a peace afterwards that shocked me, and I could not deny that something real had happened that night. I am a full-time blogger and TPT author now, but I know that I could handle any school because of my relationship with God.
As you read through the articles in this blog, I hope you will find specific strategies and heart-felt advice to help you navigate wherever you are in your teaching career and in life.
Cool background! Especially when you accepted Jesus as your personal savior. It does truly help when working as a music teacher or teacher period.:-)
Hi Kristin! Thank you! Yes, isn’t it amazing? I am still surprised at how much better all facets of life are now 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave me a message. How long have you been teaching?
Emily
Kristin,
the most important thing is u gave ur heart to Jesus. that is the greatest miracle of all. I am so proud for u and proud of u. stay in His word and u will grow tremendously! I am excited for ur school year. I teach music on a much smaller scale, only one day a week. I love it.
have a great year. trust in Him.
Wow, I love your testimony! I am in my 16th year of teaching elementary music, and also a Christian. You are absolutely right that it is a stressful and emotional job, but my relationship with Jesus keeps me centered and able to handle the challenges that this job brings. Thank you for telling your story, Emily! I look forward to reading more of your blog!
Aw, thank you so much, Amy. I am so happy for you. I remember the days of not having His peace, and life’s challenges were much harder to navigate. I am so happy for you and also impressed that you have taught for 16 years! WOW! I’m sure you could write a blog post or two on all the things you have learned 🙂 I hope you enjoy my blog over the next few years as I get more posts written! Thanks so much for your support.
Emily,
I’m on my 17th year as an elementary music teacher, and I remember that daunting 1st year! I’m also a Christian ( my husband is a minister) and couldn’t do a thing without Christ in my life! You are courageous to write about both experiences! Blessings to you!
Thank you so much Debbie. It does take courage sometimes 🙂 Wow, that is such a long time! You are amazing for sticking with it for so long. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave feedback. I love hearing from people of all faith’s, but it is especially meaningful when I hear from another believer. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Hi, Emily! I have been following you on Pinterest and TPT for awhile and stumbled on to your home page just recently and saw your pics – I went to high school with your husband! I teach music K-12 in the KC area now. What a small world! 😀 😀 Anyway, thanks for all the amazing resources, you’re awesome!
What a small world! Ha! Was your maiden name Ross? If so, Kyle says you were really nice, and he thinks you were class president…? How do you like teaching K-12? I always thought that sounded REALLY difficult from a planning perspective. Thanks for following my store! Shoot me an email at emilyconroy4@gmail.com, and I’ll give you a free $5 product from my store!
Yes! Ashley Ross, that’s me! That’s so sweet of him-I’m not surprised he married a music teacher, I bet you guys have a blast and make music all of the time. I JUST took on 8-12 this semester, but its theory, not performance, so the worst part is just getting kids to do their work :D.BUT, 9 preps is a bit daunting. I’ll definitly email you, that’s so sweet! Thanks!
We actually met playing soccer (which I’m sure you know he also loves). We didn’t know how musical each of us were until a little later, but that was definitely an extra perk! For a long time we struggled making music together because we can both be pretty picky about how the music sounds, but we have gotten much better about that over the years 🙂 Glad to know 8-12 is just theory, but still….9 preps! I have much respect for you! I’ll be on the lookout for your email. Thanks for reading my blog!
Hi Emily, I just read about your journey. As the grandmother of one of you students I have to add that you touched the lives of so many of those students. Especially my granddaughter. I know more than one child you says you were their all time favorite teacher. Now almost four years later I still hear your name come up in conversations. Usually starting with, “Remember when….”
Kathy!!! I miss you and ___ (I’ll leave off her name since we’re on the internet) so much! How is she? Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and leave a comment. And for reminding me how close I was with so many of the kids. I miss them so much. Sometimes I still get emotional when I think about how long it has been since I’ve seen some of them. Feel free to email me any time if you’d like to keep in touch. I would love to attend a concert or other event that she’s in. My email is emilyconroy4@gmail.com.
Hi Emily!! I was so blessed by your testimony!! God is so good and it is such a privilege to teach music:). This is my first year teaching elementary music and I’m having a blast. God bless!!
I’m so glad, Rosalee! Yes He is. It’s great that you are enjoying your first year and hopefully not stressing too much 🙂
Thank you so much for your blog and the resources you provided! I have just purchased your whole year bundle, which was a God send and answer to my prayers as I start teaching next week! Your testimony has inspired me, especially as it relates to your relationship with Christ. I am a follower of Jesus as well, have been out of the classroom for 13 years and returning after working as masters level counselor. My 5 year old son has already memorized Whacky Whacky warm up song, love it! Thank you so much and may God continue to bless you!
Lekisha
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Lekisha. I am so glad that my product is going to help you get started again. What made you decide to return to teaching? It sounds like we are really similar. We have the same two degrees and are Christians. How cool! P.S. I read your comment last night and have had that song stuck in my head since. It’s driving me nuts!
Lol, yes its quite catchy tune! All of the songs are, I hope the kids love them as much as we do! I was blown away when I saw we had similar backgrounds as well. My son and being music minister at my church inspired me to go back and teach in P.S. I know this is what God put me on earth to do!
Thanks again for the lessons and the encouragement!
Kind Regards,
Lekisha
It is just so darn wonderful when God gives a person clear direction. What a blessing for you. Yes, I hope they do too. If they don’t, don’t tell me, ha! I wrote that song and I don’t want to know!! j/k