The Beginning of the End/ A New Beginning Pt 1

I am a music educator and up until recently I had loved my job.  I mean really loved. Now, it's just a place that I go because I must in order to pay the bills. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching music and singing and more importantly I LOVE teaching those who are genuinely interested in learning. Therein lies the problem.

When I began teaching in the public school system in 1999, I couldn't have landed a better job.  At the time, I was doing temporary work and singing everywhere that I possibly could.  I had never been interested in teaching even though my mother had wanted me to pursue it but I guess I was fated to try my hand at it so I got the call.  Literally, got a call.

I was told that a school needed a teacher under the initiative of Project Arts and so I was off.  I was split between two schools and though it was the hardest thing I had ever done at that time, I was in love.  All day I got to do music any way I wanted and got to share it!

As time went on things changed. 

More and more testing came into play and less and less emphasis on creating a whole child. They got rid of Project Arts and slowly started to back off the programs.  

I was fortunate for a while because my principal was a strong advocate for the arts and arts programs. She always made sure the children were exposed and she supported us cultivating whatever their interests were. 

Now...