The future dims
At my last post I was very excited about the promise of the coming year, however, my progress has come across a large hurdle. The district is in a multimillion-dollar deficit and magnet programs are on the chopping block. My job as lead teacher has been eliminated and I have been surplused. My programs transportation has been eliminated and we will receive no funding. What to do?
I am fortunate that I have a principal who believes in me and the program, so we are going to get creative. Luckily I am also certified to teach Science and a teacher has retired so I will be teaching Science half the day and recruiting for the program the other half. I had the foresight to see that transportation could become an issue so I made sure our students were riding in on ESE buses (they have to run its federally mandated) So my student will still get a ride. As for program funds we are going to pursue grants and business partners.
In these tough economic times you need to get creative and be flexible. It’s a matter of survival!
June 3, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Let’s take music education OUT OF THE SCHOOLS altogether. Let it stand alone OUTSIDE of academia where colleagues can band together (no pun intended) to form teaching studios that promote music learning in an entrepreneurial setting. No need to rely on the whims and budgets of a school board. Build an office, charge competitive rates and hire quality staff that assures renewals and long term relationships. See http://www.dsminfo.com for a model – it’s a thriving business in Dallas and it can be done everywhere!
June 17, 2008 at 1:46 am
That’s great Eugene for the people that have money to afford to pay for your services. What about the urban low income disadvantaged? No music or art for them in your method! Seems your all about $$$ not the educational enlightenment of children, in your world if you have money you can be enriched by music if not too bad. I believe music education should be available to all children not just those who can pay!
July 31, 2008 at 3:32 am
Hi Deb!!
I just can’t believe you’re here in Miami after all these years!
Please email me back so I can give you my number, and we can talk!!
Jeri