“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African proverb

Do you ever find yourself jealous of classroom teachers? I do all of the time! They have a “tribe” in their hallway. They can collaborate daily. They can walk next door to ask a question about their subject. The lesson didn’t work the way they wanted……what worked for you?

We are on an island. Most of us are the only music educators in our building. Some are the only music educators in the system. Some of us are lucky to be in a larger system and have people in town with whom we can bounce around ideas.

We have started yet another year unlike any year in the past. However, we are all in the same boat. We all have children who may have lost singing skills due to the lack of singing. We have children who have missed out on playing the recorder. (My students are begging to be able to play this year!) Do not let the challenges of the year discourage you!

We need to form our “tribes.” We need to support each other. Share ideas. Ask questions. Give answers without being condescending. Form a text group. Share ideas on social media. Write articles for the Ala Breve.

Those of us veterans have it better than novice teachers. We have years of experience from which to draw. Are you a veteran teacher with a new teacher in your district? Become a mentor! You have a wealth of knowledge to share. Are you a beginning teacher and need some guidance? Reach out and we can put you in touch with someone who can help you!

If you are in this profession on your own, you will not get far. If we are working with our colleagues, we will go very far. We are indeed BETTER TOGETHER!

District 1 Chairmen – Lea Hoppe & Viktoria Truesdail
Colbert, Cullman, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Morgan, and Winston

District 2 Chairmen – Karla Hodges & Karen Morgan
Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Lamar, Marion, Pickens, Shelby, Tuscaloosa, and Walker

District 3 Chairmen – Deanna Bell & Kate Donaldson Jefferson

District 4 Chairman – Vacant
Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, DeKalb, Etowah, Marshall, St. Clair

District 5 Chairman – Phil Wilson
Chambers, Clay, Coosa, Elmore, Lee, Macon, Randolph, Russell, Talladega, and Tallapoosa

District 6 Chairman – Christy Clark