This week’s episode is a good old-fashioned chat between Musicast hosts!  Kevin and Marissa sit down to talk about all things teaching in the 2020 school year so far.  Challenges, takeaways, and reflections of the educational model followed during the pandemic are the topic of conversation as they look at the year in review.  To use the examination for positivity moving forward, they begin to explore what they are most looking forward to from January on.  While not major fans of New Years’ Resolutions, it is always good to look back to inform what happens moving forward.

A discussion that warrants some deeper attention in the coming months that arose through the tail end of the episode emphasizes taking care of our students and ourselves.  While 2021 allows us to take a breath and move forward with new life and energy in the remainder of the year, it is essential to realize that we are not out of any of the struggles posed to us this year.  Particularly as music educators, we have the gift of connecting with our children through music.  These connections allow us to assist them through some of the more difficult mental elements of this year.

Beyond our students, we as Musicast hope that you are taking care of yourselves as well.  We know and sympathize firsthand that this year’s struggles extend beyond the classroom, and while many systems in school are looking out for the students, it is rarer for them to be watching for you as the educator.  We hope you are taking care of yourself and encouraging you to connect with colleagues and professionals if you need support you may not be getting.  To that same token, we would love to point you in the direction of F-Flat’s Winter THAW (Teacher Health and Wellness) virtual retreat.  You can follow the link here for more information.

Thank you all for your continued support, and be well!