I've been really fortunate to be a part of some committees for the Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA), and am now serving on the Board of Directors as the Director of Choral Affairs for the organization.
And I have to say, every time someone asked me to be on a committee or run for something, I've thought to myself, "Why are you asking me? I'm not some super well-known, large school, epitome of artistry in the choral arts type person! I'm just out here in the boonies doing the best I can with what I have... I'm a jack-of-all-trades, master of none."
I almost viewed it as a self-insult: jack-of-all-trades, master of none.
But then I realized something... Being a jack-of-all-trades IS SOMETHING YOU CAN MASTER!
We small school folks have a special skill set that is both necessary and amazing. We can run a choral rehearsal, teach kindergarteners, accompany for our groups, teach every instrument, pound parts, tune ukuleles, manage a classroom in which the kids have noisemakers/weapons, create choreography, make props, fix instruments, teach ta's and ti-ti's and do, re, mi's, plan and schedule like a boss, teach marching and pep bands, make costumes, take kids to contest, hem uniforms, travel with teenagers, manage not to kill anyone, and some days... some days we even get to eat lunch!
Because you are teaching in a small school, you are probably the expert in your area (even if it doesn't feel like it sometimes). Without you, who would those kids have? Who would instill that love of music and teach them how to be a part of that team? Who would teach them to sing, play, dance, and have an artful life?
With the current teacher shortage, especially in specialty positions, the answer is : probably someone with a whole lot less knowledge than you, IF ANYONE AT ALL.
You ARE the master. Even if you don't know everything and even if you flounder sometimes or in some areas.
You are special. You are necessary. And you are a superhero!
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