The Yellow Board

Thoughts?

Posted by Back to Band on 2/5/2021, 12:25 pm

Currently I am teaching elementary school. I never planned on it but it just kinda happened. It is a good job, I am happy here, and for the first time I have very supportive admin. However, I miss teaching band so very much. I am in year 2 at elementary with 4 previous years in band.

It is my desire to return to band but I do not feel rushed because this is a good gig. My feelings are that I should stay at the elementary level as long as COVID is greatly impacting education and band.

I am interested in hearing your thoughts, especially from those of you who are currently in a band position. In your personal and professional opinion is there a reason to rush back to band right now? I know things are hard (more than normal...) and am thinking maybe I ought to wait it out at this gig.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Re: Thoughts?

Posted by Actually on 2/5/2021, 7:35 pm, in reply to "Thoughts?"

I think if you are wanting to return to band it is the PERFECT time to get back in. You can help us rebuild our programs. So many are going to leave the profession, retire, or move on. If you want to get back in now is the time. I say go for it! However, if you love your current gig you will have to weigh your options. We need good band directors more than ever now...but we also need need great elementary teachers too.

Re: Thoughts?

Posted by MSBD on 2/5/2021, 5:32 pm, in reply to "Thoughts?"

It depends. I teach at a Title 1 MS, fully virtual, and it. Is. Rough. In each class about half the kids don’t show up. From those that do half don’t participate. And the ones that participate only half turn in their daily assignment. So that’s like 4 kids turning in work per class.

Each year my beginner class gets smaller, and this was before the pandemic. Kids are being pushed to technology and math and English remedial classes. We were already told student who don’t go on campus to take their STAAR will be in remedials next year.

Research your district and campus first to see what their situation is. Might be similar or better than mine.

Re: Thoughts?

Posted by LBD on 2/5/2021, 5:08 pm, in reply to "Thoughts?"

Just my opinion, but I think it will take 3-5 years before band is back to how it was pre-pandemic. I've seen so many programs struggling with keeping students engaged while teaching both online and in person, and the level and expectations just can't be the same. I believe that the goal now is not to have band like we're used to having it, but rather to keep the keeps safe, enjoying music, so that somewhere down the road the Texas standard will be evident like it was before all this craziness started. If you are able to be patient and understand this, then teach band, if not, elementary is a great place. We need good teachers at all levels!

Re: Thoughts?

Posted by johnny on 2/5/2021, 2:04 pm, in reply to "Thoughts?"

I've been in this business a long time. I think you are in a win/win situation. I would advise that if a good position comes up, go for it. You've already made up your mind that you want to be a band director again, so go for it. The difference now is that you have a solid job right now which you are happy with, so you can afford to wait for a better opportunity right now. You won't have anything to lose.

Re: Thoughts?

Posted by WW Guy on 2/5/2021, 1:54 pm, in reply to "Thoughts?"

If you are happy where you are with supportive admin and you enjoy your position I would just hold still for a while and be happy

COVID aside, unless you are just really unhappy not doing band there isnt any rush.

Maybe to get your band fix at the beginning of next year talk to the HS Band Director and see if you can help out at summer band and after school practices to make them better. You wont get paid for it but if your reasoning is that you just want to scratch that itch maybe it would be worth it to sacrifice the time to help out! (would def make you seem very attractive to the admin as a whole, willing to be a team player and sacrifice your time for the students overall)

Re: Thoughts?

Posted by Jester Man on 2/6/2021, 10:57 am, in reply to "Re: Thoughts?"

This is your best idea.

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