Thanks to Natalie's post and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) action center page, I was shocked to see a decrease in Title I funds and possible elimination of Title II (professional development) funds! As someone who strongly supports post-graduate professional development opportunities, I encourage you to fill out this quick form on NAfME's website and share your support. Here's the story I included on my form as I hope it inspires you to share your thoughts and stand up for music education and it's teachers!
"I've been a public school music teacher for eight years as well as a professional development clinician for ten years. Title II funds are an essential piece to ensuring student and teacher success, and the threat of budget cuts or possible elimination of them is sickening. To provide some perspective, four-year teacher preparation programs only partially prepare teachers for todays classroom. Due to the extraordinary amount of credits required in an undergraduate degree program, college students do not have enough practical time in the classroom to be adequately prepared to teach young students. Some of these topics include teaching students with physical or emotional disabilities, teaching with technology, integrating new methodologies (project-based and STEM-based learning), fostering diversity and inclusion, avoiding teacher burnout, fundraising, copyright and so much more. Part of the reason teachers are leaving the profession is due to lack of funds supporting post-graduate learning opportunities. It's in-person and online profession development opportunities that provide teachers with the education, mentorship, collaboration, confidence, and support to be successful in the classroom. My own experience presenting nationally and internationally to various education communities has allowed me to better refine my craft as a K-12 educator and provide resources for teachers that wouldn't have otherwise had them. Presenting allows for refinement of skill, fosters the birth of newer pedagogies, and aids in the modernization of teaching tools. It also invites the collaboration of industry companies in support of crafting high-quality and effective teaching tools for the classroom. Attending and presenting at conferences gives me the intrinsic motivation to continue to do this great work, despite being underpaid and overworked. I hope you will consider supporting funds for Title II, I and IV to ensure a positive future for our educators and our students."
The House Appropriations Committee has unfortunately labeled music and arts education as expendable, zeroing out funding for the USDOE Assistance for Arts in Education program, which helps provide historically excluded students and students with disabilities equitable access to arts education. The Committee stated that the “Department should be focused on core education such as reading, writing, and math.” However, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) has explicitly stated that music education is an essential part of well-rounded education, which every student should be provided. Email your U.S. Representative now and let them know your thoughts on what education is essential for all students: bit.ly/NAfMEgrassroots
![Grassroots Action Center - NAfME]()
Grassroots Action Center - NAfME
nafme.org
DocumentaryDiva
3moMuch needed!