Submitted by Anita Edwards, Kuna, Idaho

Idea posted February 11, 2005

I have gained strong parent/community support for my music department. I found that superintendents and administrators get scared when a parent(s) demand for their child to have music education! I always invite the superintendent to all of my big programs so he sees my gym full of parents!

I always try to show my principal, classroom teachers, and administrators how I can include math and reading into my music lessons. Last year I did a lesson (for my evaluation) about music and fractions. My principal was very surprised. Music teachers have to believe what they're teaching is important. The key is to inform and teach others how and why music education is important for a child. I am very lucky my principal and classroom teachers really support me and my music department. They know I take my job and music education very seriously.

All of us music teachers in my district band together when we get any problems from the school board, et cetera. I also work closely with my P.E. teacher. She and I stand together on many scheduling issue that arise!

Most people don't know or understand what we do in the music room. Sometimes they think the students just sing and play around! The key is to teach people how and why music education is important. I have a school web page that lists strong reasons why students need music education. I also got my principal to put a music department button on our main web page for me.

My principal started to give me more money once he started to see the parents' support I receive. Last year, I raised enough money to purchase some Caribbean steel drums for my Orff ensemble.

I always write personal thank you cards to parents who give money, donate costumes, props, et cetera for my music department. Word gets around fast!

I always write personal thank you cards to classroom teachers. Then, later, they are willing to be flexible with my program rehearsal schedule!

I also write ads for the local newspaper to let the community know when my programs are, when we are going to festivals, et cetera.