Teacher of the Month Jamie Dean
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Our Teacher of the Month for October is Jamie Dean, music teacher at Grasonville Elementary who teaches PreK to 5th grades. You can sense the excitement and dedication to teaching and to music as read about Jamie, what drew her to teach music and how she spends her free time. You can nominate a teacher who makes a difference online at https://www.shoreupdate.com/teachers/.
What is your background? I have my Bachelor of Music from West Virginia University and my Masters in Education from Salisbury University. I also have Level 1 and 2 certifications in teaching Orff Shulwerk (a specific method of teaching music to kids). At West Virginia I majored in Oboe and performed in numerous bands, orchestras, and small ensembles. I was on the color guard from The Pride of West Virginia marching band, and I played sax 1 season with the WVU Basketball Pep Band.
Why did you become a teacher? Growing up, being a part of music ensembles/lessons provided me with many opportunities and life skills. I believe learning how to set goals, fail, reevaluate, replan, work harder, and succeed inherent in performing music and is an invaluable life skill. I wanted to give students those same opportunities.
What drew you to teaching music... musical instrument... voice... songwriting? I have had incredible music teachers, and I wanted to be like them. In high school, a music teacher/music studio owner invited me to start teaching private lessons under her mentorship. I fell in love with the relationships I was able to form with my students and the other teachers in the studio. In my junior year of college, I loved my general music method class with Dr. Janet Robbins; she gave me a new sense of direction in my music career.
Describe what an elementary school music class is like. I spend some time talking with my classes to learn how things are going for them. We sing and play instruments, but we also explore other ways to make or appreciate music such as movement, listening, composing and reading music.
What is an aspect of teaching that you find rewarding?
The most rewarding aspect is watching my students grow up. I start teaching them the first day of PreK until their last day of 5th grade. It is a gift to watch them grow as musicians and students… and as a person. And that “light bulb moment” when a student understands, especially when there’s been a lot of struggle. I LOVE when students are finished with a performance, and they ask me when we can do it again.
Any funny stories from your class experiences that you can share? Every day I’m laughing! I wish I could give you just 1 funny experience, but there are so many! My students are hysterical.
Was there a teacher in your early years who left an impact on you? I’ve been surrounded by AMAZING teachers! Melody Sharp owned a small music studio where I grew up, and she gave me my start in teaching private music lessons. She was very nurturing and supportive. My middle and high school oboe teacher Holly White challenged me, but most importantly she knew what I needed as a person first. Music was a vehicle. I can still see Mrs. White’s smile and hear her laugh. My parents were teachers, and I often reach out to my dad (mom when she was alive) for teaching advice. My brother and sister-in-law are band/orchestra directors, and they have had an impact on me as well.
What do you do when you are not teaching? I love being with my family. I have an incredible husband and 2 amazing sons (9 and 13). We also have 2 cats and a bearded dragon. We enjoy watching/playing sports, fishing, traveling to Pittsburgh to see my dad, and just spending time with each other.
If you know a teacher who makes a difference in our community you can nominate them to be our Teacher of the Month at shoreupdate.com/teachers.