Author: 3dogmom
Date: 2005-08-03 22:34
As others have said - while there are places where there have been program cuts to fund manic testing, there is an upcoming shortage of qualified public school music teachers. Many are retiring or will retire soon, and some are reluctant to deal with NCLB.
It is very common for recent graduates to feel that they prefer high school work. As GBK said, it's unusual for an inexperienced person to get a job as a high school band or orchestra director. As GBK also said, the other jobs that may be available are equally challenging and important.
I teach elementary, as I've told some of you before, classroom 2-5 (yes, that means recorder to the entire 3rd grade), as well as beginning bands and chorus. I can't imagine a greater kick for me than to take a child from a challenged background and get him playing the trombone. Do we all sound wonderful together? Well, to me we do, but nobody's approached us with a recording contract yet! But I think I'm the luckiest teacher in the school.
By the way, I'm 48. The year I got out of grad school, my state passed a limit on taxes and major cuts happened in music and art throughout the state. So, no job for me. I went in another direction, and 15 - 20 years later, here I am.
Yes, there are jobs. Your school placement office should have some information about regions in the country, should you be willing to relocate. Good luck.
Sue Tansey
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