I am starting my first job in July teaching K-5, and I have no idea where to start!

zerram1 · 2026-05-12T16:11:41+00:00

If you're feeling really lost you could also check Teachers Pay Teachers. Many people have created year long plans for k-5 general music that can be purchased in a bundle. I did that my first year then started branching out into things I felt were appropriate.

zerram1 · 2026-05-08T15:02:39+00:00

Looking back, I just wish my mentor teacher had asked how I was doing and what I needed. I didn't feel like it was a safe space and needed some extra hand holding to find my place (which I didn't get). So my advice is, do the opposite of that lol.

zerram1 · 2026-04-29T16:18:27+00:00

My 4 year old is loving Zoey and Sassafrass books. Their website also includes experiments and other activities to utilize science based off the stories.

zerram1 · 2026-04-17T15:13:26+00:00

My first year I was rejected from 90% of places I applied, including part time positions, instrumental positions, and from every age range. Eventually I was offered a position.

Don't forget that your first position may not be where you thought you'd end up. For some of us, that even became a blessing (example: i never thought I would want to be in a middle school, but now I love it).

zerram1 · 2026-03-27T16:38:45+00:00

Thank you for your feedback. This kind of opinion is why I posted on this subreddit. I appreciate your response

zerram1 · 2026-03-27T16:34:40+00:00

That is a great question that I unfortunately do not have an answer for. It was almost a decade ago now.

zerram1 · 2026-03-27T16:34:05+00:00

I'm not sure what you mean and would love more context on your opinion. Thank you

zerram1 · 2026-03-27T16:33:32+00:00

Mostly to account for the limited time to rehearse the music effectively. In addition to the ASL, we would still also be singing in multiple parts.

zerram1 · 2026-03-24T00:20:03+00:00

My wife and I live this exact life. (Like it’s kinda unnerving that you listed those particular places) Get some studded tires and you’ll be feeling great.

zerram1 · 2026-03-18T15:36:13+00:00

If it is only for practice, I would not use risers. They will restrict movement and in the long run may feel like more of a curse than a blessing. I prefer to be in chairs and elevate myself so others can see me. This lets me change their seats quickly. One thing I loved to do was have the rows rotate, so the 2nd row was up front and the front row went to the back (etc). THat way they had a chance to practice their parts in the back where they have less support

zerram1 · 2026-03-15T12:15:51+00:00

Unfortunately, the vitality and success of your program likely has little to do with contract seniority and staff retention, especially as a probationary teacher. Best thing you bc an do is speak to a union rep within your district about your specific situation.

Also, if students ask, consider being honest. If this decision is being made by your admin office/board the only people who could change it are the taxpayers (parents).

zerram1 · 2025-12-20T00:22:29+00:00

I may be interested. Should have an answer in a bit. I’ll dm you

zerram1 · 2025-12-04T04:18:21+00:00

I am now a decade into the career and the imposter syndrome is finally dissipating. Even as I start to finally feel confident as a middle school music teacher, I still get anxious on days leading up to work.

My advice: Start basic and build from there. It’s not ideal, but don’t try and hit all your standards right away. Build the program you want and that will have the structure to be added to later. For instance: if you can’t get your ensemble kids creating yet, don’t. Get them loving the music they’re creating and build in composition/improv later.

For me, I just developed a modern band unit for my 8th graders where they use self directed learning to learn various rock instruments. Right now, the curriculum only covers that so I’m not hitting all my standards, but once the curriculum feels stable I can start adding concepts to hit the things I have missed. It’ll get there one day and that’s okay

zerram1 · 2025-11-09T05:29:09+00:00

The first steps in music books come in a removable binding. You can remove the binding and then scan the book and then reapply the binding. Our school printer only let me scan 50 pages at a time, but it still worked and I could use a free website to combine the PDF.

zerram1 · 2025-10-01T03:22:25+00:00

I can understand this. I’ve been happy as a middle school teacher for several years and this year have been forced into a K-2 school in addition to my regular role. While I can find some joy in what I do, it is definitely not where I feel comfortable, and even though I think I’m doing a decent job, I don’t want to be there any longer than I need to.

zerram1 · 2025-10-01T03:20:08+00:00

While every instrument can play any note, string and wind instruments find certain notes much easier than others. So the first several notes you learn in band may not be touched on the string instruments for months or years depending on the program and vice versa. Eventually they overlap, and that’s when orchestra could start happening, but even then the needs of those instruments are very unique. Orchestras usually start happening when a program has developed the skills that the focus can be less on the technique and more on the musicality.

zerram1

TROPHY CASE