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Top Changemaker Moments: Highlights from the Fall Semester

By December 18, 2024Music Education, News

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Music teachers, are you ready to learn how to make more meaningful connections with your students in just 40 minutes?  

Longy’s free virtual Changemakers workshops offer educators valuable insights to transform their classrooms and empower students to take ownership of their learning through culturally responsive teaching practices. 

This semester’s workshops had plenty of standout moments—here are just a few of our favorites! If you’d like to join us for a future Changemakers workshop, click here to register for one of our upcoming sessions. 

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Assess Creatively – Eric Jimenez and Justin McLean 

In their Changemakers workshop, Eric and Justin from The Score Podcast discussed ten ways to make equity actionable in the classroom, including varying assessment methods.  

The duo advocates using creative methods of checking in on students’ levels of understanding, like projects and portfolios, to help them overcome barriers like limited WiFi or technology access at home. 

 


Understand Students’ Cultural Identities – Stefano Marchese 

Singer-songwriter and educator Stefano Marchese emphasized that students’ identities extend far beyond more apparent aspects, like the language they speak or the food they eat.  

Applying the cultural iceberg model, he encourages music teachers to explore hidden dimensions like communication styles, concepts, and attitudes students bring into the space to better connect with and empower them. 

 

Reframe Your Teaching as a Product – Dr. Drew X Coles 

Dr. Drew X Coles offered tips on building a brand as a music educator by defining the unique “product” that stems from one’s personal and professional journey.  

He urges teachers to view their services as marketable products, which can help clarify their target audience, allocate the necessary resources to sustain their practice and refine their unique value proposition. 

 

Craving more insights? Explore Longy’s Teacher Education programs here!