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February Music Teacher of the Month

Our Music Teacher of the Month is Debra Morris. Congrats! She is a general music teacher at the Pembroke and Ellsworth Avenue Elementary Schools in Danbury, Connecticut. Debra plays the flute, piccolo, and piano, and she knows how to take pride in the little victories in life as a teacher.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who nominated you? How long have you been teaching?

The Music Department Head, Jill Russell Benner nominated me. I have been teaching for 18 years.

What has music and/or teaching taught you?

Music has been in my life for as long as I can remember. I learned at a young age that a song can elicit all emotions from happy to sad. This is very powerful to me. I have always enjoyed spending time with kids. As a teacher, I take pride and pleasure in seeing and hearing the little things: a student mastering Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on a glockenspiel or a non-verbal child giving me “5” after trying a new instrument. These moments make it all worthwhile and entirely fulfilling.

What types of music or instruments are your favorites to teach?

I am a general music teacher now. I enjoy all grade levels, but my favorite things to teach are recorders and glockenspiels.

What is your favorite type of music to play?

I was trained as a classical flutist. I enjoy playing classical music on the flute. I also like to play pop music and show tunes on the flute and piano.

What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?

I love hanging out with my friends and adult children. I love to read and take long walks outside. I have been learning Spanish for the last few years. I have fun practicing with my Spanish-speaking students!

What advice would you give music teachers just starting out?

I think new music teachers should expect the unexpected, so always be flexible and ready to pivot at a moment’s notice! Go into the job positive, energetic, enthusiastic, and caring. Students will respond to this. Have fun and work hard so your students have fun!

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to all music students if you could?

My advice to music students, especially those in a college music education program, is to take it all in. Learn as much as you can while in the field observing and student teaching. You’ll walk away with a wealth of ideas and knowledge.