Jennifer Esposito
- Title: General & Choral Music Teacher
- Organization: Nichols Elementary
- Location: Stratford, CT
- Ages: K-6 General and 5/6 Chorus
- Instruments: Piano, Voice
Jennifer Esposito is our Music Teacher of the Month. Congratulations! She is a general and choral music teacher who's been teaching for 17 years. She was nominated by Jill Russell-Benner from Danbury Public Schools, where she worked for 15 years. She moved to Stratford Public Schools to be closer to her family. "I miss all of my friends and families in Danbury and my 15 years spent working there can never be forgotten," said Jennifer. "I am looking forward to this new journey in Stratford!"
What has music and/or teaching taught you?
I have learned so much from having music in my life and sharing it with students. I feel such joy when listening to and performing music, and my goal is to give that experience to my students. It’s not about a test score, it’s not about being the fastest runner, music is about finding peace and happiness in listening or performing.
What types of music or instruments are your favorites to teach?
I love musical theater and pop music the most! I love to teach students to listen to popular music played in a different genre.
What is your favorite type of music to play?
Pop and musical theater
What do you like to do for fun? Do you have any hobbies?
In my free time, I love to do Zumba and spend time with my 10 and 5 year old. Their hobbies (soccer, gymnastics, and basketball) have become my favorites as well!
What advice would you give music teachers just starting out?
My advice for music teachers starting out would be to set the tone for your classroom first. Create the space you want your students to succeed in and enjoy, worry about the standards and your lesson plans last.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to all music students if you could?
My advice to all music students is to trust themselves and not be afraid to make mistakes. Some of the most beautiful mistakes in music have led to amazing and long-lasting impressions on the music industry. Most importantly, I want my music students to enjoy their time learning about music’s place in our world.