Teacher Self Care

walking trail steps in Great Smoky Mountains

Leave, Carry, Change

Leave, Carry, Change By NAfME Member Lisa Martin, Music Educators Journal Academic Editor This article first appeared in the September 2025 issue of Music Educators Journal. The way the timeline of publication works,…

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collage of treasure hunt items like a compass, journal, map, money, magnifying glass, recording device, and other items

The Treasure Hunt: Discovering Your One Word for the New Year

The Treasure Hunt Discovering Your One Word for the New Year By Rachel Clancy and NAfME Member Lori Schwartz Reichl “Life is a treasure hunt. We are all searching for…

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man standing in the trees at a crossroads

Make Decisions Out of Faith, Not Fear

Make Decisions Out of Faith, Not Fear By NAfME Member Lori Schwartz Reichl “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”—Martin Luther King, Jr.…

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WHAT YOU NEED TO NOW word on yellow paper with office tools on a white background

Vital Tips for First-Year Music Educators

Vital Tips for First-Year Music Educators  Four Music Teachers Share Their Thoughts This blog is sponsored by NAfME Corporate Member Yamaha Corporation of America. In 2020, we launched the “40…

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Bullet journal with markers

Establish Effective Back-To-School Routines

Establish Effective Back-To-School Routines By NAfME Member Lori Schwartz Reichl “It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” — Meister Eckhart This summer, I launched The…

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keyboard and sheet music in dimmed lighting

Preparing Musicians for Lives They Love

Preparing Musicians for Lives They Love By NAfME Member José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D.  Music educators carry a remarkable responsibility: preparing students to lead a high school band, produce professional-level tracks…

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PowerPoint slide projected on screen at professional learning session with quote by Jon Batiste that says, The artist as citizen has a golden opportunity for you to really show and utilize the full power of music to actually make impactful change in people's lives.

Prioritizing Self-Care for Music Educators

When Caring for Others Becomes Too Much Prioritizing Self-Care for Music Educators By NAfME Member José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. As the new academic year begins, music educators across the country…

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Family watching girl playing violin in yard, side view

Six Creative Adventures for Music Educators This Summer

Six Creative Adventures for Music Educators This Summer By NAfME Member José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. Summer isn’t just for rest—it’s for reset. For music educators, summer is a sacred window…

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words I am very proud of you in black marker on a metal post

Uncoupling Rumination from Reflection

Uncoupling Rumination from Reflection A Call for Compassionate, Curious Dispositions By NAfME Member Lisa Martin, Music Educators Journal Academic Editor This article first appeared in the December 2024 issue of Music Educators Journal.…

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sunrise on the beach

Summer Is Almost Here!

Summer Is Almost Here! Key Changes for a Sensational Summer By NAfME Member Lori Schwartz Reichl “Make your summer shine with memories and not just sunshine.”—Unknown As the academic year…

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