Teacher Self Care

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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Agency, Influence, and Connection in Challenging Times

Agency, Influence, and Connection in Challenging Times By NAfME Member Lisa Martin, Music Educators Journal Academic Editor This article first appeared in the March 2025 issue of Music Educators Journal.…

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smiling strings students

What Does Joy Look and Sound Like in the Music Classroom?

What Does Joy Look and Sound Like in the Music Classroom? Nine Music Educators Share Their Thoughts This article first appeared in the January 2025 issue of Teaching Music. Corinne Smith…

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man with head down at laptop

Beat Burnout

Beat Burnout By NAfME Member Lori Schwartz Reichl “By refreshing our sense of belonging in the world, we widen the web of relationships that nourishes us and protects us from…

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Young artist with an electric piano creating new music at home.

Knowing When to Move On

Knowing When to Move On A Guide for Music Educators  By NAfME Members José Leonardo Leon, D.M.A. and  José Valentino Ruiz, Ph.D. As educators and practitioners, we’re no strangers to…

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view from behind a male student wearing headphones

Music Listening for Student Well-Being

Music Listening for Student Well-Being By Dr. Giuliana Conti and Amy Sloan, sponsored by NAfME Corporate Member Music Workshop Teachers are constantly striving to create a positive and supportive learning…

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