Small Schools Initiative

Teaching music at small schools affords unique opportunities and benefits, while also presenting specific challenges. NAfME’s Small Schools Initiative was started by Tom Muller, Immediate Past President of NAfME’s Northwest Division. Muller was the first chair of the Small Schools Initiative Task Force, and is now followed by Rich Tengowski, President of NAfME’s North Central Division, at the request of NAfME President Scott Sheehan.

Starting its work in February 2023, the Task Force identifies key issues and effective strategies for networking, community building, professional learning, advocacy, and resource development to support music educators in small schools throughout the United States, primarily but not exclusively serving in rural contexts.

The Task Force meets regularly to discuss priority issues and plan outreach and support for small school music educators including through surveys, research, articles, resources, town halls and other types of professional learning.