Philadelphia Teachers Must Recognize Life Needs Before Educational Needs
David Bretzius is an experienced educator, with a focus on music. Formerly an elementary school music teacher in the Phoenixville Area School District, Bretzius also spent time as the district's music coordinator and president of the teacher's association. Despite being retired, Bretzius continues to teach as an adjunct professor of Music Education at both West Chester University and Immaculata University. He is also a published author, including a recent set of active listening lessons for music educators, published by Alfred Publishing Company in August of 2014.
What is the most challenging aspect of teaching in the classroom environment?
"The most challenging aspect of teaching in the classroom environment is the ever-changing diversity of the student population in terms of ethnicity, social standing, economic status, family makeup, parental support, and religious beliefs. Today's educators must recognize and address the 'life' needs of their students before beginning to recognize and address their educational needs. An increasing number of students with these special needs makes dealing with those issues a most challenging task, but the student will benefit more in the end if you are prepared for it."
Are continuing education courses beneficial for teachers?
"Continuing education courses allow teachers to keep in touch with the latest innovative teaching strategies for their particular area of expertise. These courses also give colleagues the opportunity to network and share ideas with one another. Many school districts offer financial incentives for enrolling in continuing education courses. Completion of these courses could lead to additional responsibilities such as department chairperson or invitations to share knowledge and pedagogy at workshops and conventions."
Do you feel a master's level education would be helpful in your day-to-day career?
"A master's degree is necessary for most states to complete an educator's permanent certification. As with continuing education courses, graduate level courses provide the teacher with new ways of looking at their craft as well as data to support the most recent methodologies. A large number of school districts still reward a higher level of education with increased salary. These districts are prone to subsidize all or most of that graduate degree."
Do you have any advice for people wanting to enter the teaching profession?
"When that first job interview arrives, use all of the resources available to you to become familiar with the school and the curriculum of the position you will interview for. Be prepared to ask questions about important issues such as curriculum guides, class size, salary and benefits. Garner enough knowledge to make that big decision when the time comes. My other piece of advice for prospective teachers is to follow your heart - if you truly believe you can make a difference, invest in the lives of your students daily. Challenge them and yourself to be the best you can be each and every day."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
