Name 
Carla Jones
School & School System Where You Work
Cleveland Elementary, Johnston County Schools
Number of Years Teaching
27
Teaching Area(s)
Chorus, Elementary
Grade Level
Elementary
What do you love most about teaching music?
Teaching music is my passion! The students bring me so much joy and excitement when we are making music. Each day brings something new! The students make me smile when I see them achieving their goals or seeing their excitement in learning something new for the first time. Teaching elementary music allows me the privilege of watching them grow over the years. I never tire of hearing from former students writing to me letting me know how they are doing!
Who inspired you to be a music educator and how did they inspire you?
So many people in my music journey has contributed me becoming a music educator. My very first music teacher, Jean Bethel, pulled me aside and said to me “Miss Boyette, sing this for me.” She knew I had a talent at a young age. My sister, DeAnne Stewart, would drag me to the piano to sing new music she had acquired. Harmonizing with DeAnne was our sister love language! My junior high/high school chorus director, Michael Gilliam, challenged our chorus with amazing pieces of choral literature which are forever ingrained in my memory. Mr. Gilliam gave us so many opportunities to create high quality choral music our most formative years as a musicians. As I entered Meredith College, I doubted my musical abilities and floundered with what to major in. I signed up for Voice 1 and my professor, Ms. Alice Goode asked me, “My dear. why are you not majoring in music?”. And with that, Dr. David Lynch accepted me into the Music Department. Between the excellent teaching and guidance from Dr. Fran Page and Mr. Timothy Sparks, I was able to become a music educator and performer with skill and excellence. For all of these amazing people, including my supportive parents, I am forever grateful.
What did you need the most when you started teaching?
Support and guidance from administrators, colleagues, family, mentors, and the PTA. I was blessed to have all of this and more. I also needed (and still need) current and relatable resources and professional development opportunities. Elizabeth Grimes Droessler and Janice Wilson were amazing mentors and for them I am most grateful.
Describe the biggest challenge to teaching music education and how you have worked to overcome this challenge?
One of the biggest challenges to teaching music education is lack of funding. I will say it again. Lack of funding. Period. I have written grants. I have garnered donations. I have tried fundraisers. North Carolina Music Education is required (which is such a privilege compared to other states) but it is not funded. Each county is responsible for providing that funding which is sadly unequitable across our 100 counties. I have paid for music out of my own pocket to perform at required events. My husband begs me to stop spending personal money for work. I am grateful that my family can afford for us to contribute towards student learning. Many teachers do not have this ability. Continuing music excellence and music advocacy is the key to overcoming this challenge.
How do you advocate for your program?
Advocey equals rolling up your sleeves and working hard! The year my first county I worked for cut the funding for Elementary All County Choral Festivals, I initiated and coordinated an All County Event with the support of fellow music teachers without any kind of monetary supplement. This was a memorable event with Tom Shelton as our clinician.
When I transferred to my current county, I was surprised that there was never an Elementary All County Choral Festival. My amazing colleague, Meghan Yohman, and I co-created a proposal for this event in 2012 which was denied. We were heartbroken and a little angry! We tried again the following year and we were successful even though the clinician and pianist were volunteering their services (Thank you, Dr. Fran Page!). Eventually, we finally were able to get the county to approve a budget to support this event which is still going strong!
I also find it important to find amazing opportunities to bring to your students to perform for the community. When the parents see how meaningful a program is for their child, they will be your biggest fans! My students have been in really cool performing opportunities and competitions that will stay with them for the rest of their lives! Shout out to radio station Mix 101.5 and their Christmas Choir Competitions!
Another way I advocate for music education is within my school walls. I teach the curriculum with rigour and high expectations. Many of my students have appreciated and stepped up to challenging lessons and had fun! Students will tell other adults what is going on in your classroom if it is meaningful to them. I advocate to my coworkers and administrators by inviting them into my classroom. I have given presentations to classroom teachers and parents so they can have an awareness of what is being taught in music. I create an environment and an expectation of the learning that will be going on in my classroom. I have reached out to the feeder schools’ administration to open up the possibilities of music programs that their students are missing out on.
I speak to parents on what is needed to insure that their child is getting every opportunity in their future music education programs. With parents and students petitioning for a choral program in their child’s feeder school has been a success! My feeder high school finally has a very successful and growing music program since 2016! This was a huge celebration!
Advocating for my music program is hard and the work will never end. Changing people’s’ perception of what I do for a living as “cute and fun” to meaningful and essential has been quite a challenge. I have tackled this challenge to the best of my ability. I can’t image not advocating for my students and music education because the rewards definitely outweigh the obstacles.
What is one piece of advice you would give to beginning teachers?
Just one piece of advice? That is not enough!
-Be organized! This was so tough my beginning years. I have saved so much time and headaches since I figured this one out.
– Always find new things to learn (I get so much inspiration from fellow music educators)
-Memorize students names as much as possible (This has gotten hard for me as I get older)
-I have embraced this motto: “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape” (Be ready to pivot when you get new carpet the week before a big show!)
-Treat your custodians and cafeteria staff well! They are so important to a successful concert!
-Invite classroom teachers into your room! Show them how important music education is for the students!
-Don’t worry to much about criticism from administration. They really are trying to help even though they may not understand your curriculum. You are the professional musician. Gently teach the powers above what music education is all about.
-Learn how to take help from others. (This was hard for me)
-It is okay to have a lesson that bombs. It is not the end of the world. Reflect, adjust and learn from it. Students are much more forgiving than we can forgive ourselves.
How do you build relationships with students and parents?
Communication is the ultimate tool to build relationships with students and parents. Understanding where your students are coming from is monumental Short chats in the hall, at carpool or buses goes a long way! Calling parents to tell them how their child is a leader, talented, kind, or creative is such a joy and an affirming feeling for parents. Communication with sincerity and authenticity is paramount in building relationships with my students and parents.