Name 
Erin Roper
School & School System Where You Work
Clyde Campbell Elementary School, Catawba County Schools
Number of Years Teaching
22
Teaching Area(s)
Elementary
Grade Level
Elementary
What do you love most about teaching music?
What I love about teaching music is sharing my love and passion for music with my students. I enjoy broadening my students’ horizons, and exposing them to new things. We get to sing, dance, and play all day, while experiencing joyful learning.
Who inspired you to be a music educator and how did they inspire you?
My previous music teachers (elementary – college) inspired me – they taught me well, and saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. Because of their work, encouragement, and passion, I found my place and my passion, and have spent my career trying to create meaningful experiences for my students.
What did you need the most when you started teaching?
I needed another music teacher to help guide me – my first mentors at my school level were not music teachers, but Kindergarten teachers. I gained valuable knowledge from them, but they didn’t know anything about my content, standards, etc. Thankfully, they did support and encourage me, and helped me connect with some music teachers. I completed Orff Level I Certification after the first year, but I also think it would have been helpful to have some music specific professional development in those early years.
Describe the biggest challenge to teaching music education and how you have worked to overcome this challenge?
I think the one of the biggest challenges in elementary music is student engagement. Students are less willing to step outside their comfort zones and try things. I am working to overcome this by planning fun and engaging activities for my students – and trying new things myself. I am branching out to do some different things that I have never done before, and making a few mistakes along the way. Hopefully, my students see that as an example of determination and perseverance.
How do you advocate for your program?
I share on our county platforms (ParentSquare) and social media regarding events and programs. I maintain a website, and participate in county-wide events, such as All County Chorus.
I apply for grants and other opportunities to support our program with materials and resources.
I also do several programs a year for my school and the community. I collaborate with my colleagues in PE and Art, and we do things to involve the students and staff of our school (for me specifically, I do a Veteran’s Day Program, Glow Week (a glow-in-the-dark party), March Music Madness, and more). I do these things so that I can engage not only the students, but the staff of my school.
What is one piece of advice you would give to beginning teachers?
The advice I would give would be to be flexible and willing to adapt. Do not be afraid to ask for help – we were all beginning teachers at one time or another. Seek out opportunities for professional development, PLCs, training, and if possible, to visit/observe other music teachers.
How do you build relationships with students and parents?
I build relationships by showing students that I love and care about them. Even when I see them outside my classroom, I greet them by name. I talk with them about their interests outside of music (sports, video games, whatever…) I try to make my classroom a place where we can have fun and laugh together. I do require participation, but not perfection…mistakes are part of the learning process. With parents, I speak to them when I see them at school, and I regularly post about our learning activities and opportunities for students. If I need to message a parent, I try to begin with positive things first. I communicate with them regarding programs and events, both in person, in writing, and electronically. Overall, I try to be approachable and kind with students and parents alike.