Greetings fellow elementary music educators!  If you’re like most of the music teachers I know personally, you are the people in your school that MAKE THINGS HAPPEN.  One way or another, you take the circumstances you are handed, and you create a way to make things work.  Bravo!

You are why FEMEA exists.  We are often the only music educator on our school campuses, and without great role models and excellent mentors, it would be so easy for us to stop progressing.  We lift one another’s spirits, and we continue to encourage each other to set the bar high.  Yes, I know—we are only human, but I think that as an organization, we collectively are BETTER for our interactions with each other.  I can’t even begin to count the number of times one of my music colleagues had just the right idea, just the perfect activity, just the craziest story that helped put my problems or frustrations into perspective.

Can you afford your FMEA/FEMEA membership?  I can’t speak for you, but I can say without hesitation:  I can’t afford not to join.  I need YOU!  You make me a better teacher!  If you can’t think of what YOU yourself might gain right at the moment, what about the inspiration you might be able to offer one another?  Quite honestly, some of the most fulfilling moments come when I know I’ve been able to help someone else in some small way.  I want to offer each one of you to be that resource.  If you’ve ever been helped by one of your music colleagues, here is a wonderful chance to pay it forward.

Please make plans to attend the FMEA Clinic/Conference in Tampa, January 11-14, 2012.  We have some first-rate presenters lined up, and I hope that when the dust settles and it’s all over, you’ll have no regrets.  I also hope that as you finish packing up your car and start out on your journey home, you’ll walk away with a greater sense of what you are and the importance of what you do every day.  You are not alone.  You have an army of music educators who stand beside you and with you as you perform the noble job of making a difference in our future generations.  You ROCK!

April Laymon, NBCT
Music Specialist, Beauclerc Elementary School
Jacksonville, FL