licensed Kindermusik educator Archives - Minds On Music

Professional Development for all "Seasons" of Your Music Teaching Career

One of the things that sets Kindermusik educators apart is the requirement to not only be trained to teach our world-class curricula, but also the requirement to maintain and improve through professional development. No matter what “season” you are in with your current or potential Kindermusik career, Kindermusik International offers professional development that’s just what you need when you need it.

When you’re just starting out as a new Kindermusik educator

After a vocal review, the professional development for new Kindermusik educators begins with a rich, in-depth online training course that helps prepare the new educator for everything from learning about each Kindermusik curriculum level to positive classroom management techniques to successful business processes. Under the care and guidance of an experienced Kindermusik mentor, new educators are rewarded with their official Kindermusik license upon completing all of the training requirements.

Once you’ve been teaching Kindermusik for awhile

Just like the good beginning that Kindermusik gives to young children never ends, Kindermusik educators recognize that the journey towards masterful teaching never really ends. Kindermusik International works to provide that additional professional development through Virtual Conferences, recorded webinars, and suggestions for other related training opportunities outside of the Kindermusik community.

When you need a shot in the arm

It happens to the best of us. Because educators give so much of themselves in their classrooms and in the businesses, burnout can start to set in. And when it does, Kindermusik is right there to support and encourage through face-to-face local meetings sponsored by the Partnership of Kindermusik Educators (PKE), recorded webinars, and other regular training and connection opportunities.

If you’re teaching for someone else

Best of all, Kindermusik training is not just for the Kindermusik business owner – it’s for those teachers who are the backbone of that Kindermusik business owner’s program. For Kindermusik educators who teach for someone else, there are training topics about classroom management, pedagogy techniques, child development, relationship-building, and more.

When you’re ready for a change

Teaching Kindermusik is a wonderful choice for teachers, music educators, music therapists, or moms who are looking for something different – and a way to make a difference through music in the lives of children and their families. Kindermusik International provides plenty of helpful tools and lots of friendly guidance to help you make the best choice.
So, whether you are a prospective, newly licensed, or experienced Kindermusik educator, Kindermusik International is right there with you to support and encourage your professional development and personal growth – no matter what “season” you’re in.

10 Ways Music Gives Teachers Super Powers

For over 30 years now, we here at Kindermusik International have been empowering music teachers all around the world with a special kind of super power – the power of music.

10 Ways Music Gives Teachers Secret Super Powers

Secret Super Power #1: Engaging a child’s mind, as well as his heart. Many studies over the past two decades have suggested that there is a strong connection between music, learning, and academic success.
Secret Super Power #2: Stimulating development in every area of the brain. Music powerfully affects brain development including vision, balance, hearing, speech, behavior, sensation, skill, movement, and emotion.
Secret Super Power #3: Capitalizing on the close connections between music, movement, and learning. It is movement, often in response to music, that “…integrates and anchors new information into our neural networks,” according to Dr. Carla Hannaford.
Secret Super Power #4: Making classroom routines and transitions easier. Using a simple song or rhythmic chant to transition from one activity to the next is often more effective – and more fun! – than verbal instructions.
Secret Super Power #5: Accessing a powerful tool that makes learning stick. Ever met an adult who learned the state capitals of the United States by singing a song? They can probably still sing all of those capitals!
Secret Super Power #6: Changing the energy level in the room at the touch of a button. (The “play” button on your device, that is!) Whether it’s a need for calm or a need for more focus, music can make the difference.
Secret Super Power #7: Music creates a positive atmosphere that enhances learning potential. A classroom without music is like a teacher without a smile! Music is one of the joys of life, and it can also result in more joyous and motivated learning.
Secret Super Power #8: Facilitating multi-sensory learning. Children who learn through more than one sense tend to have the kinds of cognitive connections and associations that allow for more ways for information to be remembered, retained, and recalled.
Secret Super Power #9: Enhancing self-confidence and friendship through shared musical experiences. Music has a way of bringing people together, and no where can this be more true than in a classroom.
Secret Super Power #10: Touching places in the heart that nothing else can. Humans are innately musical beings, and we respond instinctively to the power of music.

For more ideas about integrating music into the classroom (and improving your super powers!), we recommend this article from the Johns Hopkins School of Education. You can also learn more HERE about becoming a licensed Kindermusik educator.

And to all of the teachers who make such a difference in the hearts, minds, and lives of children every day… Happy National Teacher Day! (Celebrated in the United States on May 7 and in Columbia/Mexico on May 15)

4 Ways Kindermusik Educators Use Peer Learning

There’s an old Proverb that says, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” That’s exactly how Kindermusik educators stay sharp, pardon the pun. We learn from each other! Here are some ways all licensed Kindermusik educators use peer learning:

The learning groups in KI’s unique training course, Kindermusik Fundamentals

This is where Kindermusik educators get their start and begin forming connections and friendships with other educators all around the world. It’s online training and connecting at its best!

The comments in our cutting-edge Digital Teacher Guides

The best ideas and tips are available at the click of a button! Suddenly a great idea from an educator in the Philippines becomes the inspiration for an educator in the American midwest.

The Partnership for Kindermusik Educators (PKE)

The Partnership for Kindermusik Educators, or PKE, provides the structure for educators to facilitate local gatherings and even online conferences. You can believe that lots of great ideas fly when educators get together, in person or online!

The colleagues who become mentors and dear friends

Out of all the peer connections come the relationships that become some of the most inspiring of mentors and the dearest of friends. There’s nothing like the bond of Kindermusik, not just for the families in our classes, but also for the educators themselves!

10 Benefits of Becoming a Licensed Kindermusik Educator

Why teach Kindermusik? There are many benefits of becoming a licensed Kindermusik educator, but here are the top ten favorites.

1. Convenient online training and the connections you make with other educators-in-training
2. The community of passionate, caring Kindermusik educators from all around the world who regularly connect and share virtually via the Kindermusik Cafe
3. The Kindermusik curricula which has been carefully researched and created by Kindermusik International, the world’s most trusted name in musical learning
4. Access to one-of-a-kind digital Teacher Guides where you’ll find an incredible amount of resources, helps, support, and ideas with every lesson plan
5. Opportunities for ongoing professional development that keep you motivated, inspired, and growing as a teacher
6. Having a company like Kindermusik International partnering with you
7. The tools, support, and empowerment to do something you LOVE
8. The precious children and their families whose lives you will touch
9. The satisfaction of making a difference in a child’s life, possibly from newborn to 7 years
10. The smiles, the joy, and the hugs that you’ll get each and every week in class

Learn more about teaching Kindermusik TODAY!

Written by Theresa Case, who has had the privilege of being a licensed Kindermusik educator since 1994 and whose Kindermusik program at Piano Central Studios in Greenville, SC, is proudly among the top 1% of Kindermusik programs worldwide.