You know that whole idea we talk about as parents all the time? Take time for yourself, or the kids will suffer? That same idea applies to our profession as music educators.
The idea that student affairs is the only important thing that our organization does makes me angry. Student affairs and the opportunities our kids get are wonderful and important. But more important is our dedication to improving our teaching. No one should be saying that they already know enough or have seen enough--there is always something new to learn.
Other music education organizations I've been involved with, TI:ME, ACDA and OAKE seem to serve the membership first, and the students second. By serving their members first, they are ensuring that students receive a better education. Something needs to change, but without members stepping up to make it happen, it won't. I hope that my colleagues start ask our organization for something better, because we certainly need it. I CRAVE this time away from my students to hone my craft and learn something to make me a better teacher, but we can't learn if all of the resources are being taken away from the professional development end of things.
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