Part 3: How to Establish Authority When You’re Not Much Older than Your Students

If you’re student teaching or starting your first teaching job in high school, you might be four years older—or less—than your music students. Here are some ideas from MENC member Scott Iseminger about how you can gain confidence and assert your authority.

Dress the part.

High school kids will notice what you’re wearing. Dress professionally. If you look like one of the kids, they’ll be more likely to treat you like one.

Act the part.

“If the kids know you’re in charge, they’ll follow your direction,” says Iseminger. Remember that high school kids, even if they’re not much younger than you, will perceive you as an “older college kid.”

Be sincere.

“Believe it or not, teenagers can tell immediately if an adult is sincere, honest, and genuine,” writes Darlene Fett in Spotlight on Transition to Teaching Music. “Classroom management problems really can be minimized when mutual trust and respect exist between students and teacher.”

Tell, don’t ask.

Instead of asking, “Could you…” tell the students, “Now we’re going to…” State your directions clearly and confidently.

Know your lesson plan inside and out.

Memorize the song you’re teaching and all parts, along with your procedure. Have a good enough grip on it that you don’t need to refer to your notes, so you can focus on the students. “Don’t allow yourself to get stuck behind the desk, podium, or piano,” says Fett. Make eye contact with students as you move around the room.

Good luck! Remember, you can always get help from other student teachers, collegiate advisors, and veteran teachers on the mentor forums.

Read Part 1: Three Ways to Prepare for Student Teaching

Read Part 2: How to Deal with a Difficult Mentor Teacher

MENC Member Scott Iseminger teaches at Krejci Academy in Naperville, IL, and is director and accompanist for a professional children's choir organization

References

Spotlight on Transition to Teaching Music (2004). Reston, VA: MENC.

--Anne Wagener, April 29, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education