After his first year of teaching, Matthew Pelandini found himself saying three words over and over again … shoulda, woulda, and coulda. “I shoulda collected my concert music after every performance” or “I coulda done more with that piece” or the ever-present, “I woulda done that differently if I’d only known better!” Pelandini offers advice for student teachers and first year teachers from what he shoulda, coulda, and woulda done.

The Shouldas

Be strict from the beginning—Students will test your boundaries. Follow through with every rule that you establish. Never make a threat that you aren’t willing to follow through with. Trying to be the “cool” teacher can be missinterpreted by students as a “rube who can be manipulated.”

Be willing to listen to students’ input—As a first year teacher, it’s normal to feel self-conscious. But don’t be guarded against taking advice from students who have typically been there longer than you. Pelandini says, “Students appreciate more than anything an adult who will listen to them and take them seriously.”

The Wouldas

Begin with end in mind—Plan wisely for the last few weeks of school. The end of year is more chaotic than the beginning because concerts, festivals, and other activities have concluded. While cleaning out lockers, filing music, and returning instruments, try to keep your students occupied. Plan something to engage them at the end of the year like sight-reading repertoire for the following year.

The Couldas

Challenge your students—Choose music that is challenging and gratifying. It’s wise to choose music that is easier rather than hard, but don’t go too far. Allow your students the experience of working through difficult rhythms and harmonies.

Be organized—Have a file system that helps you find anything that you need in a minute’s notice. Keep your desk clean. Open all mail and recycle what isn’t important. Keep student information protected and confidential.

Matthew Pelandini has started his second year as band director at Franklin Pierce High School and holds music and teaching degrees from Central Washington University.

This article is adapted from an article in the Washington MEA Voice (Oct. 2008) entitled, “After the first year: the shouldas, wouldas and couldas” by Matthew Pelandini.

Shauna Leavitt, February 13, 2009 © MENC: The National Association for Music Education.