Music teachers without their own classroom at times run into problems with classroom teachers. Here are suggestions on ways to approach these challenges courtesy of the general music forum:

Some problems

• Teachers treating the music teacher as if he or she’s in the way
• A cluttered floor, which precludes movement activities
• Teachers talking during music instruction to a colleague or on the phone
• Locked classrooms
• Teachers keeping students from music instruction to make up work
   

Possible Solutions—with Faculty
 

Speak to teachers whose classrooms are causing problems.

• Wait until you can speak to them with diplomacy and a cool head. 
• Make specific, polite requests: “Could you please make sure the floor is clear tomorrow? We’ll be dancing the polka, and I don’t want anyone getting hurt.” 
• Promise to leave the classroom in as good or better condition than you found it (and follow through). 
• Keep teachers updated on what you need/want to teach your class.
   

Talk to your principal. 

• Outline how certain problems impede student learning. 
• Document problem behavior: Explain your plan, how it met national standards, how you followed the schedule, and how the teacher interfered. 
• To avoid being pegged a complainer, focus on how student learning was interrupted or impeded. 
• Point out that state laws list music as a core subject. Find out about your state at Arts Education State Policy Database. 
• Ask the principal to explain to classroom teachers that they must share their classrooms and cooperate fully.
• Invite your administrator into your classes to observe your teaching; share your objectives and what students are learning.
• Get approval to have a master key, so you’re never locked out of a classroom or multipurpose room.
   

Solicit collaboration on cross-disciplinary learning. Start small, maybe with 1 or 2 teachers. MENC member Andrea Peterson said, “When other teachers saw how powerful a learning experience it was, more people got on board.” Read more in “Tips to Successful Collaboration.”
 

For more ideas, read R-E-S-P-E-C-T and R-E-S-P-E-C-T Revisited, Part 2.

Resources:

MENC Teaching Tips:

How to Survive Without a Music Room
If You Don’t Have Your Own Music Room
Advocacy
Developing a Relationship with Administration
 

Read the series on Cross-Disciplinary Teaching:

Math + Music = Enriched Learning
Singing History
Play Me a Picture: Music and Art 
Cross-Pollination: Music & Science 
Learning Partners: Teach Music, Boost Reading 
Elevate Writing Focus and Enjoyment with Music 
 

--Linda C. Brown, August 19, 2009, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education (menc.org)

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