Resource: TeachMusic.org

The Teach Music Coalition was formed in direct response to a nationwide teacher shortage, and their mission is to help find resources and solutions for the immediate, short term, and longer-term challenges facing the music educator workforce, working to retain, shepherd, diversify, and recruit the next generation of music educators. This year at the Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, I was invited to their annual meeting by Bob Morrison, who leads the group. At the early morning breakfast gathering, I met many of my industry friends and representatives from almost every company and group in the music education industry, including the American Choral Directors Association, the American String Teachers Association, Music for All, the National Association for Music Education, the National Federation of State High School Associations, the NAMM Foundation, and many others. I attended representing MusicFirst, and we are very proud to be joining this coalition. Here is a quick video that provides an overview of what the group does.

One of the main agenda items in the meeting was the upcoming launch of one of the COOLEST things I have seen for our profession; a nationwide job board for music teachers. It is set to launch on January 2, 2025. When it does, I think that it will quickly become the go to resource for any music education students who have recently graduated from a university as well as any music educator who is looking to change jobs. Here is a quick overview of how applicants and districts can use the site:

• Applicants and districts can register for a FREE account.

• Applicants can then search for jobs with several different filters, including:

  • Category

    • Full time, part time, Long Term Sub, or Contract/Freelance work

  • Subject

    • Band, orchestra, choir, general music

  • Type

    • Elementary/Pre K, middle school, high school or community/religious

  • Location

    • Area or state

  • Keywords

    • Helpful for entering more specific roles like music technology, modern band, mariachi and more

Districts can post jobs to the board which I believe is a HUGE benefit, as this will undoubtedly become a resource that any music educator looking for a job will be looking at, making a nationwide talent search MUCH easier for them (and a whole lot cheaper).

In addition to the Job Board, the website has TONS of valuable resources, which are categorized for Students, Parents, Guidance Counselors, Teachers as well as great information on obtaining alternative licensure. Here’s what you will find for each:

Student Resources: Aspiring music teachers can access tools to navigate their career paths, including information on educational requirements, certification processes, and job opportunities. The platform offers insights into various music education programs and advice on gaining practical experience.

Parent Resources: Parents seeking to support their children's aspirations in music education will find a curated selection of tips and tools. These resources are designed to help parents understand the pathways to a career in music teaching and how to encourage and assist their children in this pursuit.

Counselor Resources: High school counselors can utilize specialized materials aimed at guiding students toward careers in music education. This includes information on the benefits of a career in music teaching, the necessary educational steps, and how to advise students effectively.

Teacher Resources: Current educators interested in contributing to the recruitment of future music teachers can explore a variety of materials. These include strategies for identifying and mentoring potential music educators, as well as resources to support the professional development of aspiring teachers.

Alternative Licensure Resources: These resources are designed for those who may not have followed a traditional route into music teaching but wish to transition into the field. Information includes state-specific licensure requirements, alternative certification programs, and tips for leveraging prior musical experience or professional expertise to meet educational standards. This is an invaluable resource for career changers and musicians aiming to make an impact in the classroom.

In addition to these resources, there are a collection of others including the Teach Music Experience which happens at the Bands of America Grand National Championships, Careers in Music, the NAfME Career Center, clear explanations about certification requirements for each state, and the Music Teacher Profession Initiative, another program run by NAfME.

Hats off to the Teach Music Coalition. They are doing amazing work and I am proud to have MusicFirst join in this effort.