It was not long into the author's career as a music educator that they noticed a considerable drop in their own recreational music listening. Any wisp of recreational music listening was typically an accompaniment to an activity or task rather than the main event. This changed dramatically around seven years ago, when a few of their colleagues…

Teacher-focused accountability started to ramp up in the United States in 2007-2010 as the focus of accountability shifted from schools to individual teachers. Since that time, there has been a remarkable amount of change to the way that teachers are evaluated, and music teachers have been placed squarely under the microscope of accountability. In…

As the United States prepared to enter the Second World War and during the early years of the conflict, Music Educators National Conference (MENC) focused attention on how music educators could support the war effort. The association worked with the federal government and other agencies on a number of national programs. Through its publication,…

Author looks at the question of what is behind the constant movement of junior high school music teachers. (Editor/MB)

Discusses sources of stress for music teachers and offers tips for coping with it. Relaxation exercises, physical exercise, and a change of environment are recommended. Teachers should realistically assess their abilities and career prospects. (AM)

Suggests strategies for dealing with job stress and for prolonging career satisfaction. Stresses time management as a prime coping tool. Encourages reviewing objectives, and planning and setting priorities. Points out value of good physical health to development of mental fitness. (LS)

This article discusses the results of a survey conducted by the author asking music teachers why they leave their jobs. The author compiled an e-mail survey and sent it to instrumental music teachers who were making plans to leave their jobs for new positions or to leave the music education profession entirely. In order to widen the pool of…

Observes that master music teachers' intensity and commitment make them good candidates for burnout. Reports on contributing factors mentioned by music teachers: lack of recognition and support, unclear goals, poor curricular coordination, and poor working conditions. Offers suggestions for combating burnout including exercise, networking with…

Asserts that music teachers often have less than ideal teaching situations that may result in lowered teacher morale. Contends that music teachers must choose to improve morale by becoming more involved in school activities. Provides suggestions for improving one's individual morale and the perceptions of teaching colleagues toward music teachers.…

Contends that one of the most important concerns of preservice teachers centers around the potential of teacher burnout. Discusses issues related to recognizing and remedying teacher burnout. Provides a 12-item bibliography of selected readings on the subject. (CFR)

Maintains that, although teaching methods courses prepare prospective teachers for curriculum development, lesson planning, and instructional strategies, the first-year music teacher encounters many new and difficult situations. Presents eight guidelines for surviving and enjoying the first year of teaching. (CFR)