I've been a music educator for many years, all high school experience, 32nd year in teaching. I think I truly believe that I am very proud of my accomplishments as a music educator. I have many stories about past students saying that I had a meaningful effect on their life - that I taught more than just music; I taught them about life.
In recent years, when asked by those interested in what I do, I respond proudly that I am a music teacher. But, for many years prior, it was not the same. In my early years as a teacher, when asked, I would respond that I was a high school teacher - that's it. Why?
After saying that I was a teacher, I could hear in the person's voice and see the person's facial expression, that being a teacher is something noteworthy and impressive. As they continued to ask: "what do you teach", I responded: "Music". The change in attitude immediately changed. "Oh", as in, that's not really anything important then. It's how I was made to feel. If I could only answer: I'm a Math teacher or a Science teacher, well then, that sounds more like it; but, a music teacher? I'm sorry, that really doesn't count.
So, for many years, I would simply answer, I'm a teacher, and try to move the conversation quickly, efficiently and most effectively to some other topic; to avoid the 2nd part of the question. It worked and I could avoid the feeling that in the eyes of most people, a music teacher is not something that can be held in high regard or at the same level as the other "academics". Really, music teacher, is that a real subject and do you teach full time? I'm surprised that they have not removed that subject - it's just an extra - right?
It's unfortunate. For years, I would defend myself and sometimes, get into heavy discussions - I had to prove myself worthy - right? How would I be able to turn someone into believing that studying music seriously is as important as any other subject. I have basically given up.
Bye for now.
