Inequity in education has come to the forefront during the pandemic, especially with the sudden pivot into the digital landscape. While some schools focused on how to reimagine their pedagogy in an online space, numerous schools had to navigate technology disparities for both their students and teachers, which included lack of access to both devices and internet in their households. Faced with this dilemma, many ensemble teachers went to the familiar, looking for traditional western theory and history lectures to fill the void instead of taking it as an opportunity to take stock of advances in music technology and culture and reach their students by facilitating lessons about their culture and experience.  As teachers move back towards in person instruction, what lessons have they learned about how to best reach all students?

This workshop is centered around the belief that by building on your students personal knowledge, passions, and experiences, music education can become more inclusive and equitable for all.  We will begin by working with participants to examine our own musical biases through an intersectional lens, including ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and worth.  The presenters will then make observations about their own work as teachers and employees of non-profit organizations, noting changes of perspective, especially as we’ve navigated twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism.  Participants will then take these examples and work in groups to discuss how they might address lesson planning, classroom management, and creating a change in their schools, districts, and communities.

Learn more by visiting: https://www.mmea-maryland.org/2021-july-virtual-conference-schedule/#Tuesday