Shaping

When we think about ALL of the aspects in our lives that impact how we got to where we are today, we consider many different impacts. We can consider our upbringing, families, cultures, religion, education, communities, social media, peers, celebrities, etc.

Moreover, as teachers, we are impacted by how we were taught in our teacher preparation programs.

Sometimes, specific moments or highlights can be the impact. These moments can be the spark that opens up a new pathway for the future.

I like to use the word shaping to describe this process. What are the different experiences and moments throughout our lives and pathways that impact us to this moment in time? How do these experiences and moments impact what happens next? Moreover, how do we shape others by creating these moments or pathways?

This past month alone, I had several highlights in my life that are ALL due to how I was shaped previously. These moments from last month will also shape what is in store for me in the future.

For example:

• The paperback, hardcover, and e-book versions of my first book, The Accessible Music Classroom for All, have ALL been released.

• I had a celebratory book launch event to mark the publication.

• I had the luxury of presenting for music educators at multiple levels (nationally, locally, and collegiate).

• I was accepted into an Educational Leadership program for the Fall, which will shape what happens next in my career.

This was ALL in one month.

Shaping is an idea that I share my thoughts on very early in Chapter 1. Here is a snippet on shaping from the text:

“As human beings who enter the teaching force, we are ALL shaped by how we were raised and trained to be educators. I like to use the word shaping because in my mind, I imagine us like clay pottery. Different hands mold us at various times in our creation, which impacts the overall shape that we eventually become. It is similar to the way we become teachers and grow as human beings. Our students ALL go through the same process.”*

So why is this important to consider in our educational system and with our students?

This school year, I am collaborating with teachers from different schools within the same campus I teach in. Previously, our programs and students were very isolated, and never had any opportunity to interact, let alone learn about each other.

Our goal is to build an inclusive community of togetherness where everyone gets the chance to learn and celebrate our differences. We are really teaching our students about humanity and empathy with this project.

The results have been powerful and show that we are making a positive impact, as they are requesting more opportunities to engage together. 

Here are some highlights on how this project is shaping their future:

• Students with disabilities are getting the opportunity to engage and develop friendships with their general education peers

• Students without disabilities are being exposed to disabilities, a strength-based model, anti-ableism, and more

• Students are provided opportunities to work together to do something that they enjoy and learn about each other

• The staff from ALL of the schools are getting the chance to learn about inclusion on a deep level

• Students from ALL schools are now greeting each other in hallways where once everyone was separated by school and requesting more opportunities to work together

• Students are learning tools that they can apply in the real world

Key Takeaway:

We need to ensure we are shaping our future educators and students to have the tools to create an empathetic and accessible world for ALL. Creating musical experiences that teach our students about each other will create lifelong impacts they can take with them in the real world.

If we keep teaching the same way we were taught, our students will not get the opportunity to grow and shape their world and generation. 

Resources:

* Wagner-Yeung, B. (2025). The Accessible Music Classroom for All (p. 4). Rowman & Littlefield published in cooperation with the National Association for Music Education.