Megann Hammes-Murray, Sherman Elementary School, Eau Claire Area School District
Megann Hammes-Murray is an elementary general music teacher at Sherman Elementary School within the Eau Claire Area School District. In February of 2024, Megann received the WEAU 13 Golden Apple Award. To read more about Megann receiving this award please follow this link.
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Chris: What or who inspired you to become a teacher?
Megann: Band was always an interest of mine, and in high school I volunteered at our district's summer band program for upper elementary and middle school students. My director, Marty Magnini, let me lead clarinet and woodwind rehearsals with younger students. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Eventually he let me lead the entire ensemble for their end of program concert. Once I reached my college observations and student teaching I gravitated towards the energy and imagination of elementary students. To them, music is like magic.
Chris: long have you been teaching, and what subjects/grades have you taught?
Megann: This is my thirteenth year of teaching. My entire career has been in the same classroom at the same school teaching K-5 general music.
Chris: What keeps you passionate about teaching?
Megann: The lessons they teach me. There are so many examples of students opening my eyes to a new possibility because I allowed them to do so. They have a different perspective from a veteran teacher and can see activities I teach from another angle.
Chris: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from your students?
Megann: Be flexible. I'm a planner and love preparing ahead of time, but that's not how teaching works. There's absolutely no way to prepare for what you will face each day. I've learned to go with the flow and adapt.
Chris: What is one thing about your classes/students that you are especially proud of?
Megann: I'm proud of their creativity! I heavily praise "out of the box" thinkers in my classroom, and it shows. When they are allowed to create and experiment, that's when they do their best work. I'm so excited to see what the next generation of musicians can achieve!
Chris: Why are the arts essential for young people to study?
Megann: The majority of my students will not pursue a career in music. I want them to have an understanding and an appreciation for the Arts because it's all around us. We talk in class about what the world would be like without the national anthem before a football game, or parents who can't sing a lullaby to their children, or movies without a score in the background. The Arts are what make us human and bring us together. It's something every nation has in common and is engrained in society.
Chris: What advice would you give to new teachers just starting out?
Megann: You won't know everything in your first year, or even in your thirteenth year! It's okay to not know something, it's not okay to stay that way. Strive for progress and learn from mistakes. Their minds are growing and so should yours.
Chris: What unrealized goals do you have for yourself?
Megann: I don't think I'll ever be the teacher I picture in my mind. I'm always striving to improve and grow, and I think that's a lifelong process. I'm a far better teacher now than in my first several years, but I'm still not up to the standard I've created for myself. I've accepted this and continue to push forward each year.
One More Arts Month Teacher Feature Coming!
Esrom Williams, Jr - Dance Educator, Green Bay East High School
New DPI Resources, Webpage Highlight Impact, Importance of Federal Funding
As you’re aware, federal funding plays a crucial role in the continued success and development of Wisconsin’s public schools and libraries. Recent proposals, potential funding cuts, and executive orders have raised concerns about the future of these essential resources.
In response to this and to help you better understand the specific impact of federal funding on Wisconsin school districts, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has launched a webpage to provide real-time updates, critical information, and resources highlighting the importance of federal funding. This page will be regularly updated as new developments occur.
Wisconsin public schools receive $841.9 million from the federal government (see this updated one-page flyer). To help you understand the direct impact on districts, the DPI has also created an interactive map displaying district-specific data on federal funding. This map provides detailed breakdowns by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, showing the total federal funds received, the number of equivalent full-time educators supported by USDE funding, and the percentage of federal funds relative to districts' revenue limits.
Additionally, the DPI has developed personalized one-page flyers for each district, which outline the specific impact of federal funding on your schools. These flyers are available on the bottom of the webpage and can be accessed by sorting the list alphabetically.
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