183: Empowering Students through Leadership in Music Education
In this episode of the Powered Up Podcast, Dr. DeKeon Graham, a music educator and former Florida Teacher of the Year, shares his journey through the education system, discussing the complexities of parental choice in education, the evolution of school choice in Florida, and the importance of advocacy for teachers. He emphasizes the need to understand the education system from various perspectives and the role of student leadership in fostering independent citizens. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Dré and Ken Ehrmann explore the transformative power of student leadership and ownership in education. They discuss the importance of shifting the focus from teachers to students, redefining success in educational contexts, and the necessity of treating students as individuals. The dialogue emphasizes celebrating small victories, the relevance of teaching content, and the need for educators to adopt a mindset that empowers students to pursue their best selves.
Takeaways
Dr. Dre emphasizes the importance of parental choice in education.
Florida's school choice system has evolved significantly over the years.
Traditional public schools offer unique opportunities for socialization.
Advocacy for teachers is crucial in navigating the education system.
Understanding the law is essential for effective advocacy.
Student leadership is vital in music education.
Teachers need to articulate their value and impact effectively.
Creating independent citizens is a key goal of education.
The role of big business in education can complicate school choice.
Empathy in leadership can enhance student engagement. Empowering students as leaders fosters ownership and accountability.
Students need clear goals and understanding of their progress.
Success is subjective and varies for each student.
Teachers should treat students as individuals, not numbers.
Celebrating small victories is crucial for motivation.
Experiential learning shifts the focus from teacher to student.
Relevance in teaching content enhances student engagement.
Differentiation is essential for meeting diverse student needs.
Building a supportive environment encourages student growth.
Teachers should not take themselves too seriously and enjoy the process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. DeKeon Graham
03:06 Understanding Parental Choice in Education
05:54 The Evolution of School Choice in Florida
09:13 The Role of Traditional Public Schools
11:58 Advocacy and Communication in Education
14:58 Navigating the Education System as an Assistant Principal
18:03 The Importance of Teacher Advocacy
20:57 Creating Independent Citizens through Music Education
33:20 Empowering Student Leadership and Ownership
38:38 Shifting the Focus from Teacher to Student
45:37 Redefining Success in Education
51:33 The Importance of Treating Students as Individuals
56:10 Celebrating Small Victories in Teaching
58:10 Relevance and Connection in Teaching
Website: https://dregraham.wixsite.com/drdre
Twitter: @2020FLTOY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dregraham3/
Email: dregraham@gmail.com
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