Highlight on Teachers in ETM's Workforce Development Program

Attracting and retaining the very best teachers is core to our mission of providing high-quality music education to all children. We develop our teachers’ talents through programs and resources that deepen their knowledge and enhance their skills.

In Spring 2024, we launched our Workforce Development Program, an innovative new initiative that addresses the teacher shortage in New York City public schools by offering an alternative pathway for aspiring teachers. Through an experiential apprenticeship model, participants are equipped with the necessary pedagogical knowledge and classroom experience to thrive as educators in some of the city’s most underserved schools.

We’re excited to share the results of the inaugural program, as well as highlight the first three interns to complete it and become fully participating teachers in the school system.

Educator Workforce Development Program Bridges Gap in NYC Teacher Shortage

The saying “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach,” penned by George Bernard Shaw in his 1905 play Man and Superman, has long perpetuated a narrative that undervalues educators, particularly in fields like music, where performance is often considered the pinnacle of success. However, a new initiative by Education Through Music (ETM) challenges this notion by highlighting the unique blend of skills required to be both a musician and an effective educator.

The ETM Workforce Development Program, known as the Music Teacher Intern program, is designed to transform music professionals from various backgrounds into accomplished music educators. This innovative program addresses the teacher shortage in New York City public schools by offering an alternative pathway for aspiring teachers. Through an experiential apprenticeship model, participants are equipped with the necessary pedagogical knowledge and classroom experience to thrive as educators in some of the city’s most underserved schools.

Transforming Musicians into Educators

“Music educators must first be musicians,” says Jameon Moss, the Music Teacher Intern Supervisor. He continues, saying, “We must know our content and express that content knowledge in performance—our stage just happens to be our classroom. But beyond that, we need to be skilled in how we teach this knowledge.” The old adage “just because you can do it does not mean you can teach it” rings true, and our program ensures that our interns are not only performers but also effective educators.

The program offers an extensive array of professional development opportunities designed to equip interns with the skills they need to succeed in the classroom. Central to this is a carefully structured gradual takeover of classroom instruction, guided by Jameon, ensuring that interns build confidence and competence in real-time teaching. Additionally, interns benefit from a weekly collegiate-style webinar series that highlights both best practices and emerging trends in education. The program also features professional development workshops, including an intensive, week-long summer academy, and provides ongoing, personalized instructional coaching from Jameon. A key element of the program is the mentorship each intern receives, pairing them with an experienced teacher (AKA Mentor) who offers invaluable guidance, support, and detailed feedback on lesson planning throughout the internship. 

A Bright Future Ahead

The success of the Music Teacher Intern program underscores the importance of merging content knowledge with pedagogical expertise. As Aristotle notes, “Those who know, do. Those who understand, teach.” This program is a testament to the fact that effective teaching requires both doing and understanding—qualities that these new music educators exemplify.

As New York City faces a critical shortage of teachers, the ETM Workforce Development Program stands as a beacon of hope, offering a sustainable solution by cultivating the next generation of music educators. Through rigorous professional development and ongoing support, the program ensures that its interns are not just doers, but also effective, impactful teachers ready to inspire the next generation of musicians.

Success Stories from the Bronx

In the spring of 2024, the program piloted with three interns: Riley Corcoran, Juan Cecchini, and Yancy Garcia, all of whom were placed in New York City schools in the Bronx. Each intern successfully completed the program and is now employed as a full-time music teacher in ETM-DOE partnership schools. Juan and Yancy were asked to become the music teacher of record at their intern placement school—08X72 and 11X96, respectively—due to their highly effective teaching during the program.

While Juan and Yancy took a more traditional route, majoring in music performance, Riley Corcoran’s journey was unique. With a background in radio and television, Riley integrated his love for technology with his musical training, leading him to a teaching position in music technology at 09X117. “I would not be a teacher in NYC—or maybe not at all—without this program,” Riley remarked. His mentor teacher added, “Riley’s skill set in music technology surpasses even those with degrees in the field. I am learning from him.”