by Melissa Stouffer | Mar 10, 2026 | All, Archipelago
I have taught in some really alone type situations. My previous jobs have not even had a district of other ‘island’ music teachers. Just me. So I was truly an island. Like many of you. Alone in a district or the only K-12 teacher. Huge districts where...
by Melissa Stouffer | Jun 18, 2024 | All, Archipelago
Music teachers are often islands in our buildings. The “specials” team definitely feels like a little bit of sympathy but even then, no one quite understands what we do. Sometimes we are the only elementary music teacher in our district. So how do you find...
by Melissa Stouffer | Jan 16, 2024 | All, Archipelago
Here comes conference season! I know not all music ed conferences are in the early part of the year, but the two I attend each year are in the first part of the year. How do you make the most out of your conferences? Here are 4 tips to make the most out of music ed...
by Melissa Stouffer | Mar 8, 2022 | All, Archipelago
If you follow me online, it’s no secret that this year’s OAKE conference was something I was looking forward to, and really needed. One of the last things I did in 2020 was go to OAKE in Portland. I was burnt out, overwhelmed, and really needed some time...
