by Melissa Stouffer | Aug 25, 2026 | All, Running Your Classroom, The Sustainable Music Teacher
We’re all about saving time, making templates to make life easier, and making what we use work for us. Taking back ANY amount of time in our day, even 5 minutes, is a great way to be able to get one more thing done, one more something ready, or spend less time...
by Melissa Stouffer | Jul 7, 2026 | All, Organization, The Sustainable Music Teacher
So recently I saw a post in a facebook group about someone who was asking for advice about their secretary. The band department had their own secretary. Cue the cartoon jaw drop because really. I really read that. I can’t make this up because I NEVER would have...
by Melissa Stouffer | Jun 9, 2026 | All, New Teachers, The Sustainable Music Teacher
Don’t come at me. I’ve got some hot takes. Some of it’s for all of us, some of it is for new teachers. What’s your take? 1. Set Boundaries I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. I had ZERO boundaries before and it is SO easy...
by Melissa Stouffer | Jan 6, 2026 | All, Music Teacher Life, School Breaks, The Sustainable Music Teacher
Happy New Year! Semester breaks are a great place to reset things that went awry during a previous part of the year. January is all about resets so let’s look at a few things that you can quickly review at the new semester. Grading/Rubrics I know I’ve said...
by Melissa Stouffer | Dec 2, 2025 | All, Music Teacher Life, Season: Winter, The Sustainable Music Teacher
The closer it gets to holiday breaks, a lot of teachers lean into a little holiday fun, relaxing, extra crafts, movies, and parties, (don’t come for me, I know learning is still going on!!!), music teachers are often rushing to get MORE done because concerts....
by Melissa Stouffer | Sep 23, 2025 | All, The Sustainable Music Teacher
Imposter Syndrome can be debilitating for people. It’s something that lots of teachers can experience, especially when they are new, in a new position, or when confronted with new situations. Confession: I suffer from Imposter Syndrome. Heavily. We’ll talk...
