​Council of Chief State School Offices. (2011, April). Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Model Core Teaching Standards: A Resource for State Dialogue. Washington, DC: Author.

​Council of Chief State School Offices. (2011, April). Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Model Core Teaching Standards: A Resource for State Dialogue. Washington, DC: Author.

InTASC Standard #10 embodies a culture centered on teamwork and collective accountability. Within this environment, the music teacher becomes multi-faceted, working hand in hand with students, families, colleagues, other professionals, and community members. As a music educator, one must realize the importance of families, colleagues, other professionals, and community members in regard to a student’s educational pathway. These mentors play a vital role in a student’s success, and music educators must actively cooperate with them to foster educational progress. Effective communication among all parties is essential to achieve the best possible outcome. It is vital that everyone shares responsibility for a child’s educational growth. This collaborative approach extends beyond the realm of music education, prioritizing the holistic development, learning and well-being of every student. It underscores that teachers don't operate in isolation but actively engage with a network of stakeholders who significantly contribute to the overall educational experience. Together, they cultivate an atmosphere where the seamless integration of musical knowledge and life skills takes the spotlight, nurturing not only musical excellence but also personal growth and community connections.

Being a private lessons teacher, I maintain regular communication with my students' parents to update them on a student’s progress and address any difficulties. In a classroom setting, I believe it's essential not only to engage with parents but also with fellow teachers and counselors involved in the student's life. This collaborative effort ensures a student's accountability and guides them effectively. As a student at Ball State, my classes have emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration with students, families, colleagues, and the community. It's not solely the teacher's responsibility for a student's growth; many individuals play a role. Teachers must connect with these stakeholders to provide the best education and care. In a string orchestra program, effective communication and collaboration are vital, especially for recruitment and retention. Family involvement encourages students to participate, and directors can leverage this by engaging parents and working closely with colleagues. Other classes have also highlighted how music educators communicate with various audiences, including students, parents, administrators, community members, and colleagues. Guiding students and keeping parents informed builds trust and support for music education, while communication with administration helps secure resources. Collaborating with colleagues and the community fosters support and growth opportunities. Ultimately, effective communication is key to building relationships, advocating for music education, and supporting student learning and development.

I am committed to nourishing my collaborative skills in the educational field. As a music educator, I firmly believe that working collaboratively with students, their families, fellow colleagues, other professionals, and community members is essential in ensuring the holistic development, learning, and overall well-being of my students. I understand that by building strong partnerships and sharing responsibilities, we can create a supportive and enriching environment for our students. Moving forward, I will continue to actively seek opportunities to engage with all stakeholders, share insights, and collectively contribute to the success of our students. This commitment to collaboration is central to my ongoing professional development and my dedication to providing the best educational experience for those I teach.  As a Ball State student, I aim to learn effective communication with key figures in a child's academic journey, observing how teachers collaborate with various individuals to support a student's success. I will work on communication skills, identify key individuals, and strive for alignment in helping the student. I intend to gain practical experience by communicating more with my private lesson students and potentially through student teaching.