Who knew that this year would be as challenging, or even harder, than last year? In this session, participants will discuss practical solutions to prevent teacher burnout, and receive useful lessons and materials that can be immediately implemented in the elementary general music classroom.
Natasha Thurmon teaches Kindergarten through fifth grade general music, choir, strings, recorder, and Orff ensemble at Boldt Elementary School in the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. She has degrees from Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. She completed her Orff certification training at Trinity University in San Antonio, where she now teaches recorder. Thurmon is past president of the Central Texas Orff chapter, has served on several subcommittees for the American Orff Schulwerk Association (AOSA), and currently serves on the Recorder Teacher Apprenticeship Panel. She has presented numerous local and regional workshops, including for many Orff chapters. She has also presented at state conferences and the national AOSA conference. In addition to these many roles, Thurmon serves on the executive board and professional development committee for her local American Federation of Teachers association.