Tips From the Frontline: Suggestions on Making it Through the 1st Year

Workshop Number: 35

Presenter:
Brandon Meeks, TF Alumnus

Description:
This session will provide fellows with tips on how to survive the 1st year BEYOND the standard knowledge of curriculum and classroom management skills. Fellows will learn, from a first year teacher, things that are not taught in the standard teacher preparation program, but are vital skills in order to succeed in the classroom. Some tips/suggestions include the reality of how to obtain a job in the current economic state of education, new teacher state requirements, and how to remain motivated to stay in the profession.

Curricular Areas:
All

Presenter Details:
Brandon Meeks is currently in his first year as the Director of Bands at East Lincoln Middle School located in Iron Station, NC, and the Assistant Director of Bands at East Lincoln High School located in Denver, NC. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Western Carolina University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education with a concentration in Instrumental Music. While at Western, he marched in the 300 member Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Horn Choir, Horn Quartet, and Symphony Orchestra. He is also a NC Teaching Fellow. Since coming to East Lincoln Middle School, Mr. Meeks has changed the face of the band program by growing the program from 50 students to over 100 students, and by making band a valuable asset to the school community. Mr. Meeks is originally from Charlotte, NC, but now resides in Denver, NC.