Interview with a Teacher

Last week, I had the pleasure of sitting down to speak with a local elementary school teacher. Read this interview with a teacher to explore her thoughts on education, culture, music, and how they work together to make what is, in her opinion, the best job in the world.

Please introduce yourself to the readers.

My name is Rita McLaughlin and I am an elementary school music and choral teacher. I teach at the Murkland School in Lowell. I’ve been teaching in Lowell for almost thirty years.

Have you continued your studies after you started teaching?

Teaching is dynamic, and I frequently update curriculum to stay current and keep things fresh. I’ve taken many classes over the years to create more effective curriculums. Most recently, I earned my Masters Degree in Education in Arts and Learning from Endicott College. I’ve also taken different courses in World Music Drumming, and Cambodian culture and music. It’s opened up new avenues for me to reach kids.

What is your favorite part of being a teacher?

It’s when a child’s eyes light up, or when they say something like “Oh, now I get it” and the light goes on. When kids understand they’ve learned something new and they’re happy about it. Helping the kids to learn about themselves and the world through music is my favorite part.

What is the hardest part of being a teacher?

The hardest part is meeting children’s emotional needs. There are so many needs and only one me. We have many wonderful programs at our school, but they aren’t enough. Kids can suffer trauma, neglect, poverty, it’s never-ending and it’s sometimes hard to focus on the positive when you have children in your classes every day who aren’t prepared to learn that day. Because you know if they were healthy and happy, they wouldn’t act out in negative ways. It’s an ongoing challenge to engage all learners, every day.

Can you tell me what the most interesting or rewarding part of your career is?

One of the things I’ve been lucky to pursue in order to bring authentic experiences of music to my students is that I’ve traveled twice now to Southeast Asia. I’ve been able to learn in depth about the Vietnamese and Cambodian cultures, so I now have primary sources in my classroom, including instruments, costumes, and books, which allow me to teach with surer knowledge. It’s also allowed me help my students explore what is, for many of them, their own culture. Some of these children have never had experience with these instruments, so it’s very rewarding to help them connect to their own culture in the diaspora.

What is something you wish your students knew? 

How happy it makes me when they work hard to make beautiful music. I tell them all the time, so I think they know that already.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services