It’s a typical school day, the beginning of third period. Musical scales crescendo up and down with the tapping feet of students as they prepare to practice songs for the graduation ceremony in a couple of weeks. Pages are turned, instruments are cleaned, and the pieces of instruments are delicately twisted together to form fragile instruments of sound. Kids become excited as they take a deep breath before beginning their arpeggios, eager to find out what today’s lesson could possibly be. Meanwhile, soft undertones of a catchy tune float through the hallways and fall on lucky passerby’s ears. And to think all of this, began with a hope “to inspire kids.”
Bryan Munoz, the 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year, remarks how his passion for teaching all began with that idea. But, for him it’s not just about inspiring students, it’s about fostering growth in areas both inside and outside of the classroom. Sure, he works from seven to three as the high school music teacher, but the real understanding that accompanies his lessons takes place outside of the classroom.
Mr. Munoz began at East Noble two years ago in 2011 as the high school’s band teacher. However, he isn’t your typical band instructor; of course he makes sure everyone is on beat and in tune, but his teaching incorporates something more than just musical rhythm, it encompasses a rhythm of leadership as well. When kids come to class he doesn’t just want them to “…play music but…also learn how to be, you know, productive human beings.”
Lessons like this revolve around a sort of book study which Munoz integrates into his classroom- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. He finds that the sorts of lessons that emanate from this book don’t just prepare kids for their future but can be put into action in the classroom and out on the marching band field and in all aspects of the musical program for that matter. The lessons kids gain from class help them grow and prepare them for their careers outside of high school.
When asked what his goals were in the coming years, he responded with an idea that may strike some as modest, “We just keep pushing forward and keep driving the program forward.” At this point in his career, he is continuing to set a good foundation for the program, that way in five to ten years it will be more about sustaining the program rather than creating it.
Mr. Munoz’s talent and understanding as a teacher gives him the great charisma that makes him such a role model. His dedication and goal oriented mind set keep his students as well as himself motivated, and it is this perfect combination of characteristics that make him the Teacher of the Year.