PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Stephanie Nantel, Senior Director of Programs at Education Through Music
2:04:12
ยท
3 min
Stephanie Nantel from Education Through Music (ETM) testified about their organization's role in workforce development for music teachers in New York City public schools. She highlighted ETM's efforts to address the shortage of qualified music educators, particularly in underserved schools, through their teacher training and certification programs.
- ETM partners with 55 schools, supporting 20,000 students annually across all five boroughs of New York City.
- The organization offers professional development, mentorship, and certification assistance to prepare music educators for teaching in diverse, high-need schools.
- ETM's initiatives aim to create stable career opportunities for aspiring music teachers while expanding access to music education in underserved schools.
Stephanie Nantel
2:04:12
Good afternoon.
2:04:13
Thank you to chair Rivera and the city council for the opportunity to testify today.
2:04:17
My name is Stephanie Nantel, and I am the senior director of programs at Education Through Music, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing music education to underserved students and under resourced schools in New York City.
2:04:29
For over 30 years, ETM has been committed to improving the quality of education in New York City public schools by integrating music education into the core curriculum.
2:04:39
E Team partners with 55 schools to support 20,000 students each year in all 5 boroughs in almost every community in New York City.
2:04:47
We provide trained teachers, instruments, a comprehensive music curriculum, and 100 hours of teacher professional development to ensure a thriving music program at all of our partner schools.
2:04:59
Today, I'm here to highlight our role in workforce development for music teachers and our efforts to help them achieve certification to teach in New York City public school system.
2:05:08
The shortage of qualified music educators in New York City schools is a significant barrier to equitable access to arts education.
2:05:15
According to the most recent New York City Department of Education annual arts in schools report, over 700 New York City public schools still do not have a music teacher.
2:05:24
And sadly, the children at these schools are overwhelmingly low income and children of color.
2:05:29
ETM directly addresses this challenge challenge by providing quality teachers because of our robust professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and a clear pathway for aspiring teachers to achieve state certification.
2:05:41
Through our workforce development initiatives, we aim not only to prepare exceptional music educators, but to create stable, fulfilling career opportunities for individuals passionate about teaching in the arts.
2:05:51
Our teacher training and certification programs are designed to meet the needs of educators at various stages of their careers.
2:05:57
This includes professional development.
2:06:00
E Team offers extensive training in music pedagogy, classroom management, and culturally responsive teaching practices.
2:06:06
Our workshops and seminars are tailored to prepare teachers for the unique challenges of working at a diverse high need schools.
2:06:12
Mentorship and support.
2:06:13
Each teacher in our program is paired with a dedicated mentor, an experienced music educator who provides guidance, feedback, and encouragement.
2:06:21
The mentorship ensures that our teachers are well equipped to inspire and engage students.
2:06:26
Certification assistance.
2:06:28
ETM collaborates with higher education institutions and other stakeholders to help teachers navigate the certification process, including meeting New York State requirements and passing necessary exams.
2:06:38
Our support system includes test preparation, coursework recommendations, and financial assistance for all fees.
2:06:44
We thank city council for prioritizing arts education and continuing to support initiatives that strengthen the workforce development and opportunities for teachers.
2:06:52
We look forward to continuing our partnership with the city council to allow programs like ours to help provide more teachers with the opportunity for training and certification support, which will help expand access to music education to more underserved schools.
2:07:04
Together, we can ensure that every child in New York City has the transformative power of music education while also building a strong and diverse workforce of skilled educators.
2:07:13
Thank you.