S7: E142 Book Series: A Place in the Staff with Jen Rafferty

Season Seven

Episode 142

Book Series: A Place in the Staff with Jen Rafferty

Presenter and author, Jen Rafferty began her career as a middle school music teacher in Central New York. Jen brings her energy, humor, and expertise to all professional development workshops. She is known for her practical ideas and passion in her presentations while inspiring teachers to stay connected to their “why.” Jen currently serves as the Co-chair of the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) Secondary Classroom Committee, member of the advocacy committee, and is the President of Cortland County Music Teachers Association. She earned a B.M. in music education and vocal performance, a M.M. in music education from Ithaca College and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in educational psychology.

Jen is frequently invited to conduct elementary and middle school choirs throughout New York State. Additionally, in 2020 she founded Sing Together, a national virtual singing community of singers of all ages and abilities. Her most recent publication is A Place in the Staff: Finding Your Way as a Music Teacher, available on Amazon.

The Afternoon Ti Guide to Teaching Music Book and Journal launched two weeks ago. It’s a great combination of reading and applying what you learn into practical, personal applications in your classroom. If you haven’t picked up your copy of the book or journal, check out my Instagram @highafternoonti for more information about what’s inside them! Then go to Fflat books for your e-book pdfs (Book and Journal) or Amazon for the paperback book and journal. Can’t wait for you to read and discover new ideas for teaching and growing.

In celebration of the launch of my first book, this month’s podcast episodes are going to focus on books by music educators that are out in the world and whose books I believe are important and need to be shared. Last week’s episode #141 was a chat with Jessica Peresta about her book “Make a Note: What you really need to know about teaching elementary music.” In today’s episode Jen Rafferty shares about her book “A Place in the Staff: Finding Your Way as a Music Teacher.” I loved the way Jen approaches music education and her relationships with students, families, and colleagues. There are so many takeaways in this episode so let’s jump right into the conversation with Jen.

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