Monica Awbrey, Early Childhood Music Teacher
"Music is sometimes more powerful than words, touching people deeply. Teaching others to express themselves with music is my motivation and my inspiration."
What motivated and inspired you to teach?
I am passionate about sharing what I love with others. Music is sometimes more powerful than words, touching people deeply. Teaching others to express themselves with music is my motivation and my inspiration.
What makes you excited to come to school every day?
There is joy for learning all around me. Bright eyes shining with curiosity greet me at the door. Colleagues who continuously challenge themselves and others to grow energize our school and I love being a part of that.
What life lesson do you want your students to learn in your classroom?
I have some simple values that guide our classroom culture. Be kind. Listen. Be helpful to others. These basic tenets of respect can pave the way to building relationships with others. Looking out for everyone will help our students make a difference in the world.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself!
I love to travel. Growing up, I lived in seven different countries. When I get free time, I can't wait to explore new adventures with my family.
What is your favorite book and why?
It is really hard to choose a favorite book because I love to read and I am always looking for something new to dive into. Right now, I am reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. The novel explores the women's side of the war, showing the heartbreak and resilience of the human spirit during this difficult time. The strength of building relationships is present and powerful in this book.
If you could have dinner with three people, alive or not, who would they be and why?
I would love to have dinner with Lin Manuel Miranda, who wrote the musical Hamilton. I would invite Alexander and Eliza Hamilton and I would love to hear what they think of the musical and how their story is told. I wonder if they could even imagine that we would be telling their story in our modern style and time.