As applied in my Internship:

INTASC standard #3 is one of the most important standards for a student's education. In order for the student to succeed, the student must know that they are ensured a safe, accepting, and supportive environment. This type of learning environment is completely reliant on the teacher. My philosophy is that music is a universal language. Music breaks down barriers and connects people from different walks of life. Therefore, as a music educator it is my belief that I am responsible for encouraging the spread of my philosophy. Choirs naturally allow for people of different cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles to come together for the sake of music. During my internship I encouraged my students to always think positively. The school I was at had a reputation for being secondary to their rival school. The students thought negatively on the program stating that they didn't believe they could be as good as the rival school. This often caused frustration among the students with some not caring enough to try their best, and others resenting those that were holding the choir back from improving. I had to facilitate an environment where I brought the two students together. This was often done through encouragement during rehearsal and individual conversations with both types of students. Sight-singing procedures was a point of convergence where students had to learn to accept each other and work together for the betterment of the choir. Self-motivation, encouragement, and teaching acceptance was a new concept for me during my internship. I came from a high school and collegiate experience where those aspects were not considered a problem. When I start teaching I will continue to encourage my students to support one another while facilitating a safe learning environment for all my students.

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