Levi Allison
Music Teacher • Chadwick International School • South Korea
How did you get into teaching?
I knew I wanted to teach music early on when I was in high school. I remember sitting in band class realizing how much I loved playing and making music with people and I started to think about what if I became a music teacher. I originally wanted to become a Band Director but during college I realized how much joy there was in Elementary Music. So due to the support of mentors and professors, I changed my focus and haven’t looked back. It has been a real pleasure to have made music with so many students around the world and hearing their perspectives and love for music.
Who was the K-12 teacher who made the greatest (positive) impact on your own life?
I had such incredibly supportive teachers growing up from working with me to better understand a new concept to just listening when having a bad day. When looking back I remember the teachers who knew their students were successes before they started teaching. They knew we could reach the sky so they supported us and pushed us to reach our goals. It was the teachers who were constantly checking in to see how I was doing and how my journey towards my goal was progressing. The saying, “They May Forget What You Said, But They Will Never Forget How You Made Them Feel” is incredibly true for me. This is what I try to bring into my own classroom each and every day. The Fish Philosophy of “Make Their Day” is something I truly believe creates a loving and supportive culture and allows students to flourish.
What is a professional inquiry you are currently pursuing?
I am currently exploring and trying various methods of assessments. Being a music teacher and having hundreds of students, I have always found assessment to be challenging to reach all learners and this is a practice I am repeatedly looking at and renewing. This inquiry has changed drastically since I started teaching and more so considering the pandemic, but the core of this inquiry is how to continually support students in a love of music as they stay the same. I’ve been reading Dylan William’s book “Formative Assessment” and trying new strategies to reach all students and meet them where they are at. This has been really helpful in giving students the wheel to their own learning journey with several rest-stop check-ins. Also, I am excited about Trevor Mackenzie’s new book, “Inquiry Mindset: Assessment Edition” and cannot wait to get my hands on it.
What is a personal inquiry you are currently pursuing?
I have recently gotten a Golden Retriever, Weston, and I am constantly looking for ways to better support his learning and growth. It has been such an amazing source of joy and laughter each and every day. I am continually looking into how I can physically and mentally stimulate him so he does not get bored and get into things he shouldn’t. I have several YouTube Channels that I subscribe to that I highly recommend:
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution
These three channels have really helped me be a better leader for my pup and try new things to keep us active.
Things I’d like to see changed for better?
Collaboration - I would love to see more collaboration happen within and outside of our own schools. Due to COVID-19, I have seen schools and teachers become so creative in how we stay connected within our community and I would love to see that continue for years to come. I would love to continue looking for connections across disciplines to make learning as intertwined as possible for our students. So many times, I find those connections after the fact and think what a missed opportunity.
Assessment - I have really started to look deeply into my personal “Why” of assessment and “How” I am assessing students. This has given me a lot of room for thought in the purpose of assessment and who it is for. I look forward to continuing breaking down the barriers of standards and outcomes to using these as a guide for deep genuine interactions with students.
Time Efficiency - Time is our most precious resource and it is often the most underutilized. I have wondered so many times how I could better use my time and use this planning template or this strategy to better use time. I am not sure what the answer is but it makes for a great inquiry for the future.
You gotta see this!
I am currently reading Jon Gordon’s “Energy Bus” and through that I found this video that I have listened to regularly to check my Power of Positivity.
Who’s next!
Lea Pedlow! Lea is an incredible educator and supportive colleague who constantly makes me think of new things and takes in new perspectives. I love anytime she joins #PYPchat and gives her perspective. You’ve been summoned, Lea. ;)