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Go and Shine!

Part 1: Nine Strategies for

Cultivating a Positive Mindset

ELIZABETH WEISMEHL

Elizabeth Weismehl teaches general music and choir to recordings, for example). When I was interviewing for my
grades K-5 at Avoca West School in Avoca District 37 in current job fourteen years ago—in a district known for
Glenview, Illinois. technology—and I was asked about my weaknesses, lack
of technological skills was the first thing that came to mind.
Author’s Note: I was asking students for celebratory words, and this My classes and rehearsals had always been a place for stu-
was a third grader’s response. I was inspired to use it as the title for dents to get away from computers. When the pandemic be-
this article, as this is my hope for you. gan in 2020, my mindset imploded, as it became apparent
that we were on the verge of a new way of teaching—one
in which technology would play a critical role. I was not
Joy and gratitude are all around us if we pay attention. prepared.
Focusing on joy and gratitude can lead to a more vibrant, By the end of the school year, I was grieving the loss of
purposeful, and fulfilling life, including improved physical singing with others and felt stuck as to how to teach music
and mental well-being and increased creativity. According and sing remotely the following year. I did not have the
to mindfulness practitioner, teacher, educator, and scientist energy to think about teaching in this new reality, and I
Patricia Jennings, gratitude impacts the level of teacher considered leaving the profession. If I was to be an effective
burnout. The purpose of this two-part article is to provide teacher, something needed to change.
1
strategies for finding joy by practicing gratitude and positiv- That summer, I took two classes: “Technology for the
ity. Here in part one, we will first focus on exploring mind- General Music Educator and More!” and “Mindfulness
fulness and practicing gratitude for our own benefit. In part for the Music Educator,” a course offered for the first time
two, I will share strategies for use with students. taught by Dr. Matthew Arau (author of Upbeat! Mindset,
Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education, Associate Pro-
fessor of Music, Chair of Music Education and Associate
A Mindset Shift Director of Bands at Lawrence University in Appleton,
I always believed that, in general, technology had a Wisconsin and President, Founder, and CEO of Upbeat
limited role in elementary music and choir (playing audio Global).

ChorTeach Volume 15 • Issue 3 16 Spring 2023