Just in Time Music Education Mentoring Network

Music teachers may spend hours surrounded by sound — yet the work can feel surprisingly solitary. Between rehearsals, performances, and lesson prep, it’s easy to stay tucked away in our own rooms. But thriving in teaching requires harmony not only with our students, but also with our colleagues.

Why Professional Relationships Matter

Early-career teachers often cite feelings of isolation as one of their biggest challenges. New teachers who connect with mentors and peers — even informally — often increase their confidence and resilience through finding mentorship and collaboration. Professional development is not always a formal event, but comes from daily guidance and support from those you work with. Strong relationships between teachers, students, and colleagues can also foster an environment for students which increases their academic achievement, motivation, and serves to increase teacher job satisfaction.

Start with Simple Acts of Presence

Eat lunch in the staff room once a week. Say hello in the hallway. Sit in on another teacher’s class. Introduce yourself to someone before a faculty meeting. These small steps open doors. Being present and providing positive support goes a long way. I had a principal who would write small notes of encouragement to teachers when he saw them doing the small things that made the culture of our school better. Through that, I learned that I could impact my peers by doing the same thing.

Seek out Professional Mentors and Allies

Find a veteran teacher, a fellow music educator, or even a non-arts colleague who can offer insight, support, or feedback. Ask questions and listen carefully to their responses. You never know – a math teacher may know something about how to motivate reluctant learners that you can use in the music classroom. Utilize your professional connections to help you find the support you need.

Collaborate Creatively

Look for low-stakes ways to connect your work with others: perhaps the visual arts teacher is willing to set up an art show at your next concert. Interdisciplinary projects can help students connect more deeply with their learning, and can be adapted depending on the age level of the student. Work with the history teacher on the musical influences of a time period; science teacher on the physics of musical instruments and sound; ELA teacher to compare musical storytelling to themes and narrative or writing lyrics. Whatever you find to do,
Work together to create a clear, maker sure that there is a shared vision with clear goals for your collaborative projects to ensure both teachers feel ownership (see the post on team teaching for more tips). 

Maintain Mutual Support

Offer to sub during someone’s duty. Celebrate a colleague’s success. A culture of reciprocity builds trust across departments. When you attend professional development events, share what you have learned. Ask for feedback in your classroom. Share what you admire about a colleague’s work. It can be easy to complain about what others don’t do well, so look for the good and call it out.

Final Thoughts

Building relationships with your peers and colleagues takes time and energy. Finding ways to be a part of the school community can increase job satisfaction and help solidify a warm and welcoming environment for students, as teachers model what healthy professional collaborations can look like.

👉 What collegial relationships have you found to be most helpful as you started teaching? Share your experiences—I’d love to hear them!