In this episode of Teaching Channel Talks, Dr. Wendy Amato is joined by Katie Silcott, a Grammy-nominated music educator whose passion for spreading joy is reflected in her teaching philosophy. In this inspiring and delightful conversation, Wendy and Katie discuss the impact of teaching junior high, Katie’s experience being nominated for a Grammy, and share five key takeaways that both parents and teachers can use to support their middle schoolers.
Our Guest
Katie Silcott is a Grammy-nominated music educator passionate about spreading joy to her students every day. This is her 22nd year teaching and she is currently at Olentangy Shanahan Middle School in Lewis Center, OH. Over the past 14 years, she has presented clinics at three Ohio Music Educators Association Professional Conferences and is the Treble Honor Choir Chair for the Ohio Choral Directors Association. Her music teaching philosophy is centered around the idea that “music is for everyone!”
Our Host
Dr. Wendy Amato is the Chief Academic Officer at Teaching Channel’s parent company, K12 Coalition. Wendy earned her Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia. She holds an MBA from James Madison University. Wendy began teaching in 1991, has served as a Middle School Administrator, and still teaches at UVA’s School of Education. She has delivered teacher professional development workshops and student leadership workshops in the US and internationally. Wendy and her family live near Charlottesville, Virginia.
Resources for Continued Learning
Connect with Katie Silcott through her website, or on her social media!
In this episode, Katie Silcott talks about the Sunshine Ratio and shares five ways parents and educators can support their middle schoolers. Now, you can put the information into practice with this free downloadable!
During this discussion, Katie references the Cult of Pedagogy article, “Find Your Marigold: The One Essential Rule for New Teachers,” by Jennifer Gonzalez.