Turner Woods Elementary School music teacher Lacey Chaney received the My Teacher Is Tops honor after one of her chorus students, Ashbie Moseley, nominated her for the recognition. Yahoo reported the information about the surprise classroom visit.
Chaney is in her 11th year of teaching and her first at Turner Woods, having spent her first 10 years in another district after moving from Alabama to Georgia to teach elementary music. She said she once considered nursing and then high school English before her own high school choral director encouraged her to try music education, which she fell in love with.
In her classroom, students learn through folk songs, games and rhythm sticks. Chaney said her top goal is to give students hands-on childhood experiences that do not involve a screen, getting them into their bodies and voices. She said the most rewarding part of the job is seeing students who may struggle in other areas find their place in music and excel.
Chaney’s chorus, including Ashbie, was scheduled to perform at the school’s Veterans Day program. She advised new teachers to surround themselves with supportive colleagues who help them grow.
For more information, visit yahoo.com.