Session Proposals

Christopher M. Baumgartner is Professor of Music Education at the University of Oklahoma where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education, supervises music student teachers and graduate music education research, and directs the OU New Horizons Band program. Dr. Baumgartner also serves as Associate Director and Graduate Coordinator for the School of Music. Dr. Baumgartner routinely presents at state, national, and international conferences, focusing on music student teaching, instrumental music methods and rehearsal techniques, community music, and music teacher mentoring. His research appears in various music education journals and his solo text, "Bridging the Gap: Stories for Music Student Teaching Seminar" (2023), is published by Conway Publications. Dr. Baumgartner currently serves as President for the Southwestern Division of NAfME and was recently appointed Chair-Elect of the Society for Music Teacher Education. In Oklahoma, he founded the OkMEA Mentorship program, where he designed and initiated a statewide music mentoring program and Beginning Teacher Workshop (now the Start Up Summit).

Veteran music educators oftentimes are leaned on to serve as mentors for new/early-career colleagues. Despite years of experience in education, teaching adults can be much different than teaching kids. How do new teachers learn? What do they need? How can experienced educators most effectively help our newest colleagues develop and grow, all while “thriving” and not just “surviving?” Come share your mentoring experiences (what has/hasn’t worked), learn some practical techniques, and engage with your peers to build your mentoring skillset.

• Mentorship/Beginning Teachers