Mr. Spear teaches many different classes. He teaches Madrigals, Concert Choir, Music Theory 1, Music Theory 2, and Jr. High Choir. His teaching all of these classes makes you wonder. How does he do it all? I had to find out. I asked him and two of his students questions about him and his class to try to get a deeper understanding of how he makes everything run so smoothly and how he makes it look so easy. I asked him 8 questions to see if I could understand.
One of his Jr. High students, named Cooper Pearce, goes on to say “We get to learn songs and we get to um hear what it sounds like when it all comes together and it sounds really cool when we all learn it.” and then later goes on to say “I like that he is very patient and he is very hardworking and we get alot done in his class” Based on his responses we can tell that he really does love choir, and Mr. Spear as a techer. While Mr. Spear does teach so many classes, his very attentive when it comes to changing how he teaches all of them. He tells me that “Teaching them is very different because of the energy and you know Jr. High can’t sustain a task for as long.” but when it actually comes to preparing for the classes “I study the music, I write out a step by step plan of what I want to do, I make slideds, I do alot of kind of the same things for both levels .”
I really do admire his way of teaching because many teachers couldn’t handle the amount of work and stress that he undergoes. According to Abigail Lueking who is one of his High School Madrigal students, “I think he is so opening, even if you may think that you aren’t the best, he still always encourages you and shows you are better than you think.” The way he takes the time to get to know his students and genuinely cares about them makes for a really safe and welcoming learning environment.
Mr. Spear always makes sure that he’s on top of his communication skills. Communication is very important when it comes to doing so many things at once. For example, letting his students know that something personal came up, so the rehearsal will be rescheduled. He also lets his students know when he will not be out of school, and how they can contact and reach him if they need his help. Also, working this out with his family is a big struggle. “We have a family calendar that we put everything on,” said Mr. Spear. His efforts are really inspiring because he tries to work everything out with his family and students early so that things run smoothly and not many things have to be rescheduled.
Pearce and Lueking had both stated that “He treats all of us the way that we should be treated and with a lot of respect.” The fact that Mr. Spear is able to make his students, who are at such different ages and classes, feel so respected is very impressive. While being stressed out, some of us forget that there are other people around, but Mr. Spear always put his students first.
Spear spends so much time at school, either grading, helping students, or even going to meetings. The massive time dedication it takes to do what he does, while also still making time for his family and friends, is very hard. He tells me that “My recent thing that I’ve tried is to not do any work Friday night to Saturday night, if possible. I at least try to set those 24 hours aside just for my family.”
The hard work and dedication that Mr. Spear puts into his job should be admired. It is a major commitment, but he is still there for his students and his family. He makes a great teacher, husband, and dad. Based on all of this, maybe next time you see him or another teacher, tell them thank you and that you appreciate all that they do, because most of the time, teachers never get enough credit.
