How can we help music educators who struggle with high levels of occupational stress and burnout? Decades of medical research suggest that mindfulness-based interventions can increase well-being and reduce stress. This article provides an overview of mindfulness practice and a series of mindfulness-based strategies to help music educators manage…

There is so much to learn about each branch of music education that most teachers continue on a narrow path throughout their careers. Since Henry Ford started the first mass-production assembly line in the early 1900s, there has been a tendency for people in American society to specialize, and some educational leaders strongly recommend that…

Discusses sources of stress for music teachers and offers tips for coping with it. Relaxation exercises, physical exercise, and a change of environment are recommended. Teachers should realistically assess their abilities and career prospects. (AM)

A music teacher talks about the hard lessons he learned in his first year of teaching in a small, rural, elementary and secondary school. Student discipline problems, poor class attendance, exhaustion, and problems with parents reduced his initial idealism and optimism. (RM)

Introduces the article for this issue's special focus on the life cycle of a music teacher. Focuses on major areas of concern for music educators, such as student teaching, mentoring, lifelong learning, burnout, self-reflection, and self-analysis. (CMK)

Describes a five-step pattern of burnout and discusses various stress factors that can contribute to burnout. Explores solutions to burnout, such as keeping a balance in life, exercising, and relaxation. Includes sections on balanced breathing, imagery relaxation, and resources for stress reduction. (CMK)

Suggests strategies for dealing with job stress and for prolonging career satisfaction. Stresses time management as a prime coping tool. Encourages reviewing objectives, and planning and setting priorities. Points out value of good physical health to development of mental fitness. (LS)

Observes that master music teachers' intensity and commitment make them good candidates for burnout. Reports on contributing factors mentioned by music teachers: lack of recognition and support, unclear goals, poor curricular coordination, and poor working conditions. Offers suggestions for combating burnout including exercise, networking with…

Asserts that music teachers often have less than ideal teaching situations that may result in lowered teacher morale. Contends that music teachers must choose to improve morale by becoming more involved in school activities. Provides suggestions for improving one's individual morale and the perceptions of teaching colleagues toward music teachers.…

Contends that one of the most important concerns of preservice teachers centers around the potential of teacher burnout. Discusses issues related to recognizing and remedying teacher burnout. Provides a 12-item bibliography of selected readings on the subject. (CFR)

Asserts that beginning teachers frequently have difficulties working with students, colleagues, and in the school environment. Provides a list of "Do's" and "Don't's" for a successful introduction of their instructional techniques, policies, and expectations. Argues that a positive attitude and total involvement in their work are essential. (CFR)

Discusses the benefits and effects of music teacher empowerment. Concludes that additional skills, knowledge, and professionalism will be necessary to successfully teach music in an empowered setting without losing sight of the students' larger interests. Urges that music education programs for training teachers be expanded to include critical…