The WMEA provides a book study program with the goal of enriching educators lives while also providing re-certification credit through PTSB OR Graduate Credit through the University of Wyoming.
The Joy of Inspired Teaching by Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
PREREQUISITE: Must be a current member of the Wyoming Music Educators Association / NAfME
- September 20, 2026 – START – Receive course assignment questions & framework for turning in assignments
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October 18, 2026: PART 1 Study Questions Due
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Participant answers made available to all course participants October 19th
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November 15, 2026: PART 2 Study Questions Due
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Participant answers made available to all course participants November 16th
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December 6, 2026: PART 3 Study Questions Due
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Participant answers made available to all course participants December 7th
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December 13, 2026: All Peer-to-Peer Responses & Final Due
This course is designed to support Wyoming music educators in reading, understanding, and applying the ideas presented in The Joy of Inspired Teaching by Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser.
Music educators face unique challenges. In addition to providing meaningful musical instruction, they often serve as mentors, community leaders, event producers, fundraisers, program advocates, and organizational managers. They collaborate with community members and booster organizations, produce musicals and plays, coordinate marching band shows and concerts, and manage extensive inventories. Within these many responsibilities, it can be easy to lose sight of the reasons they became music educators in the first place. This course invites educators to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the joy of teaching music. Participants will examine their personal philosophy of music education, consider how that philosophy influences classroom practices, and explore ways to create learning environments that inspire students to take ownership of their musical experiences. A central focus of the course will be inspiring leadership within the classroom. Educators will explore strategies for developing student ownership, responsibility, confidence, collaboration, and leadership while creating a culture in which students are empowered to contribute meaningfully to their ensembles and musical communities. Ultimately, this course is an opportunity for Wyoming music educators to step back from the demands of the profession, reconnect with their purpose, and discover practical ways to bring greater joy, inspiration, leadership, and intentionality into their teaching.
Participants will use Google Forms and Google Documents to answer book study questions. Participants are expected to read and respond to other book study participants’ answers. All course work is virtual and asynchronous. All assigned questions and peer to peer responses are due no later than December 13, 2026.
