Bronco Spotlight: Sadarra Fields
Bachelor of Arts, music education, 2016
6-8th Grade Choir and Theatre Teacher at Forsythe Middle School in Ann Arbor
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is performances and Christmas time. My students are always so proud of themselves after a performance. I love seeing their excitement. Christmas time is also rewarding because that's when I get lots of gifts and heartfelt cards from my students thanking me for teaching them or telling me that my class is their safe place. It's the best feeling.
The most challenging part of my job is teaching three different subjects. One quarter out of the year, I teach a piano-guitar class. Planning three different subjects for three different grade levels is a lot. In a perfect world, I would teach only choir.
If you had a campus job or internship, how did they impact your career development?
My intern teaching was by far the most impactful experience of my undergrad studies. I worked with an intern teacher for an entire semester and was able to experience first hand what it really was to be a teacher. So many things I use in my classroom is taken from my intern teacher. I felt adequately prepared and even confident because of my intern experience.
What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?
The advice I'd give someone pursuing music-ed may come off as pessimistic but I feel it needs to be said. When I was in college, I dreamt of my ideal choral program. No one told me I'd have to teach non-choir classes. No one told me I'd be competing against the band and orchestra's bigger classes. I just want future music-ed students to know that you will most likely have to teach something you didn't plan to for a few years. However, if you stick with it, over time you'll be able to build your ideal program. Also, administration support is SO IMPORTANT. You won't get very far without it. Make sure you choose a school that has a Principle who is supportive of the arts.