Lessons from the Field: Interview with Pete Tambroni

This post is part of the Teachers Certification Map’s “lessons from the field”, a series of posts featuring passionate, inspiring educators from across the country discussing some of the lessons that they have learned over the years that would help young teachers as they embark on their careers.

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Pete Tambroni teaches orchestra in suburban Chicago, and has been teaching for 13 years.

Below is our interview with Pete:

What inspired you to teach?

My high school music teacher. I didn’t know what I wanted to do and he posed the question , “What would you do for free?” Teaching music was the answer for me.

What classroom methods are most helpful in pushing students towards their goals?

Fostering intrinsic motivation. And rather than ‘push’ I think of pulling in the right direction. Push and they push back. Pull and they follow.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known when you started in the classroom?

I felt quite prepared with my education from the Crane School of Music. However at some jobs where the students are issued concert uniforms I was at a bit of a loss in dealing with the process and sizing students. Also – learn to sew buttons on!

What skills could more developed if you were to enroll in a teacher training program?

I did my masters in double bass performance. I want to be the best performer I can be not only for personal reasons but also to help and inspire my students.

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Do you know someone with great insights to share with young teachers, or do you want to be considered for an interview? If so, please email us at hello@certificationmap.com.

This is a guest post from our journalist Alex J. Mann.  You can subscribe to his blog here and follow him on Twitter here.