As a music instructor at P.S. 22 in Staten Island, NY, Gregg Breinberg has turned his classroom into a world-famous music workshop using just an Internet connection... and a dream. YouTube videos of his students singing current hits from Lady Gaga to Coldplay have been seen over 21 million times, his chorus has even sung for the First Family at the White House. Check out Breinberg's advice for making a difference in the classroom.
1. Shine a Light on Your Students
Putting students on YouTube isn't the only way to get parents' attention; Brienberg also started a blog and newsletter so parents can keep up to date on their childrens' progress, "so parents see the products of all their hard work."
"I think it's a matter of finding yourself
and knowing where you're meant to be."
2. Challenge the System
If you have an innovative, out-of-the-box idea like Breinberg did, put together a proposal for your administrators. "Get permission first," says Breinberg. "Say, 'Check this out,' and lay out the benefits to the kids, and to your school."
3. Teach With Passion
"I've always worked well with kids, and I've always loved music," Breinberg says. "Putting those two together inspires me to do great things. I think it's a matter of finding yourself -- and knowing where you're meant to be."
Find free blogs at Edublogs.org. To learn more about P.S. 22's choir, visit ps22chorus.blogspot.com. One of Breinberg's favorite sites: edutopia.org.
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