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Each month, the community nominates their favorite teachers and educators from the St. Louis region to be the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Teacher of the Month. March’s winner is Megan Heithaus, an orchestra teacher at Rogers Middle School and Affton High School in the Affton School District. Mrs. Heithaus received a $250 gift card courtesy ofÌý.

Describe your teaching experience.

I have been teaching public school orchestras for almost 13 years, but I started teaching private lessons in high school. My first job teaching orchestras was in Sikeston, MO where I taught for eight years before moving to St. Louis. However, I would not be here today if it wasn’t for Beth Schmiedeke, my high school orchestra teacher, and Gay French, a retired orchestra teacher from Sikeston that mentored me at the beginning of my teaching career.

Share your favorite parts of your classes.

I love selecting music and rehearsing with students. My favorite piece of music to teach my students is Dragonhunter by Richard Meyer. It’s fun to play and everyone always loves it! I also find it rewarding to see the students come to love orchestra as much as I do and to create something beautiful as a team. I love seeing students feel safe enough to express their genuine selves, both as people and musicians.

What is your teaching style?

There is a lot of demonstration involved, but I also help students walk through the process of something new and provide verbal instruction. Teaching a musical ensemble requires constant feedback throughout the class, and I do not sugarcoat things when providing feedback. However, I try to make my class fun with silly exercises to encourage learning. I also select music we all enjoy. When listening to a piece I love so much, I get them as hyped as I am. Just like my students can completely be themselves, I can also be myself while teaching and providing feedback.

What are some of your proudest moments as a music educator?

I am extremely proud of the growth students have made in the past year and a half I have been teaching in Affton. Although we’re still improving and growing in numbers, the program is moving in the right direction. I have had many students continue music in college with some choosing a career in music. When a student loves music enough to continue performing after high school, I feel I have reached my goal of instilling that love of music.

How do you feel about being honored as Teacher of the Month?

I am incredibly flattered and honored. I am still in shock that I have been selected for this award. It feels great to have recognition for all the hard work I do and the opportunities I provide for the students.

To nominate a teacher of the month, visit .

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