Teacher of the Year
Lindslee Kerr, Bob Lewis Elementary Music Teacher, has inspired her passion of music to students for 32 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and German, a Masters of Music and a Mid-Management Certification. This Fulbright Scholarship recipient has assisted countless individuals, both students and educators, in the Northside Independent School District for the past 19 years. Six years ago, Ms. Kerr implemented the music program for Bob Lewis Elementary. In doing so, she did a phenomenal job of setting up not only a school based balanced music instruction program, but extra curricular programs as well. While at Lewis, she has mentored fellow staff members, student observers and student teachers. She is the director of the unique percussion group called LEAP (Lewis Elementary Arts Performers). She has spent endless hours directing children in strings as well as a featured combined choir called the Lyrical Leopards. To ensure she is educating children in the best manner, Ms. Kerr has attended numerous trainings. She has participated in Orff Approach in Austria . She has also trained in the Kodaly Approach in Hungary . Using her learned strategies, she decided to become an instructor in the Orff approach. She has instructed at the University of Houston , University of Texas-Brownsville and Trinity University . She is always willing to support our local NISD teachers as well. Fellow colleague music teacher, Gaby Montoya Stier states, “Northside Music Teachers, including myself, have greatly benefited from Lindslee's creativity and extensive knowledge of music education, especially using the Orff approach.” Aside from training teachers, Ms. Kerr has co-authored and contributed to elementary music curriculums for three school districts, one of them being NISD. She has been a clinician for staff development workshops throughout the state. Last year, Ms. Kerr was an invited clinician for the Texas Music Education Conference. Ms. Kerr is a member of many professional organizations such as American Orff Schulwerk Association, Gulf Coast Orff, Central Texas Orff and Texas Music Education Association. Energetic is a word quite often used by those who have been fortunate enough to have observed Ms. Kerr's amazing teaching style. It is not uncommon to view dancing, instrument playing and singing while teaching is occurring. She has the ability to transfer her love for music to students and peers. Her spark and enthusiastic approach encourages students to pay attention and to accomplish challenging musical pieces with pride and joy. Previous colleague, Martha McGowen states, “Her LEAP and choir groups are more than I could have ever imagined. I would have never thought they could pull off the music she had chosen with such expertise. They did it with joy! She believes in her students and knows that if she expects great things, they could achieve anything they put their mind to.” She always dedicates herself to put forth her best efforts to ensure that skills are not just being taught, but they are being mastered. Students naturally pay attention to Ms. Kerr. Students are always eager to participate in Ms. Kerr's classroom environment. “We have fun and we do a lot of music and instruments. We may not know the instrument but she teaches you the name and how to do the sound effects.” “Ms. Kerr is such a good teacher. She explains things well. She is the best music teacher we have ever had.” -Fifth Grader “She encourages us to sing and to sing loud. She is wonderful and always teaches us how to learn. She makes learning so much fun.” - Fourth Grade Choir Member “Ms. Kerr teaches me how to actually use my voice in a very nice way.” Ms. Kerr has often volunteered time and efforts to her professional organizations, at times holding officer positions. She is always willing to arrange community service performances for her LEAP, Strings, and Choir Groups. Recent performances include the Los Leones Student Arts Festival and trips to local nursing homes. She was recently honored to be asked to have the Lewis Lyrical Leopards Choir perform at the 2007 NISD Teacher of the Year Celebration Ceremony. She has also taught private piano lessons to many children and adults in our community. David Cane, NISD Music Supervisor, best summarized Ms. Kerr's talents by stating, “Ms. Kerr is always willing to share ideas with others. She doesn't want to take all of the glory regarding projects. She has brought energy to teaching with a ‘learning as you go' approach. She is creative and willing to carry out ideas. She takes an idea and runs with it. She is a dreamer and a class act.” Sharon Browne, Bob Lewis Principal, quotes, “When I became principal at Lewis, Ms. Kerr was one of the first teachers I chose to open the new school. Since Mr. Bob Lewis (our school's namesake), was a musician, having a quality music program was a priority. Ms. Kerr exceeded my expectations in presenting an excellent dedication program and continued with developing an outstanding music program for our school. During our first year, Ms. Kerr spent time teaching students to be a good audience. This tradition has continued. Our students are often complimented for their good behavior during large group presentations. She not only teaches students a love for music but also teaches good citizenship. Ms. Kerr's legacy will live on in the programs and standards she has established.” Parents express thoughts such as, “All three of my children have had Ms. Kerr for a music teacher and loved going to her class. One of my children was able to participate in Choir, Strings, and LEAP. Ms. Kerr is a wonderful and versatile musician who is really in tune with children and is able to give them the gift of music that they can take with them for life. All of my children have stayed in music, and I have Ms. Kerr to thank.” “Mrs. Kerr has been an excellent music teacher for all three of my children. They all learned that not only can music be enjoyed by everyone – but that kids can make the music. I give credit to Ms. Kerr for their enthusiasm for music and for encouraging children to develop their talents.” Lila Owens, Lewis Art Teacher, has teamed with Ms. Kerr on many occasions. “I am always amazed at the perseverance that Ms. Kerr demonstrates throughout all of her endeavors. The dedication program, which included the school song written by Ms. Kerr, “Step in Time”, was placed as a benchmark for following dedications to come. She is the best.” Bob Lewis, Former NISD Music Educator and School Namesake, comments, “Her wonderful musical talent and ability to get students of all grade levels to participate enthusiastically is second to none. Of all of the elementary music teachers I have known throughout the years, I've never known a finer teacher than Ms. Kerr.” Lindslee Kerr wants to reach every child and instill a love for music in everyone she teaches. With her love, care, time, talent, and encouragement, she produces great music and great musicians. She believes in music and in children. There is no stopping Ms. Kerr when she is committed to such teaching excellence.
|
Mrs. Lindslee Kerr 
