Teaching in 2026

akintsucrooner

To my fellow educators: I continue to be interested in the habits of varied generations and how our formative experiences have influenced our working life and vocational hygiene. I believe so much growth could evolve from bridging our vintage gaps. In the field of teaching, I think it would be extremely valuable to pragmatically unpack best practices regarding classroom management, student rapport, and overall climate. As an early Gen X, I am curious about the first hand experiences of older teachers as they attempt to adapt to the changing pedagogical winds. I love being a musical conduit for young folk but aspire to cultivate the resilience needed as an educator in 2026. EAP 7.31.2026 #akintsucrooner

The Silents (1928-45)
Key characteristics

Marrying and having children young
Strong work ethic
Deep respect for authority
Tendency for loyalty to family, company, and country

Boomers (1946-64)
Key characteristics

Commitment to career and financial success
More traditional in approach to work and education
Slower to adapt to new technology

Generation X (1965-79)
Key characteristics

Independent, resourceful, and self-reliant
Strong focus on work-life balance
Skeptical and resistant to authority


Millennials (1980-94)
Key characteristics

Tech-savvy
Seek immediate feedback and opportunities for growth
Highly collaborative and adaptable
Value experience over possessions

Generation Z (1995-2012)
Key characteristics

Digital natives
Expect transparency and authenticity everywhere
Inclusion should be the norm
Desire stability and structure

https://home.edweb.net/how-generational-trends-influence-teachers-learners/

Music Teacher

akintsucrooner

Today I received an incredibly thoughtful message from Joseph Daniel. He was one of my former music students at Clissold School in Chicago in the 1990s and is now a Chicago fireman. Thank you for your service🙏🏻 . He spoke appreciatively about all of the music he learned as a rambunctious youngster and shared the fun active video below of the do mi so mi do triad warmup I still do with the kids today. I can truthfully say teaching is harder than it has ever been. It does not resemble my first year of teaching in 1991. I adore sharing in the music growth of young musicians but all that comes along with in it in 2026 is not for the weary. Receiving a message like this from a former student and positive impact made means more than I can articulate. As a self proclaimed bozo on the bus in the circus of life, I am grateful for these special moments. #musiceducator #clissoldschool #Connection

Bonnet Time

akintsucrooner

Currently, I am trying on bonnets after breaking bread at the magical restaurant that is Clearfield Dutch Pantry; a zagat version of Cracker Barrel if you will imho.

There are no goth style bonnets sadly and I feel ridiculous wearing this snug hair covering on my generous dome.

However, I did get a senior discount on my kielbasa, sauerkraut, marble rye, and shoo fly pie for being over 55. Wheeee!!

#vacationmode #Pennsylvania #DutchPantry #shooflypie #gothbonnetanyone

Brunnhilde Coaching 7.9.2026

akintsucrooner

Grateful for a super helpful vocal coaching with Oleg Bellini on act 2 brunnhilde walkure aria and the act 2 duet with Siegmund. I especially appreciated his coaching from the podium perspective. I annotated some of the constructive and thoughtful session takeaways as I implement into my muscle memory:  

  1. Find the tempo framework without being only the tempo. 
  2. Sustain through the phrases sans rushing. 
  3. Match with the orchestra part; woodshed orchestra checkpoint and references. 
  4. Find the breadth and stretch of Brunnhilde phrases as juxtaposed with the heroically driven Siegmund Joseph ❤️
  5. Unpack specific iconic Wagner thematic moments so embedded in the score to find most efficient musical coherence. 
  6. Relax my war cry in the beast that is Brunnhilde’s act 2 aria and finding steady continuous circular movement especially with the coloratura written B5 and C6. 
  7. And as always my work in progress: taking time for the text as the meaning informs and connects musically. #singer #opera #coaching #walkure #wagner