The school year is off to a fantastic start! In addition to new families, we’re also welcoming new staff to the Wolf School community and returning staff to new roles! This month, we’re introducing you to Monique. While this isn’t her first year at Wolf (Monique joined us last year as a TA), this is her first year as Wolf’s Music Teacher! Read more about Monique in this month’s We Are Wolf interview!
1. Can you briefly tell us about your background before coming to Wolf?
After graduating from Salve Regina with a B.A. in Theater and English, I then attended Emerson College where I received my Master’s Degree in Performing Arts. After graduation, I began teaching. My teaching experience has spanned many years. I’ve taught a variety of age ranges and different topics from English to Creative Writing to Theater Arts. In addition to teaching, I also spent time in New York City working as a professional equity actor. Prior to Wolf, I taught at CCRI and Salve Regina where I also choreographed productions. When I saw the opening at Wolf last year, it felt like the perfect next step. Now, I am thrilled to be the music teacher this year. Since my career has spanned both performing arts and education, I’m so thrilled to be able to bring those together here at Wolf.
2. As Wolf’s new Music Teacher, what are you most looking forward to in regards to your new role?
As the music teacher, I hope to inspire a love of music and creativity in every student. I’m eager to help them discover their musical abilities and talents through their own interests. I can’t wait to help them develop their musical accomplishments such as singing, playing instruments, dancing, and more. Most of all though, I’m most looking forward to continuing to work with this fantastic group of students.
3. Why do you think music and performing arts are so important for Complex Learners to learn/experience?
Music holds so many benefits for every student. Music can improve mood, decrease anxiety, and facilitate opportunities for emotional expression. Research has shown that music even elevates our mood by boosting the brain’s production of dopamine. Along with all of these benefits, Complex Learners thrive when they’re given musical and theatrical activities which allow them to shine outside of an academic setting. Whether they’re trying something new, learning a new song, performing in front of family, or just taking part in a lesson, music and performing arts give Complex Learners an opportunity to boost their self-esteem as they step out of their comfort zone and thrive.
4. What is your favorite part of working at Wolf?
It has been amazing just getting to know every student through electives, advisory, and after-school programs. And now, I’m so excited to add Music class and Integrated Art/Music class to that list! Wolf provides so many opportunities to build students strengths and it’s an honor to be a part of that process. Most of all, my favorite part of working at Wolf is witnessing the growth and transformation of each student.
5. What’s your favorite type of music to listen to or to play?
If I’m listening to music, there’s a good chance it’s either classical or musical theater. But if I’m playing music, chances are it’s musical theater or 70s soul!
We’re thrilled Monique will be able to share her passion and talents with Wolf School students. To learn more about other Wolf Staff, read some of our past We Are Wolf interviews!