Workshop Scholarships

A SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP INVITATION FOR NEW MUSIC EDUCATORS

In 2009 Gordon College and the Northeastern District of the Massachusetts Music Educators Associated piloted Embracing the New Music Educator—a mentoring program focused on connecting new music educators with master educators from colleges, universities and preparatory programs who wish to share their best teaching practices, wisdom and passion for music education.

The program has since grown statewide and is now recognized nationally as a model for assisting recently graduated music educators who frequently feel excited, isolated and overwhelmed by the challenges that are unique to the art and discipline of teaching music.

In an ongoing effort to provide support both professionally and financially for new music educators throughout the country, Gordon College is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities for participation in our summer term graduate workshops and certification courses for those in their first through third years of teaching.

AWARD
Scholarship recipients will receive full graduate credit tuition forgiveness for their choice of a workshop program(s) during the summer of 2024 and on-campus housing accommodations at no cost if requested by the scholarship recipient.

HOW TO APPLY
Eligible applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and must be entering or in their first year through the end of their third year teaching.

1. Register Online For Your Summer Term Course or Workshop
Applicants should register for their summer program of interest by visiting www.gordon.edu/workshops/registration. There is an option to indicate that a third party is responsible for registration fee payment. Applicants can choose this option and indicate they are a scholarship applicant. Choose Purchase Order for Payment Method instead of Credit Card. The applicant will be contacted with confirmation of the awarding of the scholarship or a notification that a payment will be required for participation.

2. Resume
Must contain complete contact information (including preferred email address and preferred telephone number), professional experience and a summary of academic and musical background.

3. References

• Applicant must submit a letter from a school administrator on school stationery stating the applicant's employment start date and the grade level(s) and discipline(s) taught.
   
• Applicant must submit a professional reference letter from a supervisor indicating their potential for growth and success as a music educator.
   
• If the applicant is beginning their first year of teaching in fall 2023, a reference letter is required from an undergraduate faculty advisor indicating potential for academic performance and success as a music educator.

4. Short Responses
Applicants should prepare short responses (200 words or fewer) to the following questions. Responses should be in a single document that includes page numbers and the applicant's name on every page.

• What are the two most challenging issues or situations you have experienced (or anticipate experiencing) in your first through third years as a music educator?
   
• How will the workshop program or certification course you have selected help you to meet those challenges and what skills do you hope to gain from the workshop or course?
   
• What are your greatest strengths as a music educator, and how will the workshop program or certification course you have selected enhance your potential to be a master educator in the classroom?
   
• Share three goals you would like to achieve as a music educator: one in the immediate academic year (2024-2025), one in the next 5 years and one in the next 10 years.

5. Undergraduate Transcript
An official copy of the applicant's undergraduate transcript is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 required for consideration.

To submit, please enclose all required materials in one envelope addressed to:

Kristen Harrington
Graduate Music Education Program Coordinator
Gordon College
255 Grapevine Road
Wenham, MA 01984

All application materials must be postmarked by June 18, 2024. Applicants will be notified by email about their scholarship application decision by June 24, 2024.

Questions?
Contact [email protected]