Rebecca Michaelson

Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to become a teacher because of another influential teacher in my life- my high school band director! He made me feel seen, important, and talented. I was extremely quiet in high school but I learned to use my flute as my voice. I want to help other kids find their voice and feel seen in my classroom. That is why I teach the musical standards with video game music, hip hop, diverse languages, and pop culture to help students make connections to their learning in a way that reflects them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One year I had a very difficult group of 5th grade classes. We were preparing for our spring concert and in my opinion, it seemed like it was going badly. One day, I happened to walk by the cafeteria at the right time. The entire cafeteria of about 75 students was singing and doing the body percussion for one of our concert songs. These 'difficult to reach' kids made me cry happy tears.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would buy a new flute! As well as being a full time music teacher, I am also a professional flutist and the President of a nonprofit video game orchestra. My flute is 22 years old! I would also put that money towards going on a learning experience to Japan. I am very interested in how Japan uses video game music in their public school music education curriculum and I would love to learn more!