Jason Tamashausky is a music teacher at Iselin Middle School (IMS). Recently, Tamashausky shared his motivations for pursuing music and becoming a teacher. He also revealed what life is like being a music teacher and what he likes about teaching music.
When Tamashausky was young, he loved to teach his siblings about a variety of topics. Whenever he taught his siblings, he thought that he was a natural teacher. So, that was the foundation for him in his journey of becoming a teacher.
Tamashausky also got a lot of inspiration to become a music teacher from his first music teacher.
“My first vocal teacher, Mrs. Velancky inspired me to become a music teacher. She changed my whole life,” Tamashuasky said.
Due to his experience with his first music teacher, siblings, and music in general, Tamashuasky later went to college to study all aspects of music and become a teacher.
Currently, Tamashausky teaches general music and runs the Choir in IMS. Tamashuasky loves his job of teaching music. “I love teaching choir music,” Tamashausky said, “and I especially love teaching my seventh grade students about musical theater.”
Tamashuasky’s love for his job and music can also be seen in the students he teaches. Many students said that he makes everyone welcome in his class. Some students even said that his class is one of their favorite classes.
Even though Tamashuasky loves his job, the school scheduling can sometimes get complicated and make it hard for him. Presently, all Tamashuasky’s choir students meet for only one quarter of the year. Though he would prefer and love it if his choir students for more than one quarter and possibly the whole year.
“I would love to have classes where choir students are in class all year,” Tamashausky said, “instead of them being here for only one quarter, so that they can learn more.”
Still, many students at IMS praise Tamashuasky for the time and effort he puts in for each rehearsal and class even with limited amounts of time. Students look forward to his lessons each time they enter his classroom. Tamashuasky’s unique teaching techniques keeps everyone interested and well engaged during the lesson.
Tamashuasky doesn’t just impress students — he also impresses other staff members and adults.
As the school year goes on, families look forward to seeing their children perform at concerts. Almost always after the parents listen to their kids singing, they would compliment Tamashuasky for how well their child performed.
Tamashuasky has advice for people who want to become a music teacher in the future. He recommends that they should keep their focus on playing instruments and singing, and learn about music, students, and human development.
“You should keep working on playing instruments and singing and learn as much as you can about music, human development, and students. Also, just go to college and just take music as a major,” Tamashausky said.
Tamashuasky is delighted to teach music to his students and he hopes he can inspire them to become a music teacher like him.
