Claire McCoy Leadership Retreat

The Claire McCoy Leadership Retreat is a leadership training for newer music educators underwritten by the MMEA Foundation. In 2001, 2003 and 2005, a small group of newer music educators (generally 3rd - 10th year teachers) was brought together to learn more about the leadership skills that music education demands from all teachers. Nominations for participation were sought from MMEA board members and affiliate music education organizations.

Dr. Claire W. McCoy, who passed away in the summer of 2000, was president of MMEA from 1997 to 1999. As a professor at the University of Minnesota, she was a tireless advocate for the recruitment and thorough instruction of quality music educators. She loved involving young teachers in new leadership activities challenging them to expand their horizons and encourage their professional growth. Because of her extensive work in that field and because she is greatly missed by those fortunate enough to experience her teaching, this retreat bears her name and influence.

The goals of the Claire McCoy Leadership Retreat are to give attendees:
• Information about leadership on the academic and personal level
• A recognition of their own gifts and skills in leadership
• Better awareness of opportunities and challenges for professional development
• Core knowledge about MMEA, what we do, and how they fit in

By underwriting this conference, MMEA also hopes to help retain teachers in the profession. Nearly half of all teachers leave the profession in the first five years. Given the great demands placed on newer teachers, leadership skills and training can help better equip them for success in teaching.

If you know of a newer teacher who would benefit from this opportunity, or if you would like to nominate yourself, contact the MMEA office. The next retreat is tentatively scheduled for June of 2009.