By Eric Kuznar
Lisa Sullivan has accomplished much in her 27 years teaching at Mohawk Trails Elementary School, even earning the Carmel Clay Teacher of the Year award in 2008.
But last month, Sullivan, 49, had the opportunity to participate in something new during the AMIS Music Educators’ Conference at the American School of Warsaw in Warsaw, Poland. She was invited to the international conference for music teachers, where she gave a presentation on Orff Schulwerk, an approach to teaching that uses both music and movement to engage students and help them learn.
“Young children need to move their bodies,” Sullivan said. “They tend to learn better when the brain is fired up, and it makes a big difference when that movement comes into play.”
Sullivan, who is a regional representative for Orff Schulwerk, helps train other teachers the developmental approach.
She said interacting with teachers from around the world has been inspiring.
“Having the chance to share with teachers who are affecting children literally all over the world is the epitome of wanting to reach as many children as possible with what we do,” Sullivan said. “Thinking about the kids who are doing some of the activities that I presented to those adults, who are in Beijing, India, Germany, England, they are all over the place. It is just amazing to me.”
Sullivan knew she would teach music since her freshman year in high school. She said giving kids music in the classroom is something they will be able to take with them.
“Music and art are the things that are going to follow these kids forever,” Sullivan said. “Connecting music to our emotions is also powerful. That can affect us when we’re 90 or 20.”
