Schools
Kehrs Mill Teacher Attributes Success to School, Peers
Megan Iverson, a music teacher in the Rockwood District, believes in the intrinsic value of music.
Megan Iverson, a music teacher at , has been chosen as the school’s Teacher of the Year.
“I get to be successful as a teacher because of this school, its teachers and administrators,” Iverson said. “It’s truly humbling. I have such respect for the teachers and the kind of learning that goes on here.”
Iverson began her career as a music director for a church. Now in her fourth year of teaching music to children, she said she always knew teaching was what she wanted to do.
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“It was a mistake not getting my teaching certificate right after college,” Iverson said.
Kehrs Mill students study music for about an hour each week. Third and fourth-grade students learn violin, and fifth-graders have an opportunity to play violin, viola, cello or bass.
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Iverson integrates music with the curriculum taught by grade-level teachers and said she enjoys the interaction with other educators.
“Music is valuable just for the sake of music, singing and playing instruments. It's a valuable experience for students,” Iverson said. “And we often integrate what’s happening in classroom lessons. The third grade was studying government, so in music we studied patriotic songs and invited veterans to come to our concert. We performed a musical on healthy living. These are natural connections with the curriculum.”
Iverson is pleased with her students and especially Special Choir, a group of 110 fourth and fifth-graders. The students are dedicated to weekly practice, and the practice has paid off. Special Choir will sing “God Bless America” at the June 24 St. Louis Cardinals baseball game.
Iverson credits programs and tools at Kehrs Mill Elementary with her success.
“Every teacher should have the opportunity to be successful. We are fortunate to have excellent equipment, peer teachers and professional development. These tools aren’t available at every St. Louis school. There are high expectations for the students, teachers and administrators here. I feel like 'lucky me',” Iverson said.