Compiled by Darlene Bowers

Welcome to the Ada Icon’s “Ada Teacher Feature.” Here we share thoughts and insights from local teachers who lift up and inspire our students. Let us lift up and inspire these educators as well. Today we meet Tabitha McPeeks.

“I like to see my students having fun in the classroom,” shares Tabitha McPeeks, Ada Elementary music and 5th grade band teacher. Read on to learn more about a memorable exclamation heard in her classroom…“Hey! That actually sounded like a song!”

What subjects and grades do you teach?
Elementary music and 5th grade band.

What extracurricular activities are involved with?
Elementary musicals, choir accompanist.

What school and college did you attend?
Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Mount Vernon Nazarene University; Hilliard Darby High School

How many years have you been a teacher?
9 years.

Why are you a teacher? 
I always wanted to be a teacher growing up. Being a teacher allows me to share my love of music with all of my students.

What motivates you? 
At school, seeing kids excited to learn and also being part of a team that works hard and has fun encourages me to do my best every day.

What’s the best thing students can do for you? 
The best thing students can do is to always try their best.

What’s the best thing parents and caregivers can do for you? 
The best thing parents can do is to encourage their children in all that they do.

What makes Ada schools unique or different? 
It’s great to be a part of a school district that truly values the arts. In a time where many places have made cuts to the arts programs, it is refreshing to know that the Ada Community still values this important part of our students’ school experience.

Tell us about your best or most memorable teaching moment.
I love when my beginning band students are a few weeks into learning their instrument and exclaim, “Hey! That actually sounded like a song!”

What excites, interests and captivates you inside the classroom? 
I love to see my students having fun in my classroom. Sometimes I think they don’t realize they’re still learning when they are having such a good time.

What about outside the classroom? 
I love to spend time with my family, walk my dog, and read.

If you weren’t a teacher what would you be doing? 
I’m not sure what I would be doing – I’ve always loved teaching and can’t picture myself doing anything else.