Staff Development

JAM believes that in order to have  effective programs it is imperative that teachers work cooperatively to develop  strategies and materials to benefit the whole organization.  Our teachers come from a variety of backgrounds.   Many, as traditional musicians, never  received any formal training themselves. They learned within their communities  from mentors and family members, usually on a one to one basis.  We ask them to enter a classroom setting to  teach from  4 – 10 students at a time –  students who represent a wide spectrum of aptitude and motivation.  It is not an easy job!

Staff  development workshops are currently projected to occur twice a year in  different regions of the JAM community.   As well, we are exploring the development of some training modules which  will be offered online or through mailed packets for those who do not have  access or skills to navigate computers.