Jill Fedon
"Teaching in the Lower School is about so much more than content area. It's capitalizing on the teachable moments that present themselves throughout the day to learn about manners, virtues, core values, conflict resolution, listening, having and sharing opinions with respect, and respecting personal space."
Position:
Lower School Dean of Student Life
Early Childhood Music Teacher
Education:
B.S. in Music Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Masters in Church Music, Concordia University Wisconsin
Notable:
President of the Board of Directors for Handbell Musicians of America
Published Handbell Composer
Start Date at GSB:
Fall 1997
The best professional development I have ever had was in the classrooms of my colleagues.
The GSB Lower School community is an amazing network of teachers and staff, some of whom I have worked with for the past 20+ years. When I first began teaching at Gill, I spent all my free time in the classrooms of veteran teachers watching and learning how to be a better teacher. I still learn something new every time I visit a class.
I started GSB as the Early Childhood Music Teacher, and as I've taken on additional roles at the school, I've continued to teach music. Without question, music is vitally important to education. It provides us with a foundation in mathematical and scientific principles, improves hand-eye coordination, and helps us to learn about cultures, religions, and holidays that are different than our own. Most importantly, music gives us a global view of the world: it is one of humanity’s universal languages.
JILL'S CORNER
The many amazing teachers I had in my life helped shape who I am. Some were in a traditional school setting, and some were my choir directors, lesson instructors, coaches, and scout leaders.
When asked what I do, I often say that I teach life skills with a side order of music. My colleagues and I model and facilitate how to be a member of a community for our Lower School students.
If I could share one piece of advice it would be to work hard, try everything, and don't take yourself so seriously. Enjoy the journey!
