Carolina Perez Guerrero, president of the North Carolina Music Educators Association, opened her summer 2026 blog post by admitting personal fatigue and acknowledging that many teachers feel the same pressure after years of escalating administrative demands. She writes that the profession now resembles a long‑lasting storm rather than a passing season, and she hopes the message will offer encouragement as a new school year begins.
Guerrero proposes a “radical realism” approach, urging educators to shield their limited energy by asking a simple question: does this task directly support the musical and emotional development of the students in front of us? If the answer is no, she advises giving only the required compliance and reserving passion for the music itself. This practical metric is presented as a way to prevent emotional exhaustion while preserving the core of teaching.
She also frames the music classroom as a sanctuary, suggesting that teachers trade overloaded programs for deeper, slower exploration of repertoire. By focusing on fewer pieces, protecting classroom boundaries from external logistics, and reclaiming personal artistic practice, educators can build lasting resilience comparable to the old‑growth trees of western North Carolina. Guerrero emphasizes that long‑term retention stems from these intentional adjustments.
For more information, visit nafme.org.