Choir Ninja, With Ryan Guth

Benita Eldridge was born and raised in Elmira, NY, and she has been teaching music there for 34 years. What’s the secret to her longevity? A supportive administration, commitment to her job and community, a firm hand guiding her class, and an overarching love for her students. Listen: Highlight to Tweet: "I don’t care if you don’t sing well. I do care if you work." - Benita Eldridge Show Notes: Born, raised, 34 years teaching in the same town: Elmira, NY Teaches 7th grade at Broadway Academy, where 34% of the students are in chorus, and 64% in a performance class (chorus, orchestra, or band) You need tough love in a town with 2 prisons and a psyche center. Procedure is king in her classroom. Hold them to high standards, but support them, and fight for them when needed. Maintain “a safe, loving, caring, but firm environment” Relationships with students matter. They come back years later. What are the keys to being a tough love teacher who has a lasting impact? Be committed in you job, to your commun