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A Voice of
Distinction
The Arts & Teacher Affirmation
Music • Stories • Discussion
Like playful stories written in rhyme
“say” Dr. Seuss, like swirls painted in a turbulent sky
“say” Van Gogh, and like fiddle tunes played tastefully on
an acoustic guitar “say” Doc Watson, one’s “voice” is a form
of distinction.
Like these great artists,
I think most teachers are distinguished: distinguished for
scholarship, for leadership, for creativity, for listening,
for caring. Of course, each teacher has his or her own
unique voice, his or her own unique way of being
distinguished.
Sometimes, though, in the busyness of the school year, I
believe teachers need to be reminded of their distinctions.
And this is what I offer. Using my experiences as a teacher,
writer, and musician—through discussion, story, and song—I
offer reminders of distinction.
I share the distinct voices of students and teachers,
visual artists, writers, and musicians,
parents and grandparents,
citizens and soldiers,
laborers and those who rest.
I share distinct voices that know inclusion and exclusion,
suffering and transcendence,
honor and humility.
Through sharing these voices, I hope to remind and encourage
teachers to speak with an authentic voice, an ever-present voice: their own
voice, a voice of distinction.
“A Voice of Distinction” is a program I’ve often shared at
the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT)
and though summer programs with the North Carolina Teacher
Academy.
I would welcome the opportunity to visit your school.
Joe Shannon
Teaching-Learning
Connections
Students reflect their teachers; one distinguished voice
inspires many voices of distinction.
Teacher Appreciation
 “Thanks
for your gift of music & laughter.”
~
Elaine Percival, NCCAT Seminar
“Our Teacher Academy participants always enjoy Joe’s show.”
~
John Spicer, NC Teacher Academy
“Your presentation was wonderful…Thanks for all you do for
NCCAT.”
~
Barbara Macon, NCCAT
“Not only are you a fine musician, but you are a sensitive
interpreter of history. The students were highly
complimentary.”
~
Polly Cheek, AMERC Coordinator, Wake Forest University
“Thanks for having the courage to follow your bliss…I hope I
can find this courage in my painting.”
~
Sandra Ihly, Artist, Wilmington, NC
Thirty Years in the Classroom
Elementary, Middle, High Schools
Appalachian State University
North Carolina Touring Artist
Adjunct, University of Virginia |
