Michelle Z. Gibson
Music Teacher Educator Mentor Researcher
In emphasizing the inherent dignity of difference found in every student, every culture, and every community, I hope to bring into focus the collective beauty of educating the whole child through greater connectivity.
My Vision
"Committed acts of caring let all students know that the purpose of education is not to dominate, or prepare them to be dominators, but rather to create the conditions for freedom” (p. 92)- bell hooks Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope
My scholarly endeavors reflect my life story. Music found me at a time when I needed community and connection, and it afforded me freedom, hope, and possibility. As a mentor and advocate, I work tirelessly towards the training of music educators that facilitate safe, equitable and inclusive school environments for all students regardless of social circumstance to have the same affordances I did for musical and personal development. I value servant leadership above all, and my ultimate goal is to continue pushing the profession forward through music teacher development and actionable research that bolsters authentic context learning, cultural competency, and diverse learning experiences.
My Story
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, I come from a family of musicians, educators, scholars and public servants. My love of music began at an early age singing in the church choir alongside my mother. Throughout middle and high school I engaged in a variety of musical experiences, from concert band to choir to musical theater and modern dance. Entering my undergraduate studies, I knew music would be my profession and calling. Nevertheless, as I grew as a musician and leader, I uncovered my true passion for developing and mentoring students through the cultural connectivity fostered by musical interactions.
Following the completion of my Bachelors of Music Education degree at the University of Georgia, I taught primary and secondary school general music, band, and choir in Fayette County and DeKalb County. During my time as a music educator in Georgia, I maintained active leadership roles, serving as the Secondary Choral Music Chair and a member of the Curriculum Writing Team for the DeKalb County School District, as well as a founding member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Georgia Music Educators Association. I also developed a thriving middle school choral program as well as established a flourishing theatrical arts program that continues to garner critical acclaim for their intricate productions.
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After nine years of public school teaching and the completion of my Masters in Music Education degree, I decided to pursue a new path towards critical music education research through the PhD program in Music Education at the University of Florida. Much of my research and training to this point has focused on the ability of music outside of the Western Classical Art tradition to foster connectivity within music classrooms. Following the completion of my terminal degree, I look to continue turning innovative research into practice and policy, instructing early career and pre-service music teachers, and developing resources for music educators to honor all forms of musical creation, creativity, and participation.