Teacher Profile—

A New Addition To Sandy Hook’s Music Department

By Tanjua Damon

Michelle Tenenbaum joins the Sandy Hook Elementary School faculty as an additional music teacher who never studied music seriously until she realized teaching was her calling.

Mrs Tenenbaum was a full-time substitute at the school from December 1998 through March 1999 in general music. She decided to go back and get her teaching certification in music so she could be a school teacher. She devoted the next year to becoming certified.

“I’m the mother of three who volunteered for everything. I always had fun with music, but never really studied it seriously,” Mrs Tenenbaum said. “I came in and it was like magic. I loved the kids.”

She took courses at the Heart School of Music and Western Connecticut State University. She is finalizing her certification through the state’s Alternate Route to Certification program. Mrs Tenenbaum has a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Mrs Tenenbaum will work at Sandy Hook School three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The school currently houses over 750 students. She is excited to be teaching at Sandy Hook.

“I love this district. I really do,” Mrs Tenenbaum said. “I love the staff, students, and atmosphere. Everyone is so supportive. I’m really thrilled to be here.”