Saying Goodbye to Mx. Mears

If you are involved in the choir department, you have noticed the new face in rehearsal–student teacher Mx. Mears. They are a Valley High School alum and grew up in the Des Moines area, and they attended Wartburg College in Waverly Iowa majoring in music education. Mx. Mears will be an amazing teacher, but let’s learn a little more about them before they leave!

Mx. Mears has been singing in choirs since elementary school. In high school, they were in concert, jazz, and show choir. Mx. Mears shared the importance of their show choir experience. “I think there are a lot of really important life skills that are learned throughout a show choir season. It teaches a more modern style of singing, control over how your body is moving through space, as well as emotional regulation and expression.” In college, they were in bands, multiple ensembles and so much more. 

Even though they have the experience and passion for music, going into the music field can be very risky. Mx. Mears explained why they chose the profession that they did. “I always wanted to pick a profession where I could give back to my community and make the world an easier place to live in,” Mears said. “Teaching, when done right, is a great way to show up for the next generation every day and give them the tools to live fulfilling lives.” To be a successful teacher you need to become a student teacher before you can go into your career. And that is how their wonderful presence was brought to us. 

Student teaching can be a very rewarding experience but teaching high schoolers can have its ups and downs. Mx. Mears talked about their experience. “The biggest surprise for me has been the quality of student-teacher relationships I’ve been able to build in my short time here. Many of the students have been eager to welcome me into their rehearsals and have gone out of their way to learn more about me and make me feel comfortable.” At Waukee we have many student teachers but why? Why chose Waukee over all the other schools in Iowa? Mx. Mers shares why they chose Waukee. “I’ve always known that the Waukee CSD is a supportive district and that the vocal music department is very strong. I really enjoy working with Mr. Knuston and Mr. Dam and respect the teaching they do here very much. I’ve learned a lot from my time in Waukee and I’m very grateful!”

Going into the music field as a queer individual can be a very difficult experience because singing is so commonly split into boy and girl. But no matter how you identify, it is your voice that matters. Mx. Mears shared their experience in this topic. “I have faced some adversity because of my gender, mostly in college, but I’ve always had people in my corner to support me and advocate for me in those moments,” Mears said.  “The world of choral music has historically been organized by gender in a very binary way, so it has been a challenge at times to figure out how I fit into an ensemble as a person outside of that binary.”

Getting misgendered can be painful, but what has been more frustrating and hurtful is being underestimated or denied opportunities because of my queer identity. Being queer is not all someone should be seen as, especially because Mx. Mears is such a phenomenal human being. But living in Iowa and being in the LGBTQ+ community it is hard to be yourself. So Mx. Mears is very brave for going through what they go through and being themselves regardless.  

Mx. Mears unfortunately will leave us soon and move on to the next chapter of their life. Their student teaching will wrap up on December 9 and they will then receive their Iowa teaching license. Then they will work as a substitute teacher in schools across Des Moines while looking for a full-time teaching role. While it is sad that they are leaving, their work and their influence will stick with the students and teachers of Waukee.

But I am not the only person who understands just how extraordinary this human is. Mr. Kunutson shares their favorite part of working with Mx. Mears: “Mx. Mears came in with an incredibly high skill level, so it was easy to give them lots of podium time.  I also really appreciate their willingness to accept and apply feedback to their teaching,” Knutson said.   “However, my favorite part about teaching with Mx. Mears is their commitment to connecting with students.” 

Ms. Sullivan also shares that excitement. “I am so excited to see Mx. Mears work with the Urbandale show choirs this year and what teaching job they get for next fall,” Sullivan said. “I just know they are going to get a great job and have an awesome time with their future students.” 

Mrs. Sullivan shared her favorite memory from teaching with Mx. Mears. “My favorite memories of Mx. Mears are all of the times we would joke about my millennial personality traits that made me seem like an old woman. Or when we both spontaneously sang, ‘Jason Derulo’ in class at the exact same time, in the same key.”

Mr. Peterson shares how Mx. Mears has brought a new perspective to the classroom. “It was neat for the kids to work with a teacher who was only a few years older than them and could make Tik Tok references….which I don’t :)” Mr. Kunutson shares how Mx Mears has helped him as a teacher “I think reflecting and explaining the “why’s” of teaching always reinforces why you do things and leads you to get back into the fundamental things that shaped your teaching.  I’ve tried to model those things, and, yes, it’s made me dig into the things I think are really important and has made me better.”

It is clear that all the teachers at Waukee enjoy working with Mx. Mears, but If they had to give one compliment directly to Mx. Mears this is what it would be! 

Mr. Peterson –  You already know this, but I’m super proud of your growth and confidence in leading rehearsals from the piano when asked to do that.  It was something you had to work at, and you did it!!   You are going to be a rock-star teacher!

Ms. Sullivan – Mx. Mears has a gift for connection. There is always an intentional personal connection involved in every interaction. If it is with a teacher or students, or just a friend, I see Mx. Mears be intentional about making a person feel seen and loved! 

Mr. Kunutson – With the high level of skill they already have and commitment to getting better, they’re going to be successful as a choir teacher.  As a person, Mx. Mears is very approachable and welcoming. That presence makes a difference in any environment.

So as you can see Mx. Mears is someone that no one at Waukee will forget. We love you Mx. Mears and we will miss you. Good luck in everything you do and know that Waukee will be cheering you on along the journey.