Fab Educator: Suzy Baldwin
Suzy Baldwin is the director of programming in music and art at Monroe Street Arts Center in Madison.
How long have you been teaching? Music, 10 years; art, two years
What inspired you to be a teacher? When I was a kid, I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful community of adults who encouraged my talents. They pushed me to invest in myself, to grow, to get better, to work hard, and to keep creating and performing. I hope I can be that adult to a kid who may need that voice in their life and that is what drew me to join the amazing staff of inspiring people at Monroe Street Arts Center.
What is your greatest joy in teaching? My greatest joy is seeing a student work hard and grow. When you have been working with someone on a specific goal and it all of a sudden clicks, I absolutely love watching them be proud of themselves.
What about your greatest challenge? My greatest challenge is teaching adults. At some point in our adult life, we lose the freedom of expression that you have when you are a kid. Re-learning this is both hard and beautiful.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic altered your day-to-day as an educator? Learning to trust that virtual learning was a gift and not a burden was a huge lesson. And now, we all have that ability moving forward which will only set us up for success should we need to lean on that platform again in the future.
If a student can have only one takeaway from time spent in your classroom, what would it be? You are valued just as you are! Don’t compare yourself to anyone because comparison is the thief of joy. Be exactly who you are. You are a world-changer.