I have been a general music teacher for the past 21 years with the last 15 being in Forest Park School District 91. I greatly enjoy learning about fun and exciting new ways to teach students to become aspiring musicians. Learn more about me below.
Click on my picture to learn about my work at DePaul University School of Music!
What schools have you attended?
I grew up in the Cicero, IL area before moving to the northwest suburb of Algonquin, IL. I attended K.E. Neubert Elementary School, Dundee Middle School and graduated from H.D. Jacobs High School. While in fifth grade, I began playing the flute and fell in love with learning music. After graduating high school, I attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL and recieved an Bachelors Degree in Music Education. I then went on to receive a Masters Degree in Music Education from DePaul University. I also have earned teaching endorsements in Special Education and English as a Second Language and am also currently working a reading endorsement as well as taking classes to earn towards my principal license.
What instruments do you play?
I have played the flute for 30 years and the piano for 18 years. I sing in choirs and also have played with West African Drumming and Japanese Taiko drumming groups. I also play six different voicing of the recorder!
Click here to listen to Mrs. Binder play her flute on a recital!
What have you learned about teaching?
I love learning about how to be a better music teacher and I continue to train all the time. I hold a National Board Teaching Certification and am both Orff-Schulwerk Certified and Kodaly Certified. I also learn more by teaching. Currently I serve as an adjunct faculty member for DePaul University’s School of Music and I help teach professional development for teachers over the summer and during the school year. This summer I will also be instructing music teachers at Anderson University in Indiana. This past school year, I presented to music teachers in Elgin School District 46 and at two separate Music Teacher Workshops. I also occasionally have student teachers who help teach music classes with me.
What is you favorite type of music?
Jazz mainly, but I love all styles of music when they strike my fancy!
