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Professional Development

Dr. LaSaundra Belcher believes professional development should be engaging, practical, and transformative. She designs learning experiences that honor the expertise educators already bring while equipping them with new tools, strategies, and perspectives to grow their practice. For her, effective PD is not about passive listening, but about active participation, collaboration, and reflection.

She prioritizes creating spaces where educators feel valued, challenged, and inspired—where joy, curiosity, and innovation drive learning. Each session connects theory to real-world application, ensuring participants leave with actionable strategies they can implement immediately in classrooms, ensembles, and communities. Dr. Belcher emphasizes leadership development, encouraging educators to see themselves not only as teachers, but as advocates and changemakers who strengthen the cultural and educational fabric of their schools and communities.

Her mission is to deliver professional development that fosters excellence, cultivates creativity, and builds a shared commitment to empowering all learners through music.

Get in Touch
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Past Key Note Topics 

  • You Are the Secret Sauce

    In a world of curricula, standards, and ever-changing expectations, it's easy for music educators to forget that who they are is just as powerful as what they do. In this energizing and affirming keynote, Dr. LaSaundra Belcher reminds emerging leaders that their unique experiences, values, and passions are not just assets—they are the essential “secret sauce” that fuels transformation in music education. Through personal storytelling, reflection, and powerful calls to action, participants will explore how authentic leadership, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence can elevate both their teaching and the communities they serve. This keynote inspires educators to lead from within, honor their individual journey, and boldly shape the future of music education.

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  • Building Community Through Accessible and Inclusive K-12 String Music

    Need help finding repertoire that resonates with students from all backgrounds and abilities? We will explore works by composers from underrepresented communities and gain insights into arranging and modifying scores to ensure all students participate fully. Leave with a repertoire list and skills to adapt repertoire that enhances technical skills and fosters community and belonging within the ensemble. Bring your instruments!

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  • Shifting Beyond Equity in the Orchestra Classroom

    Equity, diversity, and inclusion are important lenses through which we teach, learn, and grow. How do we go deeper to ensure all of our students have a level playing to succeed? In order to remove all barriers for our students, educators must shift from equity to liberation. This session provides practical strategies in shifting beyond equity to a place of liberation to maximize achievement in the orchestra classroom. 

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  • Teaching Music Through a Culturally Inclusive Lens

    How can orchestra educators authentically incorporate cultural diversity and representation into their teaching? In this interactive workshop, participants will explore practical strategies for fostering inclusivity in their music classrooms. We’ll discuss culturally responsive teaching practices, and share approaches to honoring diverse musical traditions. Educators will leave equipped with actionable tools to create an orchestra classroom that celebrates all students' identities and musical backgrounds. Join us as we reimagine music education through a lens of equity, respect, and cultural authenticity.

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  • Grant Writing 101: From Idea to Application

    What is one thing that all orchestra programs have in common? You guessed it…we all need funding!  Grants can fund personal professional development needs, needs for your students, and your affiliated community music programs. This interactive session gives teachers the information needed to create a persuasive project narrative and impact statement. Teachers will be empowered to turn their draft outline into submitted applications for current or future projects. 

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  • Grant Writing 102: Writing Persuasive Proposals and Budgets

    Building on insights from our previous grant writing webinar, this session will equip music educators with the skills to craft compelling grant proposals and precise budgets. Participants will learn how to develop a persuasive project narrative, create an itemized budget, and articulate a powerful impact statement. By the end of this interactive session, attendees will be empowered to transform their draft outlines into polished applications ready for submission. 

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  • Planning SMART Goals and Packaging Artifacts for the T-TESS Evaluation System

    How can music educators effectively create SMART goals and strategically package artifacts to showcase their instructional growth within the T-TESS evaluation framework? This interactive workshop guides participants through the process of setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals tailored to their teaching practice. Participants will also learn how to curate and present artifacts that clearly demonstrate goal achievement and align seamlessly with T-TESS domains.

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  • Leading with Joy in the Orchestra Classroom

     How can orchestra directors inspire excellence, foster connection, and create joyful learning environments that students eagerly look forward to every day? This interactive session explores practical strategies for cultivating joy and enthusiasm in the orchestra classroom. Participants will engage with dynamic activities designed to boost student motivation, nurture positive relationships, and promote a classroom culture where joy fuels musical growth and achievement.  Attendees will leave equipped with meaningful tools and fresh ideas to invigorate their teaching approach, build stronger ensemble communities, and sustain joy-filled classrooms throughout the school year. Join us as we explore the power of joyful leadership in creating thriving orchestra communities!

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