Sue Keeble doesn’t necessarily see music as the only end in itself for her students at Lincoln Trail Elementary School in Mahomet, where she’s taught for the last nine years after 11 at Sangamon Elementary School.
She sees the skills that it builds. In turn, she’s opened the world of music to kids who might not otherwise enjoy it.
“Sue has created movement within the elementary music classroom like I’ve never seen,” Lincoln Trail Principal Megan Hunter said. “Kids that might not consider themselves musicians love her class. She is a nationally board certified teacher and an amazing mentor to new staff as well as pre-service teachers.”
I find my work important because ... music can become a gateway to so many important life skills: discipline, self-control, working with others, building confidence and managing yourself, physically and emotionally. I love it when students who might struggle academically or socially are successful when challenged with music activities.
I became a teacher because ... I wanted to make a difference. I know that sounds cliché and corny, but it’s the honest truth.
My favorite or most unique lesson that I teach is ... many years ago, I spontaneously started gently tapping a mallet on a head when a student was out. This turned into a large collection of “head bonking” games with crazy parameters that the kids love. For example, if I call a “no smile” round, that means if I can make you laugh, you’re out! We get into intense bargaining sessions about how many students should get out before I can declare a win, or what exactly qualifies as a “smile.”
My most fulfilling moments on the job are when ... I get to watch the kids create their own stuff with concepts learned in class.
I keep students engaged by ... letting them be the musicians. Sing, create, dance and play.
Something else I’m passionate about is ... maintaining a steady diet of girl trips and time with my husband, Jonathan, and two boys, Alex and Bryson.
My favorite teacher and subject were ... my band director, David Morrison, and private flute teacher, Nancy Karlin, changed my life at Prospect High School.
If I weren’t a teacher, I would be ... a business executive.
— ANTHONY ZILIS