WAIM #037 - Timmy Rodriguez

Timmy Rodriguez is a fantastic teacher, and now a fantastic administrator. Like every great educator that I have ever met, he is completely invested in his kids, and the process of public education. Like so many musicians who are great educators that I know, and they are myriad, Timmy is nimble on his feet, and can pivot to navigate the whims and moods of a young audience. That innate flexibility came in terribly handy during the early days of the pandemic. Left isolated and completely remote, Timmy struggled to connect with his students and convey the necessary lessons and support for each day. Stuck at a computer and staring into blank faces all day long just wasn’t working. So, Timmy invented The Mr. Rodriguez Show, a self-produced PBS style art lesson show all powered by Timmy’s wit and creativity that was broadcast on YouTube. His kids loved it, and they loved him.What Am I Making is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We talk about creating a culture through expectation, and the current war going on in public education and the effects it is already having. Timmy shares his story of learning some practices to be more mindful and in the moment and how those have informed his teaching and leadership styles. In Timmy, I see an example of the great things that art and music teach us if we practice them with regularity and dedication. He used his creativity and DIY experience to navigate a once in a lifetime educational crisis and wound up reaching a wider audience than ever. As he says, “A teacher puts on seven shows a day.”So, let’s dive in with musician, educator, and artist, Timmy Rodriguez.Cheers,Matty C Get full access to What Am I Making at whatamimaking.substack.com/subscribe