April 22, 2005

To Who It May Concern:

This year, my first grade class and I were fortunate enough to have been chosen to participate in Steven Angel’s Drumming For Life literacy training. I have been a first grade teacher for the LA Unified School District for six years. I earned my teaching credentials through the LAUSD intern program receiving specialized training in working with students from our large, urban population; students displaying learning difficulties; as well as students learning English as a second language. I also have worked as an instructional designer, and have participated extensively in the self-development programs offered by Landmark Education.

However, nothing had quite prepared me for the dynamics of the group I was assigned in September 2004. I had to admit-early on-that my bag of classroom management and motivational tricks were empty. I was “out of tools.”

Thank goodness Drumming came along. This program is both elegant and effective in its simplicity. The techniques cut through the clutter of educational dogma, layer upon layer of theories, and pop psychology. It goes right to what is important to humans young and old; balance, ease, and joy in living and learning. My students learned that they did have answers inside of them. They could remember what was taught, and learning did not have to be a laborious, “lose/lose” waste of time.

Drumming supplies the power to trust yourself…whether you’re only six years old, or pushing 50! This ability to trust releases the learner to be self-reliant as well as willing and able to benefit from working in a group. My students made strides with the first Drumming lesson. They began to recognize themselves as valid, valuable individuals. They began to open their eyes to the responsibility they had toward classmates. Their natural curiosity bloomed, and their scores went up.

Obviously I’m delighted for the kids. But even more importantly, Drumming gave me and the other teachers involved the tools to keep our own lives balanced and enjoyable. I now feel able to connect with all my students while not loosing myself in their turmoil. Teachers face unbelievable pressures and frustrations in today’s irresponsible and litigious society. In fact, the average length of service as an LAUSD teacher is just five years. Lots of well-intentioned professional development workshops, books, and philosophies have been offered to keep teachers motivated. But nothing I have experienced yet has had as honest an effect, as quickly, as Drumming. This is my sixth year of teaching (so I’ve already beaten the average). However, before Drumming I was sure it would be my last year. Kudos to Steven Angel for providing a fresh and effective new “set of tools.”

Sincerely,

Nancy R. Eichelberger