Let Us Introduce Ourselves

We are Greg & Anna Phelps. We currently teach middle school full time. Yes, we LOVE what we do! Greg teaches Latin and I teach Group Piano. Can you imagine how different middle schoolers feel in each of these classes? Overall, we hear great things about the other's class and work together to help these youth not only come out alive (haha) but come out successful.

Take Latin, for example. Students will comment often, "Latin is a dead language", "This will never help me in life", or ask "Why do we even need to know Latin?" With this attitude, how can Greg even begin teaching? Fortunately, over the past 20 years he has developed and gathered tips and tricks that help students enjoy him as a teacher as well as the class. Bonus moments still come when students stop him at a grocery store asking "Remember me?". Even though he may or may not, they always thank him for what he taught them and the kind of teacher he is. Greg has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a MEd in Educational Leadership.

Group Piano is an exciting concept that many schools are catching onto. In my current classroom, there are 24 digital keyboards. I have my own teacher keyboard in the front of the room facing all 24 students. Imagine having a mix of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in a classroom, each with a headset, and a ton of buttons in front of them. What do you think they love to do? You got it! They love to explore and push all the buttons. However, I have a system with even more buttons! Yes, they are jealous, but it really makes the class fun. Over the past 30+ years of teaching private and group piano, I have also gathered together my best tricks and tips to share. I love teaching these middle schoolers how to play the piano. My education started in the music field with many education classes, yet I completed my Bachelor of Science in Applied Business Management.

Enjoy reading each article published that shows the real life with ups and downs teaching middle schoolers. They are incredible youth! We are honored to be part of their lives. It is our mission to love, laugh, and teach these young people while they journey through what might be some of the most difficult years of life.