The Many Faces of CHSAA Leadership- Janay Bird
This week, we continue our series of articles highlighting the many faces of leadership throughout the CHSAA membership. Our hope is that by taking a small glimpse into the window of their leadership background, you will gain a greater understand of why they are such strong advocates for the vision and core values of the Colorado High School Activities Association.
Today we talk with Janay Bird, the St. Vrain Valley School District Fine Arts Coordinator. Janay has been in education for 13 years, serving in her current role for the past three years. The CU-Boulder graduate has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music Education and is currently working to achieve a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Here are some highlights from our conversation:
Take us through your journey within the profession.
When I started at CU-Boulder (GO BUFFS!) I was actually a Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology major. I passed by the College of Music building every day on my way to class, and in the Spring saw an audition notice for West Side Story. I decided to audition, somehow landed a supporting role, and throughout the process realized my true love was music. I switched majors to Music Education and started working as a music assistant with the Colorado Children’s Chorale, and never looked back. My first job post-college was at Erie High School as the Choir Director. EHS was the best place to be and with lots of administrative, collegial, and community support we built a thriving choir program there! In 2019 our district created a Fine Arts Coordinator position and although it was a tough decision to consider leaving the school that I loved working at; I decided to apply for the job because I wanted the opportunity to work with our music, art, and theatre programs districtwide. I was lucky enough to get the job and love getting to support our fine arts teachers (and therefore students!) daily.
Were you involved in Performing Arts in college?
College was the best. I was involved in choir and a few theatre productions, loved intramural sports, and was also in a sorority (Alpha Delta Chi). I know some people have strong opinions about Greek Life, but for me at CU it provided so many amazing opportunities and friendships. It also developed a whole other side of leadership and communication skills that my education classes never did, so I’m thankful for that!
What do you love most about being the Fine Arts Coordinator for the St. Vrain Valley School District?
The best part about my current position is going from being an educator and seeing the gaps in our system of support to moving into a role where I can try to fill those gaps. I love that I get to work to support teachers which in turn supports students. I also love celebrating all the amazing things our students and teachers do daily with our community. My days are filled with art, music, and theatre, which is soul-filling!
In your position, what are some of the biggest challenges you face?
The biggest challenge I face in my current position is people that don’t slow down and read an email :). Just kidding! I think the most challenging thing for me personally is finding a balance between what’s best for one teacher vs. what’s best for all Fine Arts teachers. That’s a bit broad but navigating things daily within that balance can be difficult. I do my best!
Share with us one mistake you may have made early in your career and what you learned from it.
One mistake I made as a new teacher was that my students should be able to do what I was able to do at their age. It resulted in me choosing music that was too difficult, a lack of student participation because they didn’t understand the why, and honestly a lack of trust in me as their teacher. I eventually figured it out, and my choir program grew and was a really wonderful thing to be a part of! That has transferred into my current position now; I must remind myself that success is different for every teacher, school, and program, and it’s not comparative.
What do you love most about your position in the St. Vrain Valley School District?
What I love most about SVVSD is that I know they wholeheartedly believe that music, art, and theatre opportunities are important for positive school culture, student engagement, and student development. We have a great system of support for these programs and love to show them off! We encourage students to take part in all kinds of activities and when you walk through the halls of our schools you see each of them being celebrated. It’s a really great place to be and I’m proud to be here.
Who are some of your mentors?
One reason I was inspired to pursue a degree in music education was because of my own fantastic high school experience at Ralston Valley HS. My choir director, Jeff Talley, was the best teacher and not only inspired me to be my best but also knew just when to push me and hold me accountable and just when to listen and support. As a teacher, he continued to mentor me and encouraged me to grow and reflect, and when considering applying for the position I’m in now he walked me through the process. I have the upmost respect for Talley and am so thankful for all the ways he’s guided my career!
Chase McBride oversees all athletics, activities, and fine arts in our district and has been the best mentor in my current position. He is a constant sounding board for my questions and has been such a positive example of strong leadership. He trusts my opinion and provides me with opportunities to lead and create. I learn from him daily!
What is one bit of advice you would like to share?
If you are passionate, committed, and kind, doors will open. Be yourself, put in the work, make the connections, and shine!
On behalf of the CHSAA membership, I would like to thank you for the work that you do. Your commitment to the St. Vrain Valley School District and the voice you give to Performing Arts in Colorado is second-to-none.
