In Episode 111 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes the dynamic and inspiring Taniesha Pooser — assistant principal at the Gwinnett School for Math, Science, and Technology, founder of Recolor.Ed, and veteran orchestra educator. With over 15 years of classroom experience, multiple accolades (including 2022 Gwinnett County Middle School Teacher of the Year), and a deep commitment to student success, Taniesha shares her powerful journey from music educator to school leader.

In this episode, Taniesha reflects on her unique upbringing as a military child, her path from violinist to bassist, and how her mentors helped shape her purpose in music education. She discusses her transition into administration, driven by her desire to support teachers and students on a broader level — and candidly addresses the challenges of shifting roles while staying true to her musical roots.

Listeners will also learn about her initiative, RecolorEd.org, which empowers educators to build inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments. Taniesha shares her experiences with schedule advocacy for the arts, the importance of visibility in leadership, and her continued involvement in music through adjudication and youth orchestra direction.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about leadership, advocacy, and staying connected to the heart of music education — even from the front office.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired by Taniesha’s unwavering dedication to education, equity, and the arts.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Taniesha M. Pooser is a dedicated music educator, conductor, and administrator with over sixteen years of experience in music education, including more than a decade in public school orchestra instruction. She has served as an orchestra director and county lead orchestra teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools, Georgia, where her exceptional work was recognized in 2022 when she was named the GCPS Middle School Teacher of the Year.

A passionate advocate for equity and excellence in the arts, Mrs. Pooser served as a member at large with the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). She also served as the chair for the inaugural Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access committee. In March 2023, Mrs. Pooser was honored with ASTA’s prestigious Presidential Award for Outstanding Service, recognizing her exemplary commitment to the organization and the broader music education community.

Now serving as an assistant principal, Mrs. Pooser continues to influence the field of music education through her leadership. She remains active as a guest clinician, conductor, presenter, and adjudicator at regional and state orchestral events. Additionally, she serves as the conductor of the Heart Youth Orchestra in Athens, Georgia, where she continues to inspire the next generation of young musicians.

https://www.recolored.org/

http://linkedin.com/in/taniesha-pooser-recolored

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready to shake up your next orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my referral link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

#StringTeacherLife #OrchestraClass #TeachingStrings #MusicEd #TeachingMusic #StringsMatter #ViolinPedagogy #violinteaching #violateaching #EducationalLeadership #RecolorEd #EquityInEducation #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #ArtsAdvocacy #MusicAdministrator #YouthOrchestra #WomenInLeadership #DiversityInEducation #TeacherLeader #FineArtsEducation #InspiringEducators #PBIS #MentorshipMatters #FromTeacherToAdministrator