About Meg
Music. Leadership. Sparking Ideas.
Music. Leadership. Sparking Ideas.
With over 25 years of experience in public school music education, this New Brunswicker-turned-Nova Scotian music educator has taught band to students from grades 5 through 12—always with a box o’mallets nearby and a belief in the power of music to shape lives.
After 10 years teaching band at junior high, then 10 more years at the high school level (mostly band, some vocal music + drumline, some courses with desks), Meg now teaches grades 6 - 8 band + 6 music at Georges P. Vanier Junior High, blending a percussionist’s energy, a director’s vision, and an educator’s heart.
A proud graduate of Acadia University (B.Mus and B.Mus.Ed) and Mount Saint Vincent University (M.Ed in Educational Leadership), she has also earned a Certificate in Engaging Stakeholders & Leading Change from Saint Mary’s University. Over the years, she has served in leadership roles with the Nova Scotia Band Association, N.S. Music Educators Association, as well as the Nova Scotia Teachers Union.
Known for her creative, practical, and often humorous approach, this clinician shares her resources to help fellow educators break out of silos and ditch the need to “reinvent-the-wheel." Whether conducting ensembles or facilitating workshops, she leads with truth, humility, and a whole lot of heart.
Music: Band 5 - 12; Vocal Music 10-12 ; Drumline 10-12 ; Classroom Music 6.
Courses requiring desks: Sociology 12, English 10, Career & Life Management 11, Essentials Math 10 (only once, don't worry), Business Management 12, Entrepreneurship 12, Healthy Living 8, Integrated Learning 7, Fine Arts 7, Core French 7.
No matter the subject, my focus has always been the same: engaging students, building confidence, and making space for joyful learning.
Active in the Nova Scotia Teachers Union since 2000, I also had the pleasure of working full time for members on two occasions. Those experiences gave me a broader, more global perspective on public education in Nova Scotia and deepened my commitment to supporting educators and leaders alike. For me, my union involvement is my way of supporting colleagues in their important work as well as improving public education outside of school contributions.
Career Timeline
A.J. Smeltzer Junior High School & Feeder Schools, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia - 1995 - 2005
Auburn Drive High School, Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia - 2005 - 2012
Halifax County Local, Local President, Nova Scotia Teachers Union - 2012 - 2016
Auburn Drive High School, Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia - 2016 - 2020
Georges P Vanier Junior High School, Fall River, Nova Scotia - 2020 - 2023
Nova Scotia Teachers Union, Executive Staff Officer Professional Learning, Halifax, Nova Scotia - 2023 - 2024
Georges P Vanier Junior High School, Fall River, Nova Scotia - 2024 - Present
Leadership Roles
Many rewarding volunteer leadership roles over the years have helped shape my work as an educator, advocate, and collaborator in the broader education community. Highlights:
Nova Scotia Music Educators Association: Communications, Secretary, Conference Team
Nova Scotia Band Association: Vice President, Communications, Representative on Canadian Band Association, Student Awards Co-Founder & Event Organizer, Editor of semiannual journal "The Fanfare", created and launched first website
Halifax County Local Nova Scotia Teachers Union: First Vice President, Vice President Communications, Founder of Local Inspire Awards
Nova Scotia Teachers Union: Provincial Executive, Curriculum Committee, Professional Development Committee, Representative at Canadian Teachers Federation
Nova Scotia Honour Jazz: Manager
Conference Coordinator: Jazz Pedagogy Workshop, School Climate Conference, New NSTU Member Conference, Teacher Empowerment Conference
Sounds of Summer Music Camp for percussionists at Dalhousie University
Nova Musica, Music Festival for Beginner Bands Co-Founder