Indianapolis Public Schools is recognizing educators for Teacher Appreciation Week, featuring stories from teachers about their motivations and experiences, according to a May 4 announcement. Noah Leininger, the elementary general music teacher at Charles Warren Fairbanks School 105, shared his journey in education and his approach to teaching young students.
Leininger teaches instrumental and general music to pre-kindergarten through fifth grade students. He said he aims to build strong musical foundations and foster creativity in his classroom. Before joining School 105, Leininger taught high school social studies at several schools and served as director of bands for Decatur County Community Schools. His experience also includes community engagement efforts in Indianapolis.
When asked what inspired him to become an educator, Leininger said: “The first time I pictured myself as a teacher was in fourth grade: Mr. Gerlach was the first male teacher I had, and he was such a fun teacher to learn from. Later on, I loved band, so I decided to major in music education. I finished undergrad mid-year, so I actually started as a substitute (mad respect to subs!) before moving into a part-time and then a full-time teaching role.” He described the variety of activities that keep students engaged: “In one lesson, we might actively listen to one song, sing a couple of different songs, play instruments, dance, and write or compose music.”
Leininger recounted an impactful lesson with students who had experienced trauma: “My lesson was about how music can help us feel and process different emotions… after a few minutes there wasn’t a single dry eye in the classroom—even the toughest adults in the room were tearing up.” He emphasized persistence when encouraging students: “Practice doesn’t make perfect—if I practice a song incorrectly over and over it won’t magically become better… Learning music helps them understand how improving a skill is a long and slow process where success isn’t always seen immediately…I won’t give up on them and won’t let them give up on themselves either.”
For those considering education as a career today he said: “Do it! Come work in schools…and advocate for your students…We need workers in education who will fight for the best for our students especially when public schools are under attack.” Leininger also expressed excitement about recent projects involving learning parts of Obertura Indígena by Guatemalan composer Jesus Castillo with new instruments purchased through Rebuilding Stronger.
Indianapolis Public Schools emphasizes racial equity as part of its core strategic priorities; serves over 30,000 students; provides services through its network of schools across central Indianapolis; focuses on fostering academic excellence through tailored education; offers programs designed for families throughout central Indianapolis; and is led by Superintendent Aleesia Johnson according to the official website.
Looking ahead during Teacher Appreciation Week celebrations like this one highlight both individual educators’ stories as well as district-wide commitments toward equity-driven academic achievement.
