Meet
Dr. Bollino
Beyond the Baton: The Music Teacher You Are Becoming
As future music educators, you’re preparing to teach notes, rhythms, and repertoire - but what does it really take to become the teacher your students need? Through personal stories, humor (hopefully!), and practical wisdom from a career spanning the classroom to national leadership, Dr. Annamarie Bollino shares five lessons she wishes she’d known before entering the profession. From building meaningful relationships and navigating the realities of your first classroom to finding your voice as an advocate and leader, this session offers encouragement and practical insights for the journey ahead. Together, we’ll explore how to embrace the extraordinary opportunity to make a difference through music education with curiosity, confidence, and joy.
Biography
Dr. Annamarie Bollino is a nationally respected leader and advocate for arts education, with over two decades of experience as a music educator, district arts supervisor, and school administrator. She serves as Supervisor of the Arts for Prince William County Schools (VA), a division recognized for eight consecutive years as a NAMM Best Community for Music Education, where she supports over 400 arts educators and advances access to high-quality programs. Dr. Bollino is Past Chair of the NAfME Music Program Leaders Council and Past President of the Virginia Music Educators Association and Virginia Association for Music Education Administrators. She currently serves on the NAfME National Executive Board as Southern Division President. An active presenter, clinician, author, and adjunct professor, she holds degrees from West Virginia University, George Mason University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.