NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University alumna Emily Heisterkamp has gained a new perspective on teaching music after spending three weeks in India last summer. Her participation in The Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program allowed her to observe the education system and immerse herself in Indian culture.

Heisterkamp, an elementary music teacher at Westside Community Schools in Omaha, Nebraska, took part in a 10-week course on global education before traveling. She also attended a symposium in Washington, D.C., where she collaborated with other educators to develop strategies for global learning.

“In all of our classrooms, our schools, our communities, our districts, the diversity population is increasing,” Heisterkamp stated. “If we want to be more aware for those students, we have to educate ourselves.”

During her time in India, Heisterkamp visited cities including New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. In Chennai, she observed classes across various subjects and grade levels such as 11th-grade psychology and 4th-grade language.

Heisterkamp explored how music is integrated into the school day and how students gain musical knowledge. Co-teaching a kindergarten class allowed her to share music games from Omaha with Indian students. This experience offered her insights into India's diverse musical culture.

“I have gained a new insight when looking into a new country or culture's music,” Heisterkamp remarked. “There are 28 different states in India and each of them has their own unique rhythms, instruments, melodies, dances and tonalities.”

She noted that students were curious about American culture and likened this curiosity to that of her students back home. “They were so curious,” Heisterkamp said. “I think if we can continue to foster that curiosity, then it leads to so much understanding and respect.”

After teaching K-12 music for 15 years, Heisterkamp emphasizes the importance of inclusive music education as school districts become more diverse. This belief influenced her decision to join the Fulbright program.

“As music educators," she explained, "we have a responsibility to find authentic musical sources for our students."

Her passion for travel was ignited during her undergraduate studies at Northwest Missouri State University when she traveled to Europe with peers and Dr. Ernest Kramer. After completing her bachelor's degree there in 2005 and obtaining a master's degree from Florida State University, Heisterkamp has continued teaching while nurturing her interest in cultural diversity through programs like Fulbright.

“Northwest started a lot of where I am today,” Heisterkamp acknowledged.

To learn more about Emily Heisterkamp’s experiences observing education culture in India, visit her website.