CHURCH HILL — ArtScene | The Podcast continues its mission of celebrating the educators who are changing lives through the arts. On November 1, host Michael Bell visited with Heather Efland, music teacher at Church Hill Elementary School and 2019 Queen Anne’s County Teacher of the Year, for an inspiring conversation that blends laughter, heart, and powerful insights into the art of teaching.
For the past 18 years, Efland has taught across Queen Anne’s County Public Schools—Kent Island Elementary, Bayside Elementary, Stevensville Middle, Centreville Elementary, and now back home in Church Hill. She has inspired thousands of students through music, dance, and theatre, transforming each classroom she enters into a space filled with rhythm, confidence, and joy.
In this episode, Efland shares how she discovered her true calling during student teaching, why she begins every class with the empowering “Good Morning” mantra that opens the episode, and how it builds confidence and community—while using her performances to motivate students to believe in excellence.
“Music motivates me, music makes me happy, so it wasn’t really an option to do anything else,” said Efland. “My goal is to help kids fall in love with learning through music—and remember that joy for the rest of their lives.”
From disco-lit rhythm lessons to performances like Madagascar and the recent “Rockin’ the Porch” outdoor concert with the Queen Anne’s County Arts Council, Mrs. Efland’s work exemplifies how music education strengthens community bonds.
“Mrs. Efland brings this infectious energy to her students and her school,” said Bell. “She reminds us that music doesn’t just teach rhythm—it teaches resilience, joy, and belonging. When her students hear ‘September’ years from now, they won’t just remember the song—they’ll remember how it felt to belong.”
Efland also discusses her belief that “all children need a voice and deserve a voice,” reflecting on how music can unlock confidence and communication—even in students who struggle elsewhere. Her passion for lifelong learning and creative exploration continues to inspire both her students and fellow educators across the county.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of ArtScene | The Podcast featuring Heather Efland on Spotify, or at https://anchor.fm/artscene.
ArtScene is hosted by Michael Bell, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, highlighting the stories of educators and artists shaping the future of arts education.