While some stumble upon teaching by pure accident, Tyrone Elementary School music teacher Estright said teaching was her calling in life.
“My mom was a teacher, so seeing how much she loved her job made me want to teach as well. I have always loved music and singing and came from a very musical family, so it seemed like a natural choice for me to share my love of music as a music teacher,” Estright said.
Estright will retire at the end of this school year with 38 years of teaching experience, the last 15 at Tyrone Area Elementary School.
In addition to being a music teacher, Estright has also been a dedicated member of the Allegheny Chorale, and its conductor since 2015, when she took over for another former TASD teacher, Laura Harris.
Fellow TASD music teacher Brittany Hall remarked on how much of a difference Estright has made to the community through her leadership in the Allegheny Chorale.
“As the conductor of the Allegheny Chorale, she uses her gifts to allow adults to keep singing long after their time at school is done. She believes that music is for everyone in our community, and she shares the joy of music with everyone from ages pre-K through adulthood. Through her example as a teacher, performer, and conductor, she demonstrates to all that music is a gift to be enjoyed throughout an entire lifetime,” Hall said.
Colleague Robert Drager said that one thing everyone knows and loves about Mrs. Estright is her involvement in the Christmas and spring music assemblies.
“She works to organize the elementary school’s holiday and spring concerts, which bring the entire school together for song and seasonal music. These concerts are highlights of the school year,” Drager said.
When asked about the mark Estright had left on her students, Hall only had good things to say.
“Mrs. Estright teaches music with passion and joy. Her students love her class and leave with smiles on their faces. She teaches with the philosophy that music is for every child, and she works hard to ensure that every student is included, welcomed, and respected,” said Hall.
After 15 years of working for TAES, she has decided to enjoy her retirement by traveling with her husband, spending more time with family, finding more time to read, and giving back to the community by doing some volunteer work.
While Estright is looking forward to her retirement, she fondly looks back at her time at Tyrone.
“I will miss the connections I have made through teaching. Connections with students, most especially, as well as connections I have made with my colleagues at the Elementary School. Every day, I am truly grateful that I get to share my love of music with my students,” Estright said.
Estright wishes to leave her colleagues with some words of wisdom.
“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day, so look for the good.”
