Kelsey Ann Folmar

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Written By Dr. Elisa Janson Jones
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Kelsey Folmar is an oboist, band director at Van Hoosen Middle School in metro-Detroit, a leader, presenter and advocate for the arts. She received her Masters degree in Instrumental Wind Conducting and Music Education at the American Band College where she had the opportunity to learn, conduct and perform under the tutelage of some of the most accomplished professors, composers, and directors globally. She received her Bachelors of Music Education from Central Michigan University specializing in Instrumental Education.

Prior to teaching at Van Hoosen MS, Kelsey started her education career in Port St. Lucie, FL where she taught middle school band and elementary general music. She is a fierce advocate of promoting diversity and equity in the classroom and is passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging environment for all. She has been trained in Restorative Practices and Trauma-based approaches, and brings this education into the classroom to meet each individual's needs. She has experience mentoring student teachers, new teachers, and seasoned teachers through the daily struggles and successes we encounter as today's educators.

 
 

  • I believe that a great teacher is not only engaging in their content and approach, but first makes the effort to build connections and relationships with their students. I believe that in order for learning to happen, a bond of trust must first be created and nurtured in order for the learning to take place.

    It is important that I maintain open communication and understand that my perspective may be vastly different from my mentee, but that both perspectives can be respected, valued, and celebrated. In my classroom, student voice and choice is valued and acknowledged. I facilitate deeper learning of my students by asking questions that prompt them to grow, and I encourage taking risks when answering as long as they are confident and have logic and conviction to support them. In my beginning instrumental classroom, you can often hear me say the phrase “If you make a mistake, make it a good mistake” to ensure my students feel comfortable growing in the learning process.

    I encourage my students to be teammates and support one another so they understand that high standards mean everyone is accountable for their part in determining how successful we as an ensemble/class are. I am a teacher who nurtures and guides her students to reach their potential and beyond while maintaining the highest of expectations.

    My goal is to not only teach musical content, but teach life skills through the vehicle of music with the hope of instilling a lifelong love of music. Over the past 5 years I have had a considerable amount of training in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Restorative Practices, and Trauma-based learning/teaching. I bring this learning into my teaching on a daily basis and feel it is the fundamental ground for learning and growing. I believe that it is the teacher’s job to learn and grow with the student while metaphorically “walking next to them” through the process.

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Dr. Elisa Janson Jones

Dr. Elisa Jones designs and scales learning systems for organizations and individuals. With an EdD in Instructional Design, an MBA in Strategy, and 20+ years building education platforms, she combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution experience.

She works at the intersection of people, systems, and technology—helping leaders and learners see what's actually working and what needs to change. Her approach is diagnostic, grounded in real-world constraints, and focused on outcomes that stick.

Learn more about her work at sovereign.plus, elisajones.ai, and the Music Teacher Guild.

https://elisajanson.com
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