I am writing this petition as a Music Education student at the University of Central Florida. As music educators, we are put in a position to achieve mastery in our own instruments, teaching pedagogy, but also obtaining an understanding of musical instruments that are not our own. As a program, we have found a community of educators willing to help each other, lending out our strengths to those that need it. This is an invaluable experience, for it creates community and opportunities to learn concepts through different perspectives. Unfortunately, our efforts have been shut down by our own music department due to "lack of teaching certifications."

Peer coaching serves as a beneficial tool in education, as it allows for learners to gain a deeper understanding of content through multiple perspectives, but creates community amongst students and future colleagues. Numerous studies prove that collaboration significantly impacts retention of information and student progress. Collaboration is part of many researched learning theories that are in practice in K-12 schools and beyond. Shutting down this opportunity denies Music Education students a chance to develop skills and attributes that are crucial for their degrees and careers. While faculty concerns of "no formal certifications" is understood, this voluntary  opportunity is done for the sake of students helping each other.

This event was pre-approved by faculty as a volunteer-based club activity before its closure. There are other ways to address this situation without erasing the entire initiative. While all its members are currently students, many of the music educators involved in the program are already teaching and/or interning outside of university grounds. The shutdown of this peer coaching experience goes against UCF's institutional goals of creating supportive learning environments. As students taking initiative in seeking support, the faculty could have given the program an alternative that better aligns with "faculty standards" in concerns of certifications. 

Please sign this petition to advocate for the re-introduction of peer coaching in the UCF Music Education Department. Together, we can make a difference for current and future students, paving the way for a more interactive and fulfilling educational journey.