Hastings music teacher will lead national organization

HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — Bringing children joy through song long has been a career for Thomas Michalek of Hastings, making him well-suited to lead a national organization promoting music education.

Michalek, Watson Elementary School music teacher, soon will become president of the Organization of American Kodály Educators (OAKE), a group that supports music education in schools.

Dave Barrett, interim principal at Watson Elementary, said Michalek is deserving of the position.

“He’s an amazing music teacher,” Barrett told the Hastings Tribune. “Kids love going to his class. He’s one of those hidden gems.”

Michalek is past president of the Plains States Kodály Organization, which covers mainly Nebraska, and past regional representative to the national OAKE board.

He was elected president of the national board last year. Starting in March, he will serve two years as president-elect followed by two years as president. After his term expires, he will complete another two years as past president to help transition to a new president.

Although the added time commitment and responsibilities gave him pause, Michalek said he is at a point in his life to be able to take it on. His wife has offered her support, and their daughter is going off to college.

He said OAKE has provided a great deal of professional development to him during his career and serving as president will allow him to pass that on to younger teachers.

“I felt it was my opportunity to give back,” he said. “I am fortunate to have developed leadership skills through my career. I can lend my organizational skills and empathy skills to the organization.”

All through high school, Michalek knew he wanted to be involved in a career in music.

He graduated from the...