Edward Varner, AKA Eddie V, has been an educator, a musician, a freelance percussionist, actor, and arts education specialist and advocate for more than 20 years. His collection of original and educational folk songs has inspired children and their parents for many years. He has taught award winning K-12 music programs in California, Nevada, and Washington, presented workshops for the International Reading Association, National Association for Elementary School Principals, Hawaii International Conference on Education, Washington State OSPI, and led many district in-services. He provided seven years of arts leadership as the supervisor of music and art education for the Great Falls Public Schools in Great Falls, MT and is currently the Director of Visual and Performing Arts for the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, PA. Ed completed the Master's Degree in Educational Administration in 2005 from the University of British Columbia and is currently pursuing doctoral studies. As an educator, I have always been a firm believer in the philosophies if integration and differentiation of curriculum to better meet the needs of students. I must know my students in order to adequately and effectively meet them where they are and help them progress to the next level. This philosophy of knowing your students necessitates the added element of care. Educators must care for their students, themselves, and have the fortitude to continue caring when it appears that others have surrendered. - Edward Varner
