Lincoln Heights music teacher Kaitlin Webster uses drums and xylophones to help second grade students learn to keep the beat as they make music. When they walk out of her classroom, they’re equipped with more than the ability to stay on rhythm.
“I think it's also such a great place for learning what I think are integral skills like critical thinking, how to be in a group, how to interact with people, reinforcing a lot of the things that they're learning in their classes, just in a different way,” Kaitlyn said.
This is Kaitlin’s first year at Lincoln Heights after teaching on Washington’s west side for several years.
“I love that music is a place where kids who are not always successful in other areas find their bright moments, find their success,” she said, noting how much she enjoys working with incredible Jaguar students and collaborating with her colleagues to make sure students are supported.
“I’m really excited to see what we’ll accomplish at the end of the year.”
Elementary specialists teach subjects like music, art, science, and P.E. to K-5 students. These positions are supported in part by the local Educational Programs and Operations levy, which helps to fund academic programs, services, and student activities and athletics that are not funded by the state. The local levy makes up about 15% of Spokane Public Schools' annual operating budget. A replacement levy will be presented to voters on the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot. For more information, visit Learn About the Levy.