Indy Standard

Aaron Munson, Director of Middle School Academies and Pathways in the Postsecondary Readiness Department at Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), shares insights into his professional journey and commitment to education in a recent interview. With eleven years at IPS, Munson has held various roles including school counselor at Eliza Blaker School 55 and music teacher at Joseph J. Bingham School 84 and William McKinley School 39.

Munson is a licensed music teacher, school counselor, and mental health counselor (LMHC). In his current role, he supports district initiatives such as Middle School College Campus Visits, JA JobSpark, JA Biztown, and middle school advising. He also collaborates with school counselors and principals on scheduling and high school credit courses for middle schools.

Reflecting on his career choice, Munson said, "I’d always wanted to be a teacher... I wanted to help children be the best version of themselves and help them and their families achieve the highest aspirations possible for their children."

Discussing his motivation to work at IPS, Munson emphasized the importance of addressing systemic racism in education: "I believe that systemic racism has infiltrated our education system, and I desire to do all that I can to dismantle that. Our IPS students deserve the best!"

Munson highlighted the diversity within IPS as a key difference from previous professional experiences. "IPS reflects more of what humanity should look like: a rich pool of diversity with backgrounds and experiences coming together," he stated.

Education holds personal significance for Munson as he shared his background as a first-generation college student from a free/reduced lunch background. "Education literally unlocked doors and opportunities for me that I wouldn’t have had otherwise," he noted.

Recalling rewarding moments at IPS, Munson mentioned receiving a heartfelt letter from a struggling sixth grader whose grades improved after receiving support. Additionally, he cited the recognition of Eliza Blaker School 55's counseling program as a significant achievement.

On daily strategies for staying motivated, Munson said he checks his heart regularly as an educator: "When middle school students have big reactions... Their brain is doing what it’s supposed to do... I remind myself daily that if I’m reacting negatively to the student, I am the adult and need to practice being in control."

Munson views the Rebuilding Stronger initiative as essential for advancing equity within IPS by consolidating middle schools into fewer buildings to enhance access to high-level courses and extracurricular activities.

For new educators or staff members joining IPS, Munson advises focusing on building relationships with students first: "Behavior is a language and is always communicating something... Build relationships with your students! Focus on that first, and the academics will come."