Thanks to K-12 Music Teacher, Drama Club Advisor, and Choir Director, Jennifer Tallman, the halls of Coleman Community Schools have been filled with music, laughter, dancing, and dramatic flair over the last 12 years. (And before us, spent 15 years teaching elementary music at Pinconning!)
We owe a huge thank you to former staff member Morag LeFevre (and a very helpful church recommendation!) for bringing Jenn to our district over a decade ago. Needless to say, she leaves behind some massive shoes to fill!
Jenn's passion has always been about unlocking the potential in her students. While there are too many memorable concerts and performances to count, her absolute favorite part of the job has always been watching her students find their voice.
"Seeing the kids grow into it - seeing a kid start out not wanting to be on stage at all and then turning into a kid that's taking a leading role - that's my favorite thing!" Jenn shared.
Her hope for every student who ever stepped into her classroom or onto her stage is this: "That they can do anything if they put the work in, try hard enough, and love what they're doing."
Whether she was reminding students, "I have THIS much patience" or sending them off with her signature motto, "Go be amazing!", Jenn built deep, lasting relationships across the district. Her colleagues are going to miss her immensely:
Amie Zylman: "I will greatly miss my 'ride or die' Drama partner! Who am I going to crash out, tweak out, or whatever the kids say we do, with?"
Jess Araway: "Jenn has been an invaluable asset to Coleman Schools. She has been a mentor, a teacher, a leaer, and a friend . . . Her guidance over the last 5 years has helped me become both the teacher and the person I am today. I don't know what I would have done without her!"
Jim Burkhart: "From traveling together with students, to shared concerts, to long professional development meetings, Jenn has been a great other half to our music department, and, more importantly, she has enriched students' lives here at Coleman. Her absence will be felt by the students, staff, and community."
Despite retiring, Jenn doesn't plan to slow down anytime soon. She is excited to spend more time with her family and dive headfirst into her lifelong passions. Jenn will be teaching at a dance studio, sharing her 25 years of Scottish dance experience, leading tap classes, and teaching an adaptive ballet class for children with disabilities. You might also spot her brewing up something special for The Lilac Tea Shoppe, her small business featuring custom tea blends, scones, and pastries!
Looking back on her time with us, Jenn shared, "I've enjoyed my time here. It's a nice schools, nice community, and the kids are good kids. I've made a lot of friends."
Thank you, Jenn, for making our small town a lot more musical. "Go be amazing" in your retirement!
Jenn's final spring concert (2026)
Jenn working with students during a Haunted School performance (2024)