ManiAAC Music Teacher
Elementary school music teacher uses his moves to entertain thousands of fans Written by Jaime Handy
Corey Mitchell , a veteran music teacher at Parkway Elementary School , is a larger than life figure and it ’ s not because he towers over all the students on his campus . On Sept . 1 , he became a local celebrity when he discovered he was the newest member of the Mavs ManiAACs , the all-male , hip-hop dance team for the Dallas Mavericks .
Every day , he teaches music to students from kindergarten to fourth grade , but once the school is empty and the buses are gone , he transforms into an ambassador for the NBA team , cheering the Mavs to victory and serving in the community .
“ I ’ ve found that my purpose in life is to help others , love on people and make them smile ,” Mitchell said . “ I get to do that in our school every day , so when the opportunity came to do it in a bigger venue , I couldn ’ t pass it up .”
He grew up around music with his family in Louisiana , so joining the dance group seemed like a logical fit for Mitchell . His fun-loving , charismatic personality and mission to make people smile helps him entertain cheering crowds and it ’ s not much different than being in a classroom .
“ Once I got over the nerves , it ’ s been a lot of fun ,” Mitchell said . “ Being a dancer , music teacher and a drummer my whole life , rhythm is something that comes naturally to me .”
Although his schedule can get busy during the season , Mitchell ’ s priority is always the impact that he makes on the students in his classroom . His commitment hasn ’ t gone unnoticed to other teachers and staff in the building .
“ Passion is the one word I think of when describing Mr . Mitchell ,” Parkway principal Kristina Turner said . “ Mr . Mitchell is all about music instruction , the arts and providing another outlet for our students . His creativity is coming across in the classroom as well as on the court .”
The students in his classroom have cheered him on all season long , asking him about his interactions with the players and what it ’ s like to dance in front of so many people . Mitchell says it ’ s been a great way for him to get closer to the kids .
“ They went through the audition process with me and it was encouraging for me ,” Mitchell said . “ I hope I can use this experience to inspire them to chase any dreams they have with everything they ’ ve got . And if in the end , you don ’ t reach your goal , you know that you gave it your best .”
Mitchell spends his day making students smile in his classroom ( above ), but you can find him cheering on the Dallas Mavericks as a member of the Mavs ManiAACs in his spare time .
Spring 2017 | CROWLEY ISD CONNECTIONS 9