Music Teachers of Excellence 2027

Qualifications 

The Music Teachers of Excellence award is open to full-time, public-school music teachers who have at least 4 years of experience. Teachers who won the previous year must take a year off before applying again.

Application and Award Guidelines 

• All teachers must have completed at least four full years of teaching by the date of the award event. Teachers may apply during their fourth year of teaching.  
• Current and former Music Teachers of Excellence adjudicators are not eligible to apply. 
• Teachers may not win in two consecutive years. Previous winners must take a “gap year” before applying again. 
• Teachers may receive the award a maximum of three (3) times in their teaching career. 
• Selected Music Teachers of Excellence will receive $2,500 for personal use and $2,500 for their music classroom.
• The $2,500 music classroom grant will always go to the school that was represented in the original application. If a teacher transitions to another school (for example over the summer) the grant funds will still be awarded to the school listed in the original application.

Evaluation Criteria 

The entirety of this application and process has been reviewed by and developed based on the recommendations of teachers. Application responses and all supporting materials should provide a comprehensive overview of the following focus areas, supported by clear evidence from the past 12 months unless otherwise noted.  

Student Learning and Engagement 

• Utilizes teaching strategies that actively engage students in learning with and from their peers. 
• Creates an inclusive learning community in which all students are valued and can experience success.  
• Develops lessons that promote student curiosity, interest, and creativity.  
• Demonstrates effective classroom management based on clear expectations for all students. 
• Uses standards-based learning objectives and valid assessment tools to provide meaningful student feedback and inform instructional practice.
• Implements effective teaching and performance practices to provide age-appropriate learning activities across non-performance and performance-based music classes.  

Professional Growth 

• Contributes to or leads local, state, and national music organizations and conferences.  
• Continues education through advanced degrees or certifications.  
• Seeks musical and non-musical self-learning opportunities to enhance effectiveness in the classroom.  
• Volunteers in their local community, such as serving local organizations, schools, committees, etc. 
• Holds leadership roles in a state, local, or community organization.  

Positive Contribution to School and Community Culture 

• Cultivates a culture of appreciation for music learning and participation within the school environment. 
• Functions as a consistent and positive role model though community engagement and/or service-learning opportunities.  
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to music education for ALL through advocacy in both school and community settings.  

Advocating for Music Education 

• Participates in a state music education association (MEA) or other advocacy-based group. 
• Collaborates with stakeholders (school administrators, community leaders, funders, parent groups, etc.) to maintain music programming. 
• Takes action to ensure students have access to music education. 

2027 Theme - Innovation 

• Applicant clearly demonstrates how INNOVATION connects to their teaching philosophy and practice. 
• Applicant shares specific examples and stories of how they implement INNOVATION to increase student engagement.