The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, has announced 30 music teachers from across the country as 2023 Music Teachers of Excellence. Now in its seventh year, the program was created to recognize educators who are having the greatest impact on their students, using the power of music as an avenue for change.
The CMA Foundation will hold its seventh Music Teachers of Excellence ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 19, in Nashville. Along with a night of celebration and recognition, the CMA Foundation will also invest $150,000 total to all of this year’s recipients. Half of each teacher’s investment will go toward their classroom needs and music programs, and the other half will support personal expenses. Funding is used to not only support teachers financially, but to also encourage commitment, motivation and retention in music education.
Through an extensive application process, which includes teaching videos, professional references and community service work, Music Teachers of Excellence are selected based on their dedication to bringing a high-quality music education to their students and the impact they’ve had on their school community through music. To date, the CMA Foundation has invested nearly $30 million nationally, including $850,000 towards Music Teachers of Excellence to ensure music educators have the support and funding needed to create a thriving program within their school and community.
“We could not be prouder to support these 30 incredible music teachers through the Music Teachers of Excellence program,” says Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation. “We have seen first-hand how critical music education is to the success and well-being of students, and that starts with our music teachers. We are thrilled to welcome a new class of music teachers into this community, and we cannot wait to celebrate them on September 19!”
2023 Music Teachers of Excellence Award Recipient Corey Graves – Tony A. Jackson Middle School, Forney Independent School District, Forney, TX Since its inception in 2011, the CMA Foundation has been committed to improving and sustaining music programs throughout the U.S., so all students have equitable opportunities to participate in a highquality music education. The non-profit believes music and the arts are a crucial part of a well-rounded education. For more than 10 years, the CMA Foundation has observed why music programs are not thriving, seeing first-hand the challenges educators are facing and, most importantly, the systemic issues that must be addressed in order for every child to have access to music. Committed to its vision, the CMA Foundation is working directly with school districts to identify needs, understand their challenges, build community support and develop local and national resources.
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