The Recording Academy® and GRAMMY Museum® have announced the finalists for the prestigious 2025 Music Educator Award™, celebrating excellence and commitment in music education across the United States. From over 2,400 nominations spanning 49 states, ten exceptional educators from eight states have been chosen to receive this honor. The announcement highlights the significance of music education in shaping young minds and enriching schools nationwide.
The Finalists: Leaders in Music Education
This year’s finalists represent a diverse group of educators who have profoundly impacted their communities through music. These ten teachers come from various educational institutions, each demonstrating a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering creativity in students:
- Justin Antos – Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, Illinois
- Stephen Blanco – Las Vegas High School, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Ethan Chessin – Camas High School, Camas, Washington
- J.D. Frizzell – Briarcrest Christian School, Eads, Tennessee
- Bernie Hendricks, Jr. – Ocoee High School, Ocoee, Florida
- Jennifer Jimenez – South Miami Sr. High School, Miami, Florida
- Adrian L. Maclin – Cordova High School, Memphis, Tennessee
- Coty Raven Morris – Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
- Matthew Shephard – Meridian Early College High School, Sanford, Michigan
- Katie Silcott – Olentangy Shanahan Middle School, Lewis Center, Ohio
These educators exemplify dedication, using music as a tool for engagement, expression, and education.
What is the Music Educator Award?
The Music Educator Award™, presented annually, celebrates current educators making a lasting impact in the field of music education. The program is designed to recognize and elevate the importance of music in schools, encouraging the next generation of creative minds.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: Open to all current U.S. music teachers, including self-nominations.
- Recognition: One finalist will be named the winner during GRAMMY® Week 2025 and awarded $10,000 along with a matching school grant.
- Support: The nine remaining finalists will each receive a $1,000 honorarium with matching grants, and semifinalists will receive $500.
- Funding: Made possible by The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, with support from organizations like the National Education Association and the NAMM Foundation.
Why This Matters
Music education plays a crucial role in academic and personal development, fostering creativity, discipline, and emotional growth. Programs like the Music Educator Award ensure that the contributions of dedicated teachers are celebrated and supported, keeping music education alive and thriving in schools nationwide.
Benefits of the Program:
- Encourages community involvement in nominating deserving educators.
- Provides financial resources to enhance school music programs.
- Raises awareness about the importance of music education in diverse communities.
Get Involved
Nominations for the 2026 Music Educator Award are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and community members are encouraged to nominate outstanding music educators. To learn more or submit a nomination, visit www.grammymusicteacher.com.
About the Partners
Recording Academy®
The Recording Academy represents music professionals and advocates for the future of the recording arts. It honors artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards® and supports creators via initiatives like MusiCares®.
GRAMMY Museum®
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the GRAMMY Museum educates and inspires through exhibits, grants, and public programming, showcasing the transformative power of music.
The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation
Known for its support of arts, education, and health, the foundation’s generous funding ensures the continuation of impactful programs like the Music Educator Award.
Conclusion
The 2025 Music Educator Award finalists exemplify the transformative power of music in education. As the GRAMMY® Week 2025 announcement approaches, this celebration of educators underscores the importance of supporting arts in schools, ensuring the legacy of music education for generations to come.
For updates and more information, follow @RecordingAcad and @GRAMMYMuseum on social media or visit GRAMMY.com.
