Music Educator of the Year Award
Recipients of the prestigious NMEA Music Educator of the Year Award display excellence in every facet of music teaching in Nebraska. Please see the application form for additional criteria and nomination information. The application deadline is October 1 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Self-nominations are accepted!
AWARD CRITERIA
The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor an NMEA member for excellence in music education who has completed at least seven years of teaching. Please be sure to read through the criteria as all materials are needed to submit your nomination.
1. The nominee must be an NMEA member.
2. The nominee must have completed at least seven years of teaching.
3. The nominee must be currently actively teaching.
4. A resume of the nominee must be included.
5. At least three letters of recommendation must accompany the official nomination. These must be collected by the primary nominator and forwarded with the official nomination form. The following sources should be represented:
- An administrator from the nominee's current program
- Another music educator
- A current parent and/or student
Letters of recommendation should answer the following questions. Be brief but specific.
- In what ways has the nominee demonstrated by example the basic principles and characteristics of an outstanding music educator?
- In what ways does the nominee evidence excellence in music-making?
- How does the nominee demonstrate an interest in the total music education program?
- How has the nominee shown creativity, originality, and imagination as a music educator?
- How has the nominee’s teaching made an impact on students, the school, and the community?
The submission period has closed.
PREVIOUS AWARD WINNERS:
YEAR
|
RECIPIENT
|
RECIPIENT'S SCHOOL
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2023
|
Craig Mathis
|
Millard North High School
|
2022
|
J.R Gould
|
Brownell Talbot School
|
2021
|
Jason Smith
|
Wahoo Public Schools
|
2020
|
Danni Gilbert
|
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
|
2019
|
Sandra Murphy-Robb
|
Palmyra High School
|
2018
|
Dorothy Ladman
|
UNL/LPS String Project
|
2017
|
Peter Wilger
|
Omaha Central High School
|
2016
|
Sue Springer
|
Sunrise Middle School, Kearney
|
2015
|
Joni Osborn
|
Lincoln North Star High School
|
2014
|
Priscilla K. Balasa
|
Grand Island Central Catholic Schools
|
2013
|
Michael Koch
|
Scottsbluff
|
2012
|
Doran Johnson
|
Omaha Westside
|
2011
|
Randy Raines
|
Gering Public Schools
|
2010
|
David Sackschewsky
|
Grand Island Northwest High School
|
2009
|
Sandra (Tena) Whiston
|
Lincoln Public Schools
|
2008
|
Deborah Mosier
|
Catlin Elementary, Omaha Public School
|
2007
|
Stan Johnson
|
Shickley Public School
|
2006
|
Sharon Hoffman
|
Bayard Public School
|
2005
|
Michael Morris
|
Crete High School
|
2004
|
Ryan Placek
|
Bellevue East High School
|
2003
|
Joel Johnston
|
Millard West High School
|
2002
|
Douglas Johnson
|
Creighton Prep School
|
2001
|
Jim Schulz
|
Lincoln Public Schools
|
1999
|
Mark Miller
|
Omaha South High School
|
1998 |
Jean McGee |
Lexington Schools |
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