STEP 1
Phase 1 of Music Teachers of Excellence application opens on September 3, 2025.
The Music Teachers of Excellence award supports educators who demonstrate exemplary teaching and student learning, and are committed to making a positive impact on their school and community while raising awareness for the broader cause of music education. In addition, the ideal candidate can confidently overcome challenges in the classroom and is constantly seeking opportunities to continue to develop themselves professionally.
Your dedication deserves center stage. Apply now to be recognized as a Music Teacher of Excellence!
The application process is divided into two phases. All applicants must submit their applications by November 13, 2025. Semi-finalists will be announced in December with an invitation to complete Phase 2.
APPLY NOWQualifications
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.
Evaluation Criteria
The entirety of this application and process has been reviewed by and based on the recommendations of teachers. The application responses and all supporting materials should provide a comprehensive overview with clear evidence from the last 12 month, unless otherwise noted, based on the following focus areas:
Phase 1 of Music Teachers of Excellence application opens on September 3, 2025.
Phase 1 of Music Teachers of Excellence application closes on November 13, 2025.
An esteemed group of secrete adjudicators will review all applications in three categories: National, Tennessee, and Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Semi-finalists will be announced in December 2026 and invited to complete Phase 2 of the application, due February 19, 2026.
Final adjudication will begin. All Finalists will be announced during Teacher Appreciation Week – May 2026.
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