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Read all criteria, application questions, and select who will complete your recommendations.
MUSIC TEACHERS OF EXCELLENCE
APPLICATION PROCESS & CRITERIA
WHAT IS A MUSIC TEACHER OF EXCELLENCE?
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. We’re calling on ALL extraordinary, inspirational music teachers for this year’s Music Teachers of Excellence. Does that sound like a someone you know? Are you that teacher?
FAQS
HOW TO APPLY
The application process includes narrative responses, recommendations and vide lesson demonstration. The 2024 application closes on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 11:59PM CT.
APPLICATION QUESTIONSCRITERIA
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 have won three years in a row must take (1) year off from applying.
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 past year based on the following focus areas:
Professional and Personal Growth
- Contributing to local, state and national music organizations and conferences
- Continued education through advanced degrees or certifications
- Seeks musical and non-musical self-learning opportunities to enhance effectiveness in the classroom
- Volunteering in your local community, such as serving local organizations, schools, committees, etc.
School and Community Contributions
- 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
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 promotes 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 as a means to provide student feedback in order to inform teacher lesson implementation
- Implements best teaching and performance practices to provide age-appropriate learning activities in non-performance and performance-based music classes
APPLICATION STEPS
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Begin your application right away to create your profile and send your recommenders links to complete.
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Plan your video and lesson carefully, and prepare your narrative responses.
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Confirm your recommendation questionnaires are submitted and complete the online application.
SELECTION PROCESS
STEP 1
The CMA Foundation staff will review all applications for due diligence. Only those applications that are completed will be passed along to the judging panel.
STEP 2
A national panel of education experts will screen applications. Judges may not review an application of someone they know personally or professionally.
STEP 3
The judging panel will review each application for completeness and adherence to selection criteria. Recommended finalists will be sent to the CMA Foundation for final review.
For more information on Music Teachers of Excellence application contact
Franklin Willis, Community Impact Director
(615) 664-1640
