The Sanford music teacher is one of 10 finalists in the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum Music Educator Award.
The Music Educator Award recognizes current educators who have made significant and lasting contributions to the field of music education and who have demonstrated a commitment to the broader cause of sustaining music education in schools.
In total, over 1,205 initial nominations were submitted from 47 states. Among the ten finalists, Matthew Shepard, the director of Meridian Early College High School in Sanford, was chosen.
“Looking at the competence of educators in all areas of music education (primary music, voice, band, orchestra, college), the Grammy Board felt that I deserved mention among these rock star educators. It’s very humbling to know,” said Shepard. He said. “When our students see the regions of America represented by our Grammy Music Educator Award finalists, we want them to be proud that we did this together. , not my moment.”
The award is open to current U.S. music teachers and anyone can nominate a teacher, including students, parents, friends, colleagues, community members, school deans and administrators. Teachers can also nominate themselves and the nominated teacher will be notified and asked to complete an application.
“Our small village is mentioned as part of our country’s most populated areas,” Shepard said. “This recognition is due to the support we have received from the community, school administration, and the hard work and dedication of our students to reach new levels of excellence through musical performance.
Each year, 1 out of 10 finalists will be selected for their outstanding impact.
about student life. They will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for the school’s music program. In addition, he will award nine finalists a $1,000 honorarium and corresponding grants. Her remaining 15 semifinalists will receive a $500 honorarium and corresponding school grants.
“This award is a symbol of the students I have had the pleasure of working with at Meridian Public Schools for the past 22 years,” Shepard said. “These are my people. They are the people I wake up to every day. It has always been my mission to use my subject matter to show that these students matter. We are thrilled that you have given us this opportunity to be an advocate for music education on a national platform.”
Matching Grants offered to schools are made possible through the support of the Grammy Museum of Educational Champions Ford Motor Company Foundation. Additionally, the Choral Directors Association of America, the National Association of Music Education, the NAMM Foundation, and the National Education Association support the program through outreach to their constituents.
Winners will be announced during Grammy Week.
For more information, please visit www.grammymusicteacher.com.
