Local music educators can be nominated for Music Educator Award
Does anyone come to mind when thinking of someone who is a kind, passionate and resilient educator of music?
If so, there's a chance to nominate them for a Music Educator Award.
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra has opened nominations for the 2025 Music Educator Awards that honor music teachers in central Ohio who've made exemplary efforts to teach music and the arts.
Honoring local educators for 29 years now, CSO's director of education, Meghan McDevitt, said they pride themselves on being a supporter of all music educators who put in an effort to promote greater appreciation for music education.
"It's really just to highlight what great things teachers are doing in the community," McDevitt said.
Anyone from students, parents, colleagues, administrators and other community members can nominate a music teacher in an online submission form at bit.ly/4am8bQ2 by Feb. 23.
The awards recognize educators in four categories:
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Elementary:General music, chorus or instrumental educators who primarily work with grades K-6.
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Secondary:General music, chorus or instrumental educators who primarily work with grades 7-12.
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Private/community-based:Any professional working within a community-based musical organization or private studio-based educators.
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Lifetime achievement:Educators with 10 years of experience who have made significant contributions to music education and to the students of central Ohio.
Winners receive a $2,500 grant. McDevitt said past winners have used these funds to repair instruments and take professional development classes.
"We really get to know the teachers and try to make contact with them and hear from their perspective on what they do and what they feel is important and how they would use the money to grow their program," McDevitt said.
CSO is the longest-running professional symphony in central Ohio and has recognized about 100 teachers since the program began. Toward the end of the nomination process, an education committee chooses finalists to shadow the work they do in their schools.
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"There's a lot of past winners that now serve on the committee to award new awardees," McDevitt said. "We try to get out in the community and bring the orchestra and arts to other communities because it's all about access."
Winners will be announced the week of March 17. A ceremony will then take place at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St., at one of the Masterworks Concerts on May 18.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Symphony Orchestra opens nominations for Music Educator Awards
