LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — The Recording Academy and Grammy Museum announced the list of 10 music teachers who have been selected as finalists for the 2025 Music Educator Award.
In total, more than 2,400 teachers from 49 states across the U.S. were nominated for the 2025 edition of the award, which honors educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the music education field and demonstrated a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.
Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their impact on the lives of their students. The winning candidate, who will be announced during Grammy Week will receive a $10,000 honorarium and matching grant for their school’s music program. The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium and matching grants. The remaining 15 semifinalists will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants.
For 2025, ten music teachers from 10 cities in eight U.S. states have made it into the final round.
Justin Antos – Eisenhower High School – Blue Island – Illinois
Stephen Blanco – Las Vegas High School – Las Vegas – Nevada
Ethan Chessin – Camas High School – Camas – Washington
J.D. Frizzell – Briarcrest Christian School – Eads – Tennessee
Bernie Hendricks, Jr. – Ocoee High School – Ocoee – Florida
Jennifer Jimenez – South Miami Sr. High School – Miami – Florida
Adrian L. Maclin – Cordova High School – Memphis – Tennessee
Coty Raven Morris – Portland State University – Portland – Oregon
Matthew Shephard – Meridian Early College High School – Sanford – Michigan
Katie Silcott – Olentangy Shanahan Middle School – Lewis Center – Ohio
The Music Educator Award program, including honorariums, is made possible by the generosity and support of The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation. In addition, the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, NAMM Foundation, and National Education Association support this program through outreach to their constituencies.
