

MMEA 2024 Annual Awards for Excellence Nominations
will be open September 5 to December 6, 2023.
NOMINATION, REVIEW, AND PRESENTATION
MMEA/NAfME current members OR school administrators can award candidates by completing the online nomination form. All forms must be filled out completely in order to be considered.
The Awards Committee will serve as judges to review the nominations and select the eligible candidates. Awards recipients will be contacted via email once the review process is complete.
Awards may be given annually, however, if there are not sufficient candidates, some categories may not be awarded.
AWARDS PRESENTATION
Awards will be presented annually at an Awards Reception on the Saturday evening of the Annual State Conference (specific day/time TBA). A letter of distinction will be sent to the appropriate administrator for the award recipient’s personnel file (if applicable). Recognition of the recipients will be included on the MMEA website homepage, the awards webpage, MMEA social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), in emails to the members, district supervisors, and other stakeholders.
TIMELINE
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August - Information updated on Website & Forms Open
September 5 - MMEA Nominations Open
December 6 - MMEA Awards Nominations Close
December 8 to 15 - Committee Review
December 18 - Awards Decided
December 20 - Awardees notified - Gather Information
January - Awardees Announced
February 24 - Awards Ceremony @ Conference
AWARDS DESCRIPTIONS
All nomination forms are linked at the end of the descriptions.
Outstanding Music Educator
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Award Description
This award recognizes and honors music educators for their outstanding service to the music students in public, private, or independent schools in the State of Maryland.
This award will be given in three categories:
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Career - a tenured educator with six or more years of teaching experience
New - an educator with one to five years of teaching experience
Retired - an educator who has retired from teaching music
Note: Membership is not required for administrators wishing to nominate their colleagues. Membership IS required for educators wishing to self-nominate or nominate a colleague.
Nominee Qualifications
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Must be an MMEA/NAfME Member at the time of nomination
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Must be a Maryland music educator who has taught a minimum of six years (career teacher) or one year (new teacher).
Leadership Criteria
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Consistently produces/produced music groups of high-performance level.
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Consistently performs/performed programs of high musical quality.
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Has made an outstanding contribution to the community and to the state through music.
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Has made outstanding contributions to the improvement of music groups in Maryland through participation and leadership in professional organizations.
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Must have had student participation in honors performing groups such as All County or All State groups when appropriate.
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Has hosted student teachers, meetings, festivals and/or presented workshops, clinics, adjudicated or guest conducted ensemble groups.
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Has written articles for various music journals and/or participated in curriculum work.
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Maintains/maintained contact with feeder schools where applicable and encourages students to continue their music education.
Professional Growth Criteria
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Continues to improve knowledge by enrolling in education courses for advanced degrees by attending workshops, in-service programs, clinics etc.
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Has been recognized by area organizations, school PTA or community groups.
Human Relations Criteria
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Demonstrates/demonstrated a caring attitude toward students and serves as an excellent role model.
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Has received letters in their personnel file from students, colleagues, parents, and/or supervisor/administrator relating to contributions to the growth of students.
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Demonstrates/demonstrated the ability to inspire students to learn.
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Encourages and helps students to build self-esteem and confidence.
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Works cooperatively with total school staff, parents, and community.
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Encourages diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in their teaching.
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Demonstrates performance above and beyond the call of duty.
Outstanding School Administrator
Award Description
This award is to recognize non-arts administrators who are music advocates and supporters, working with the music team to build incredible music programs for their schools and communities.
Note: Membership is not required for administrators wishing to nominate their colleagues. Membership IS required for educators wishing to self-nominate or nominate a colleague.
Nominee Qualifications
An elementary or secondary principal, school administrator, or school system supervisor or superintendent.
Nomination Criteria
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Increased time allotment for students in the music programs.
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Expansion of the music program in the school/district as a result of the administrator’s efforts.
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Student or school recognition or awards for achievement in music.
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Advocating for music and arts education in the school and community.
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Financial commitment to the music programs in the school or district.
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Encourages diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in their school and community.
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Strong leadership, good school management, and good rapport with educators, parents, and students.
MMEA Exemplary Music Program Award
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Award Description
This award is to recognize outstanding music programs.
Nominee Qualifications
Any public, private or independent school in the State of Maryland that has not received this award in the past five years. The music educator in charge of this program must be a member of MMEA/NAfME.
Nomination Criteria
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Outstanding curriculum, program goals & objectives, unique materials & teaching strategies.
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Strong student participation in music programs and honor ensembles.
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Innovative teaching strategies and materials
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Support for the music program on the part of the local administration and/or the board of education.
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Exemplifies diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in their school and community?
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Community involvement and support, such as: number of students involved in community musical organizations, parental involvement, and community recognition
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The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award
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Award Description
This award is to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the music education of Maryland’s youth. The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award was established in 1993 in memory of Dr. Corwin H. Taylor (1905-1992), noted musician, composer, author, and educator. Dr. Taylor, an active member of the Music Educators National Conference (now National Association for Music Education, NAfME) and the Maryland Music Educators Association, was Supervisor of Instrumental Music for the Baltimore Public School system from 1945 to 1968 and a faculty member at the University of Maryland at College Park from 1968 to 1976.
Nominee Qualifications
A teacher, administrator, parent, industry representative, or performer in Maryland. Membership in MMEA/NAfME is encouraged but not required.
Nomination Criteria
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Demonstrated connection to music education in Maryland.
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Significant contributions to the music education of Maryland’s youth.
The Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service
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Award Description
This award is to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Maryland Music Educators Association. The Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service to the Maryland Music Educators Association was established in 2001 in memory of Rosemary and James Walters. Their teaching careers were in Maryland, spanning 30 years until a tragic accident in April 2001. Jim taught instrumental music, most recently at Francis Scott Key Middle School in Montgomery County while Rosemary taught choral music. Together, they characterized the essence of supporting the music education profession. They supported their colleagues, young and seasoned, and they supported every professional activity of the association and the school music community. Jim served as MBDA president, but his contribution was not limited to band activities. Rosemary eventually left the classroom to work full time in church music, but her involvement as a substitute music teacher and as an accompanist continued. At nearly any MMEA event, it was typical to see Jim and Rosemary offering to assist when they were not “on duty,” doing whatever needed to be done.
Nominee Qualifications
Must have volunteered for MMEA in the capacity of an Executive Board Member, Component Board Member, adjudicator, ensemble manager, chaperone or other volunteer position. Membership in MMEA/NAfME is encouraged but not required.
MMEA Hall of Fame
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Award Description
This award is to recognize an individual for excellence in teaching and/or administration, contributions and improvements made in music education, betterment of the profession through exemplary service or acts, professional offices, publications, awards, recognition, performances, and professional ideals and academic integrity.
Nominee Qualifications
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A teacher or administrator in Maryland who displayed excellence and dedication in teaching or administration over the course of their career.
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The Nominee must be a member of MMEA/NAfME at the time of nomination. If the nominee is retired or deceased, they must have been a member while teaching.
AWARDS NOMINATION FORMS
Outstanding Music Educator Award (new/career/retired)
School Administrator Award (non-arts administrator)
MMEA/NAfME Exemplary Music Program Award
The Corwin Taylor Music Education Award
The Rosemary and James Walters Award for Service
AWARDS SCORING RUBRIC
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Lauréats précédents
Éducateur musical exceptionnel*
2020
Andrea Cameron, école intermédiaire Robert Frost, comté de Montgomery
Carol Cox, École primaire Bodkin, comté d'Anne Arundel
Jana Davis Hobbs, lycée de Wicomico, comté de Wicomico
Allen Kessell, Lycée Franklin, Comté de Baltimore
2019
Sarah Burton, école primaire de North Salisbury, école intermédiaire Bennett, école secondaire Parkside, école secondaire James M. Bennett, comté de Wicomico
Emily James, école primaire South Shore, comté d'Anne Arundel
Randine Levy, collège Roberto Clemente, comté de Montgomery
David Matchim, École secondaire Centennial, comté de Howard
Lisa Adams, école intermédiaire de Berlin, comté de Worcester
2018
Kenneth Dasher, école primaire et intermédiaire de Pittsville, comté de Wicomico
Paul Heinemann, Rocky Hill Middle School, comté de Montgomery
Anne-Marie Patterson, Théodore Davis Collège, comté de Charles
Thomas K. Pierre, Jr., École primaire Glassmanor, comté de Prince Georges
James Woomert, École secondaire d'Atholton, comté de Howard
2017
Jour de Shannon
Lewis Dutrow
Doug Miles
lynn coloration
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Administrateur d'école exceptionnel*
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2020 - John Taylor, école intermédiaire Cabin John, comté de Montgomery
2019 - Matthew Record, Pocomoke Middle School, comté de Worcester
2018 - Jazmin G. Lawhorn, École primaire Crofton, comté d'Anne Arundel
2017 - Chris Rattay
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Programme de musique exemplaire MMEA/NAfME*
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2020 - École secondaire Eleanor Roosevelt, comté de Prince George
2018 - École primaire Homestead-Wakefield, comté de Harford
2017 - Ellicott Mills Middle School, comté de Howard
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Prix Corwin Taylor du leadership en éducation musicale
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Prix de service Rosemary et James Walters
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Temple de la renommée MMEA
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The Corwin Taylor Music Education Leadership Award
2020 – Todd J. Burroughs
2019 – Scott Herman
2018 – Michael L. Mark
2017 – Anita Lambert
2013 – Nancy S. Grasmick
2012 – C. Nelson Fritts
2011 – Richard J. Deasy
2010 – Katherine A. Rodeffer
2009 – Joan Orcutt
2005 – Linda Patton
2004 – Chris Tuel
2002 – Mary Ellen Cohn
1999 – Barbara F. King
1998 – Phyllis T. Kaplan
1998 – Roger J. Folström
1997 – James L. Tucker, Jr.
1996 – Mary Ann Mears
1995 – Rosa Fletcher Crocker
1994 – Karen Douglas
The Rosemary & James Walters Award for Service
2020 - Janet Gross
2017 – Ginny Flynn
2015 – Sally Wagner
2014 – James L. Turk
2013 – Jan Strevig
2012 – Deborah Turner
2011 – Howard L. Miskimon
2011 – Sabra C. Steward
2010 – Mabel Léonore Sawhill
2004 – Richard A. Disharoon
2003 – Chrystie L. Adams
2002 – Thomas W. Fugate
MMEA Hall of Fame
2020 — Charles Haslup (Posthume)
2019 – Chris Vadala (Posthume)
2018 – Gilbert A. Brungardt (Posthume)
2014 – Dana Rothlisberger
2013 – Ray Danner
2012 – Cherie Stellaccio
2012 – C. Scott Sharnetzka
2011 – Lee Stevens
2010 – Bruce D. Wilson
2009 – Léone Y. Woodall
2008 – Richard A. Disharoon
2008 – James L. Tucker, Jr.
2007 – Olivia W. Gutoff
2006 – Mary Ellen Cohn
2006 – John Wakefield
2005 – Barbara F. King
2005 – Michael L. Mark
2004 – Roger J. Folström
2004 – Phyllis R. Kaplan
2003 – Bataille de Leroy
2003 – Glenn Patterson
2000 – Mildred B. Trevvett
1999 – Nancy M. Cook
1999 – Sr. Marie-Thérèse Staub SSND
1998 – Maurice R. Feldman
1997 – Clarence T. Rogers
1996 – James H. Avampato
1996 – Carmelo J. Palazzo
1995 – David Marchand
1995 – W. Warren Sprouse
1994 – Shirley J. Shelley
1994 – Donald Régier
1994 – Mildred R. Reiner
1995 – David Marchand
1995 – W. Warren Sprouse
1994 – Shirley J. Shelley
1994 – Donald Régier
1994 – Mildred R. Reiner
1993 – Thomas W. Fugate
1993 – C. William Johnson
1993 – Michel Pastelak
1992 – Blanche F. Bowlsbey
1992 – Joseph F. Chalker
1992 – James L. Fisher
1991 – John Fignar, Jr.
1990 – Robert E. Kersey
1990 – Dorothy S. Pickard
1989 – Alice S. Bière
1989 – Thomas R. Lawrence
1989 – Corwin H. Taylor
1988 – Margaret Black
1988 – Robert S. Bolles
1988 – David Burchuck
1988 – Frances Jackman Civis
1988 – John Cole
1988 – Mary G. Croix
1988 – John Denues
1988 – Nicolas Geriak
1988 – Thomas L. Gibson
1988 – Rose-Marie Grentzer
1988 – S. Fenton Harris
1988 – Myriam Hoffmann
1988 – Mary M. Hunter
1988 – Jean Itzel
1988 – Henrietta Baker Low
1988 – Otto Ortmann
1988 – Philippe S. Royer
1988 – Osmar Steinwald
1988 – Charles CT Stull
1988 – Eugène W. Troth
1988 – Homer Ulrich
1988 – C. James Velie
1988 – Levi Wilder
1988 – Dorothy Willison
1988 – William Llewelyn Wilson
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