Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Music educator and Longy teacher education student Charissa Duncanson was recently named a 2024 Music Teacher of Excellence by the Country Music Association (CMA) Foundation.
“My first reaction was shock and disbelief. The application process for the CMA Foundation’s Music Teacher of Excellence is rigorous, and I knew there had yet to be an awarded teacher from Michigan. When my principals interrupted my kindergarten lesson to announce I had been selected, reality slowly sunk in and I came to realize my hard work was noticed,” Duncanson remarked.
Duncanson is a K-5 music educator at Ferndale Public Schools in Oak Park, MI. Her Instagram account, @musicwithmrsdunc, where she shares her experiences in the classroom and tips for fostering an inclusive learning space, has garnered thousands of follows from fellow music teachers seeking inspiration.
Charissa Duncanson
According to the CMA Foundation, Duncanson was selected for her commitment to bringing a high-quality music program to her students and the impact she has on her school community through music.
“As an elementary music teacher, my deepest sense of pride emerges when students feel secure and empowered enough to share their musical discoveries outside of the music room. Success, to me, isn’t just measured in musical proficiency but in the genuine connections and joy students spread through our shared musical experiences,” said Duncanson.
On September 17, Duncanson was formally recognized in a ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, Tennessee, with 29 other music educators. In addition to her award, she also received $5,000 from the CMA Foundation to enhance and improve her music program.
Along with the support and encouragement she has received from the CMA Foundation, Duncanson is excited to continue growing as an educator as she works toward her Master of Music in Music Education at Longy.
“My journey at Longy has extended my commitment to academic excellence and professional advancement. Through higher education at Longy, I can continue to make significant contributions to the field of music education and expand my career opportunities, all while collecting culturally sustaining practices to bring back to my classroom.”
Established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of the CMA, the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining high-quality music education programs across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music.