promoting excellence in music education since 1939
Music Educator of the Year
The highest honor bestowed by AMEA, the Music Educator of the Year personifies the goals and visions of AMEA and exemplifies excellence in teaching, leadership, and advocacy for music and arts education in Arizona.
Nominations by: AMEA general membership
Selection by: Committee of past recipients
Criteria for the AMEA Music Educator of the Year Award:
Please upload a minimum of two recommendation letters that address the following characteristic traits of your nominee for the AMEA Music Educator of the Year Award:
Full active member of the Arizona Music Educators Association
Be, or have been, employed by a school system/s or college/s within Arizona for a minimum of 10 years
Have demonstrated effectiveness in teaching young people through music and the ability to inspire positive attitudes among students, the school, the community, and members of AMEA
Have developed, maintained, and supported an effective balanced program in music education
Has made an outstanding contribution to music education by active involvement in local district, state, regional, or professional organizations
Have demonstrated the highest ideals and professional integrity during time of service
Past Winners of the AMEA Music Educator of the Year Award:
Ralph Hess, 1964
Ardith Shelly, 1965
Elizabeth Jerles, 1966
Dr. Max T. Ervin, 1967
Barbara Andress 1968
Dr. O. M. Hartsell, 1969
Dr. Carroll A. Rinehart, 1970
Dr. William S. English, 1971
John C. Faris, 1972
Dr. Pat Curry, 1973
Raymond G. Van Diest, 1974
Lorainne Curry, 1975
Dr. Ralston O. Pitts, 1976
William E. Richardson, 1977
Constance Myren, 1978
Larry Mabbitt, 1979
Rudy Thompson, 1980
Elizabeth White, 1981
William E. Wells, 1982
E. Lowell Rogers, 1983
Grace Nash, 1984
Del Bohlmeyer, 1985
Dr. Koste Belcheff, 1986
Janet Sessions, 1987
Previous Awards were dated in the Fall of each school year. Subsequent awards were dated according to the fiscal year in which they were presented. There was not an omission of a year.