CMA honors teachers

Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – The Country Music Association today announced the 2025 class of CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence, honoring 30 educators nationwide who are using music to tran Presented through CMA's philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation, Music Teachers of Excellence is one of the ways the organization gives back, leveraging the influence of the music industry to elevate music education across the U.S. Now in its ninth year, the annual program recognizes music educators who demonstrate teaching excellence, create positive learning environments and make a lasting impact in their communities.

"Music Teachers of Excellence is about shining a light on educators who are transforming the lives of their students every single day," said Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. "These teachers are leaders, mentors and changemakers, and they deserve to feel seen and uplifted by our music community. This program isn't just a moment of recognition; it's a way for our industry to stand behind them and say, 'We're with you.'"

Each honoree will receive a $5,000 award, split evenly between personal use and their classroom or program. Honorees are also invited to participate in a year of professional development and engagement with CMA's broader network, including special access to CMA Fest and the CMA Awards. The 2025 class will be celebrated at a red-carpet gala on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Nashville's Schermerhorn Symphony Center, a night that brings together teachers, artists, community leaders and music industry professionals for an unforgettable celebration of impact, creativity and connection.

This year's honorees represent 11 states and were selected through an application process that considers instructional excellence, innovation in the classroom and a demonstrated commitment to leadership, collaboration, and student success.

The teachers are:
Midwest
Justin Antos, Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL
Jeremy Bartunek, Greenbrier School, Northbrook, IL
Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, O'Fallon Township High School, O'Fallon, IL
Dr. Kathryn Spangler, Mt. Vernon High School, Fortville, IN
Brandon Dittgen, Milford High School, Milford, OH
Hong Le, Ellsworth Hill Elementary School, Hudson, OH
Matthew Shephard, Meridian Early College High School, Sanford, MI
Eric Songer, Chaska Middle School West, Chaska, MN

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
Erin Althen, West Hill High School, Syracuse, NY
Theresa Iacarino, Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School, Towson, MD

Southeast
Michael Antmann, Freedom High School, Orlando, FL
Nick Blue, Franklin High School, Franklin, TN
Chuck Brown, Head Magnet Middle School, Nashville, TN
Neshawn Calloway, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, Chattanooga, TN
Reggie Coleman, Rocky Fork Middle School, Smyrna, TN
Jandrea Crum, Chimneyrock Elementary School, Cordova, TN
Garrett Doo, Smyrna High School, Smyrna, TN
Nicholas Efstathiou, Riverdale High School, Murfreesboro, TN
Marisa Frank, Explore! Community School, Nashville, TN
Elaina Gallas, Mill Creek Elementary School, Nolensville, TN
Jason Glashauser, South Clinton Elementary School, Clinton, TN
Carolyn Hankins, Page Middle School, Franklin, TN
Elisabeth Lay, Downtown Elementary School, Memphis, TN
Anna Maria Miller, Hume-Fogg Academic High School, Nashville, TN
Dave Petrelli, Lockeland Design Center Elementary School, Nashville, TN
Allison Snyder, Hunters Lane High School, Nashville, TN

Southwest
Sara Duce, Greenfield Junior High School, Gilbert, AZ

West
Megan Perdue, Sheldon High School, Eugene, OR
Ethan Chessin, Camas High School, Camas, WA
Haviland Gilbert, Lincoln Elementary School, Kennewick, WA