It’s time to nominate exceptional music educators for the 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment! We invite school administrators, parents, teachers, and students to help us recognize the incredible educators across Canada embracing diverse approaches to music education at any grade level.

The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year will embody all seven core attributes: passion for music education, advocacy for its importance in young peoples’ lives, experience in the field, a commitment to inclusivity, the adaptability to deliver music education that meets students’ needs, recognition as a valued member of their community, and the inspirational quality that motivates and challenges students to become more confident creators and appreciators of music.

To be eligible for the MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, those nominated must:

• be a practicing music educator in Canada
• have at least 5 years of teaching experience
• have applied for and successfully received a MusiCounts School Music Funding Program grant on behalf of their current school, or a school they have taught at in the past

MusiCounts is delighted to partner with Anthem Entertainment to celebrate the impact music educators have on aspiring musicians across the country. The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize, a significant contribution to the music program at their school, and a JUNO Award statuette.

The 2025 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award was given to Jeannie Hunter, music educator at Nepean High School in Ottawa, ON.