The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award
The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment, was established in 2005 to recognize and honour an exceptional Canadian music teacher each year.
To date, this award has celebrated the accomplishments of 18 music educators across Canada who strive to preserve the livelihood of music education in their school and community.
Stephen Richardson, winner of the 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award.
Key Facts
- Canadian music teachers with at least 5 years of teaching experience who have received a grant through the MusiCounts Band Aid Program on behalf of any school music program are eligible to be nominated for this award.
- The award winner receives a $10,000 cash prize, a substantial contribution to their school’s music program, and a JUNO Award statuette.
- Nominations are currently closed.
Nomination Deadline
December 8, 2023
Nominees Announced
February 2024
Winner Announced
March 2024
Key Attributes & Evaluation Criteria
PASSION
The Teacher of the Year should demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to teaching, and should have a demonstrated history of providing meaningful musical experiences for students.
ADVOCACY
The Teacher of the Year should be a strong advocate for preserving quality music education in Canadian schools through fundraising, voicing their passion for music education on different committees and boards, etc.
EXPERIENCE
The Teacher of the Year’s teaching should reflect a prolonged dedication to music education and student impact.
INCLUSIVITY
The Teacher of the Year should ensure students of varying backgrounds and skill levels have the opportunity to learn, experience, and appreciate music.
ADAPTABILITY
The Teacher of the Year should have a proven track record of adapting and diversifying their teaching practices to keep up with changing student needs.
RECOGNITION
The Teacher of the Year should have the support, respect, and admiration of students, parents, administrators, and colleagues. They should be regarded as a leader in their community and a mentor in their field.
INSPIRATIONAL
The Teacher of the Year should make tangible and positive differences in the lives of students, with the ability to motivate, challenge, and encourage them to be more confident creators and appreciators of music.
How Does It Work?
Each Fall, MusiCounts accepts nominations for this award. Eligible teachers may be nominated by colleagues, school administrators, or anyone familiar with the nominee’s teaching.
From the initial pool of nominations received, a finalist pool of nominees is determined by an adjudication committee. All finalist nominees are asked to submit additional materials which discuss their experience and approach to teaching music.
A committee of music education leaders from across the country reviews each of the finalist nominee’s materials and makes their recommendation for who should receive the award.
Stephen Richardson Named the 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year
MusiCounts is proud to announce Stephen Richardson from École St. Joseph School in Yellowknife, NT as the winner of the prestigious 2024 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment.
Contact Us
Please reach out to Nick at applications@musicounts.ca with any questions that haven't been answered within the nomination guidelines.
Previous Recipients
Jewel Casselman
2023
Darren Hamilton
2022
Dr. Mary Piercey-Lewis
2021
Carter Chiasson
2020
Kim Hastings
2019
Laura Lee Matthie
2018
Dianne Winmill
2017
Don Bosse
2016
Steve Sainas
2015
Jeff Kula
2014
Mark Reid
2013
Hugh Johnston
2012
Marian Cheney
2011
Scott Leonard
2010
Alex Voros
2009
Bernard Hebert
2008
Ann Turner
2007
Norman McIntosh
2006