Grammy Music Educator Award
The Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum have announced Westhill High School music teacher, Erin Althen, as 1 of 25 semifinalists for the 2026 Music Educator Award, which recognizes teachers who have made a lasting impact on music education and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to keeping music in schools.
Representing 23 cities across 14 states, this year’s semifinalists reflect the nationwide reach of music education and embody the spirit of the Music Educator Award. The semifinalists are teachers from across the country — spanning New York to Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, and beyond — underscoring the diverse communities where music educators are inspiring creativity every day. In total, more than 2,000 initial nominations were submitted.
A joint partnership and presentation of the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum, the Music Educator Award honors current U.S. music educators — from kindergarten through college, and across public and private institutions — who have made a lasting impact on students and demonstrated a deep commitment to keeping music education thriving in their schools.
In early December the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum will announce 10 finalists, with one of them being named the winner and will participate in Grammy Week in late January/early February.
Congratulations and best of luck Erin!
Representing 23 cities across 14 states, this year’s semifinalists reflect the nationwide reach of music education and embody the spirit of the Music Educator Award. The semifinalists are teachers from across the country — spanning New York to Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, and beyond — underscoring the diverse communities where music educators are inspiring creativity every day. In total, more than 2,000 initial nominations were submitted.
A joint partnership and presentation of the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum, the Music Educator Award honors current U.S. music educators — from kindergarten through college, and across public and private institutions — who have made a lasting impact on students and demonstrated a deep commitment to keeping music education thriving in their schools.
In early December the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum will announce 10 finalists, with one of them being named the winner and will participate in Grammy Week in late January/early February.
Congratulations and best of luck Erin!
